Dapps exist to maximize tokenholder value.

This is true whether a dapp has a token today or not.

Their founders, early investors and supporters all own explicit or implicit claims on future tokens.

Asking „why does this app need a token“ is an anti-capitalistic and ultimately regressive attitude.

Some people misunderstand this as me saying, every dapp‘s token needs to be publicly traded. This is not the case!

Some companies stay private for decades, even centuries. Dapps can do the same.

But listing on secondary markets (like DEXs) has many advantages.

These advantages include
1) much cheaper access to capital in primary markets
2) incentivize and reward early adopters
3) price drives attention and hence adoption
4) token can be used programmatically (e.g. to dilute token holders in a capital shortfall)