The Ethereum Foundation has faced a rising tide of startups.
TLDR
Carl Bick and Julian Ma confirmed they are leaving the Ethereum Foundation on Monday. Their exit expands a broader initial wave of key Ethereum initiatives. Barnabe Monot and Tim Beiko have returned from their protocol coordination roles. Trent Van Eps and Alex Stokes have announced different departures and sabbaticals this year. The Ethereum Foundation recently published a new mandate to clarify its role in the ecosystem.
The Ethereum Foundation is facing a renewed upheaval as Carl Bick and Julian Ma confirmed their exit on Monday. Their origins extend the ethereum community's uneventful series of high-profile exits. As the organization continues its internal transition, members will demand immediate leadership and personnel changes.
The Ethereum Foundation sees a growing list of exits
Carl Bick and Julian Ma announced that they would be leaving the Ethereum Foundation on Monday, and their statements quickly spread online. Their release follows other departures of researchers and developers tied to Ethereum's core business.
Barnabe Monot and Tim Beiko have stepped back or left roles related to protocol coordination in recent months. Trent Van Eps resigned earlier this year after founding the now independent Protocol Guild. Alex Stokes announced the sabbatical earlier this month, and confirmed the break in a public statement.
Community members have raised concerns that the list of initiatives has expanded across multiple initiatives. An anonymous X analyst @DefiIgnas asked why “so many people are leaving the Ethereum Foundation” and the post received widespread attention. The Ethereum Foundation did not respond to requests for comment at the time of reporting.
The origins come as a non-profit organization works to redefine its place in the Ethereum ecosystem. The organization supports blockchain network research, development and public goods.
The transformation of internal authority and leadership changes
Earlier this year, the Ethereum Foundation published a new mandate clarifying its role in the ecosystem. The document states that the foundation does not see itself as the “owner” or central authority of Ethereum. Instead, he describes the foundation as one of many stewards that support the long-term health of the network.
The mission affirms their commitment to censorship resistance, open source development, privacy and security. He also revealed plans to reduce the foundation's central role as the ecosystem matures.
Leadership changes have accompanied this structural change over the past year. Thomas Stanczak joined as an Associate Director during the 2025 renovation effort. He resigned earlier this year after a short stint in the role.
Stanczak joined Hsiao-Wai Wang as part of a leadership overhaul. The appointment follows criticism from sections of society regarding transparency and speed of implementation. The foundation continues to operate as the new mission guides its operations and personnel decisions.
