Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin accelerates ETH sales

CoinDesk

by Omkar Godbole

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin has been making significant moves in the cryptocurrency market by selling large amounts of ETH. Over two days, he sold 1,869 ether worth $3.67 million, contributing to a bearish trend in an already struggling market. This sale followed his announcement in late January to liquidate 16,384 ether as part of a broader plan to fund ecosystem development and open-source projects while the Ethereum Foundation adopts a more austere approach. Despite these sales, Buterin still holds over 224,000 ether, valued at $429 million. The selling activity has put additional pressure on ETH prices, which have dropped nearly 3% in the past 48 hours, reaching a low of $1,844. This decline is part of a broader downtrend that began after ETH peaked at over $4,900 in August last year. Buterin's actions have raised questions about the long-term implications for Ethereum’s ecosystem and its market stability. While he continues to trim his holdings, other major players, such as ShapeShift Founder Erik Voorhees and a large investor linked to Matrixport, have been acquiring significant amounts of ETH. The significance of Buterin’s moves lies in their potential impact on investor sentiment and the broader crypto market. His sales suggest a strategic shift in focus toward funding initiatives rather than accumulating assets, which could signal a new phase for Ethereum's development. However, the resulting price volatility raises concerns among investors about the sustainability of the ecosystem and the founder’s long-term vision. As the market remains uncertain, these developments highlight the delicate balance between innovation and financial stability in the crypto space.

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Originally published on CoinDesk on 2/23/2026