DAO (Decentralized autonomous organization) - organization, that uses smart-contracts on bloackchain for favorable vote to maintain democracy and anonymity in the organization.
Let's take a look at an example: on Ston.fi (DEX on $TON blockchain). you get ARKENSTON for staking $STON (utility token). ARKENSTON in turn provides the DAO holder with Voting Power. On the basis of the voting, with the help of smart contracts linked to ARKENSTON voters choose a solution, e.g. comms models or adding new networks to the exchange.
For example, for staking 10000 $STON you get ARKENSTON, which is enough for a 2.2% voting interest.