Powers Protocol allows startups to create bespoke on-chain governance flows: separate powers in org, create checks and balances between roles, encode nested relationships between orgs and RBAC for deliberation channels. Create an org in 30 minutes using claude skill (+ RAG & MCP); AI agent compatible, native support for Account Abstraction.
Powers Protocol allows startups to create bespoke on-chain governance flows: separate powers in org, create checks and balances between roles, encode nested relationships between orgs and RBAC for deliberation channels. It has native support for account abstraction & gas sponsorship.
The protocol's first proof of concept was built at the Arbitrum hackathon in October–November 2024, then under the name “Separated Powers.” Since then it has grown into a full governance framework with a mandate library, a frontend dApp, and live deployments on Arbitrum Sepolia.
During the June Arbitrum Openhouse Buildathon, we integrated AI into Powers in two distinct ways:
An AI skill that guides users through designing a governance system and outputs a deployment-ready configuration, It dramatically lowers the barrier to launching a new governed organisation.
AI agents that can be assigned governance roles within a Powers organisation, actively participating in deliberation and on-chain action via XMTP messaging.
During the current Arbitrum Founder OpenHouse we sharpened both our product value proposition and our go-to-market strategy. On value proposition, we sharpened our crypto-specific positioning: DAO governance is in crisis — existing solutions are inefficient, insecure, and simply not fit for purpose. Powers is. It gives crypto startups bespoke, on-chain governance flows that separate powers, build in checks and balances, and use role-based access control for both decisions and deliberation — no token voting, no drama. On go-to-market, we defined a clear first audience — crypto startups already holding on-chain assets — and refined our commercial model into three tiers, from a free mandate catalogue to paid credits (introducing the possibility for mandates to be paid) and bespoke consultancy. For outreach, we're running simulation sessions: small-group test sessions that onboard participants and incubate them into paying clients.
No funds have been raised to date. Development has been focused on building Powers against real-world governance use cases. We are in the process of incorporating Publius Projects as a Community Interest Company (CIC) under UK law, and will be looking for parties interested in supporting the project. A CIC can have shareholders, but the Powers protocol is not designed to maximise revenue — it is built for long-term social and political impact, and that shapes every decision we make.
