ApeCoin DAO Governance Shifts to Founder-Led ApeCo Structure

The ApeCoin community is signaling a pivotal governance shift, moving away from its decentralized DAO model toward a more centralized structure dubbed ApeCo. Proposed by Yuga Labs co-founder Greg Solano, AIP-596 aims to dissolve the current tokenholder-led system, citing inefficiencies and "unserious governance theater."

The Cayman Islands-based ApeCo entity WOULD prioritize three core initiatives: ApeChain development, Bored Ape Yacht Club integration, and Otherside metaverse advancement. Solano argues the streamlined model will accelerate decision-making and curb wasteful spending on low-impact proposals.

This transition reflects broader tensions in crypto governance—balancing decentralization with operational efficiency. While some view this as regression, proponents insist focused leadership will strengthen APE's ecosystem positioning amid competitive Layer 2 and NFT markets.