Ethereum Core Developer Exits Community Amid Leadership Shakeup

Prominent Ethereum core developer Eric Conner has stepped away from the Ethereum community to explore opportunities in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector. Conner’s decision, announced on January 21, comes in the wake of Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin’s controversial leadership reforms.

The departure marks the end of Conner’s 11-year affiliation with Ethereum, a blockchain network built on the ethos of decentralization. Buterin’s recent assertion of sole authority over the Ethereum Foundation until a proper board is established has sparked debate within the community. While some support Buterin’s decision to streamline leadership, critics argue that it contradicts Ethereum’s core principles.

In his announcement on X, Conner voiced his discontent, stating, “I am no longer a dot eth. Perhaps some day those in leadership roles will realign with the community but for now, I am out.”

Leadership Disputes Spark Departure

Conner revealed that his departure was fueled by a loss of passion for the Ethereum ecosystem, citing the growing disconnect between leadership and community values. “Leaders matter, culture matters, community matters, and we can’t just shrug this off anymore,” Conner wrote, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and alignment with decentralized principles.

In light of these concerns, Conner has pivoted toward AI innovation. He plans to develop Freysa.ai, a project focused on building advanced AI agents. Conner further expressed an openness to collaborating on other AI tools.

The leadership shakeup at Ethereum Foundation, announced by Buterin on January 18, was aimed at improving technical expertise and fostering better communication within the ecosystem. Buterin defended his actions, stating, “People seeking a different vision are welcome to start their own orgs.” However, the reforms come after a challenging 2024 for Ethereum, during which the foundation faced criticism for its spending, roadmap, and personnel management.

What’s Next for Ethereum and Conner?

The departure of a key developer like Conner raises questions about the Ethereum Foundation’s ability to retain talent amid organizational shifts. As Ethereum grapples with leadership challenges, the blockchain giant risks alienating other prominent contributors.

Meanwhile, a recent X post by foundation’s representative Hsiao-Wei Wang revealed that it has allocated 50,000 Ether, worth around $165 million, for its decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem.

For Conner, the transition into AI represents a new chapter. His move signals a broader trend of blockchain professionals exploring the AI landscape, driven by its transformative potential.

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