Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin recently disclosed in an interview with Wu Talk Blockchain that in the aftermath of the Ethereum mainnet launch in 2015, the project’s foundation was precariously low on funds. Notably, Wanxiang stepped in, acquiring 410,000 Ether at a mere $1.20, amounting to a $500,000 investment that he credits with potentially “saving the foundation’s life.” Buterin reflected on his views regarding block size, suggesting that larger blocks represent a more favorable approach, though he contends that the primary obstacle remains limited scalability. Furthermore, he remarked that the Bitcoin community currently exhibits an excessive preoccupation with price metrics, overshadowing critical technological advancements.
Discussing the geopolitical landscape, Buterin shared that the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has drastically altered his perspective. Following his public support for Ukraine, he acknowledged the grave possibility that he may not return to Russia and could face significant imprisonment if he does. On a more optimistic note, he advocates for Ethereum’s role as a “world computer,” emphasizing its potential as a robust ecosystem for diverse applications beyond mere blockchain functionality.