MetisDAO (METIS) is an Ethereum Layer-2 scaling solution that strives to address the blockchain trilemma, which suggests that a blockchain cannot be decentralized, secure, and scalable all at once. MetisDAO intends to overcome Ethereum's primary challenges, namely speed, cost, and scalability. The platform is designed to assist developers in creating and managing decentralized applications (dApps), while also supporting those who wish to build and launch new dApps. MetisDAO integrates the Decentralized Autonomous Company (DAC) framework into its Layer 2 infrastructure, with the intention of facilitating the transition from Web 2.0 to Web 3.0 for developers and businesses.

MetisDAO operates by using Optimistic Rollups, which allow users to perform transactions quickly and inexpensively on the Ethereum blockchain. These rollups bundle multiple transactions into a single transaction that is then processed on Ethereum. MetisDAO's Layer 2 infrastructure leverages Ethereum's security and decentralization to make transactions more affordable and faster. Unlike traditional systems where transaction data is stored on layer-1, Metis stores most of its transaction data off-chain, with only the minimum viable data stored on its layer-1. This off-chain data is then placed in Memo Labs storage by the Sequencer, making storage substantially cheaper compared to Layer 1 like Ethereum. MetisDAO provides a modular framework, enabling developers to build and customize their own dApps using Metis’ infrastructure.

MetisDAO functions as a Layer 2 scaling solution and a platform for building and running decentralized autonomous companies (DACs). It provides a grants program through its DAOTribution Campaign, which aims to empower contributors and communities to initiate their DACs on KORIS. Qualified applicants can submit grant proposals and receive funding through the Metis token. Furthermore, MetisDAO has developed a Hybrid Rollup, which combines optimistic rollup architecture with zero-knowledge proofs. Although the rollup is still under development, MetisDAO aims to provide a developer-friendly Layer 2 through this combination for Ethereum developers to deploy all types of decentralized applications.

MetisDAO was founded in 2019 by Elena Sinelnikova, Kevin Liu, and Yuan Su, and the business launched on November 17, 2021. Sinelnikova has a background in blockchain, cybersecurity, software development, and full-stack programming. Prior to founding Metis, she established other crypto projects, including the non-profit blockchain educational hub ‘Crypto Chicks,’ in 2017. Kevin Liu, who worked as an investment manager and in strategic development before launching Metis, holds an undergraduate degree in management and an MBA from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Yuan Su, who studied computer science as an undergraduate and then did an MBA at the University of Toronto, worked as a software engineer and manager at IBM until 2019, when he co-founded Metis. He now also heads up development at CaseWare International.