Daveed Benjamin
Founder | The Meta-Layer Initiative | Building Civic AI/Web4 Infra for Collective Action & Intelligence | Digital Artifacts | Author of Pacha’s Pajamas and The Metaweb | Patent Holder
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About
I'm a systems architect, technologist, and cultural strategist working to transform the Internet into a civic space—where communities, not corporations, govern AI and digital life. As founder of Bridgit DAO and the Meta-Layer Initiative, and co-founder of BitBard, I build infrastructure for the Metaweb: a decentralized, AI-assisted coordination layer that overlays Today’s Web with dynamic governance, transparent agency, and collective intelligence. My work focuses on: Developing interface-level containment protocols to make AI safe and co-governable Designing smart overlays and presence layers to support contextual, consent-based interaction Prototyping civic substrates where communities define the rules of engagement—above the webpage Developing true-to-form bespoke agents powered by BitBard's proprietary agent development framework I hold BS and MS degrees in Engineering from Stanford, and have led innovation in startups, social enterprises, and creative collectives across XR, Web3, and regenerative systems. I’m also the author of The Metaweb: The Next Level of the Internet and a long-time contributor to movements for decentralization, narrative sovereignty, and planetary healing. More About Me My path weaves technology, consciousness, and cultural regeneration. In the early 2000s, I worked on decentralizing energy, food, and water systems. In the 2010s, I co-created Pacha’s Pajamas, an award-winning XR children’s storyworld featuring artists like Mos Def and Cheech Marin. Today, I’m focused on building digital spaces that amplify collective intelligence and catalyze planetary renewal. I’m also an Active Dreaming teacher, SoulCollage® facilitator, and Warm Data Lab host—committed to systems change through inner and outer transformation. Let’s Connect I’m always open to collaborating with people and projects focused on reimagining digital infrastructure for a wiser, more regenerative future
Experience
Jan 2025
Sep 2017
Lead the development of decentralized governance frameworks and civic tech tools. Oversee projects that integrate AI safety protocols with community-driven design. Collaborate with global partners to implement regenerative digital infrastructures. Author of the book "The Metaweb: The Next Level of the Internet." We are currently focused on the Meta-layer initiative and Pachaverse. Bridgit DAO supports projects focused on regeneration, cognitive freedom, and collective intelligence. Projects include Presence Browser, the Meta-Layer Initiative, and BitBard. The big focus of this role now is directing the Meta-Layer Initiative.
Jul 2020
Feb 2025 to Sep 2025
Developed BRC333 Protocol for immortalizing knowledge onchain for accessibility, discoverability, and annotation. Inscribed the first XFTs (eXperiential non-Fungible Token) on Bitcoin.
May 2019 to Aug 2023
Oct 2020 to Feb 2023
With Canopi, the web is like a town with each page being a table in a cafe, an aisle in a shop, a place that you can visit and meet people of like minds. Canopi Enterprise enables website owners to create communities on their site without the Internet Platforms. Canopis enable real people to meet each other, have a meeting or event or meetup above webpages and sites.
Feb 2011 to Aug 2017
Start up management, business planning, creative input,
Jun 2006 to Jun 2011
Jan 2004 to Jun 2005
Dave is a social entrepreneur with a strong interest and background in environmental affairs and the use of technology for communications and collaboration. Dave manages many aspects of PCIs North American operations including events, projects, web, products, and sales. He also is managing editor and an interviewer for Global Public Media, as well as a frequent lecturer. As a journalist and speaker, he focuses on relocalization in the urban context, youth, politics, and impacts on people of color and the poor.
1999 to 2001
Sold high-end e-commerce servers that used to cost hundreds of thousands if not millions of dollars, and now would cost $29 per month.
1997 to 1998
Developed one of the first Intranets working in a three person team to enable sales reps to retrieve information about products.
1989 to 1996
Environmental consulting before it was trendy ... environmental performance measurement, design for the environment, life cycle costing. Also did some acid rain compliance modeling, and worked on yield management for Hertz.
Education
M.S.
1986 to 1988
B.S.
1982 to 1986