Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin is facing fresh criticism from early Ethereum backer William Mougayar. In a recent X, Mougayar urged Buterin to adapt to the evolving crypto landscape. He emphasized the need for the Ethereum Foundation to improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability.
Mougayar recalled his past conversations with Buterin from 2014-2016. He noted how Ethereum, once a groundbreaking idea, had grown into the largest development-driven blockchain ecosystem. With this growth, he argued, came increased responsibility.
The Ethereum Foundation, he said, should evolve alongside its expanding ecosystem. The crypto market has changed significantly. New Layer-1 (L1) blockchains and Layer-2 (L2) solutions are aggressively competing with Ether.
Some rivals, Mougayar pointed out, operate with centralized control while appearing decentralized. Despite this, they are gaining traction and threatening Ethereum’s dominance. He warned that Ethereum must respond strategically rather than expecting decentralization alone to keep it ahead.
Mougayar clarified that the ETH community is not demanding radical changes. Instead, it seeks improvements in the foundation’s core functions. He highlighted concerns about slow development, weak management perception, and a lack of clear communication. The foundation, he suggested, does not need to do more—just do it better.
He stressed the importance of leadership evolution. Many successful tech founders, including Steve Jobs and Jeff Bezos, grew professionally while surrounding themselves with trusted advisors. Ethereum, he implied, needs similar leadership adjustments to maintain its edge.
Ethereum acceleration: Addressing the critique
Mougayar also referenced Paradigm’s critique, “Ethereum Acceleration,” suggesting improvements in Ethereum’s efficiency. He encouraged the foundation to speak and confront community concerns head-on and not have silence. Successful crisis management, in his view, entails proactive communications and rapid actions.
The ETH community cries out for change. Feedback will not necessarily be perfect, according to Mougajar, but at least part of it must be correct. He challenged the foundation to acknowledge such concerns and deliver actionable recommendations.
Ethereum has set the universe of cryptocurrencies in motion. But Mougayar’s message was unambiguous—no complacency. For its position of leadership to prevail, Ether will have to adapt, speak, and sharpen its act. Buterin, its founder and visionary, must ensure that Ethereum’s rosy future isn’t jeopardized.
