- Vitalik Buterin has sold 17,196 ETH worth roughly $35 million
- The sales exceed his previously disclosed 16,384 ETH plan
- He still holds over 224,000 ETH despite the liquidation
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has continued reducing his ETH holdings, with total recent sales now reaching 17,196 ETH, valued at approximately $35 million based on on-chain tracking. The updated figure surpasses the 16,384 ETH he had previously outlined for liquidation in January.
At the start of the year, Buterin publicly stated that he intended to sell a portion of his holdings to fund long-term ecosystem initiatives. Those initiatives include privacy-focused research and broader open-source development efforts aimed at strengthening Ethereum’s infrastructure.
Funding Infrastructure During Volatility
Buterin framed the sales as a way to reinforce network resilience during a period of heightened market instability. Ethereum has faced significant volatility this year, and the asset remains down roughly 30% year to date despite recent rebounds.
The sales occurred across both bearish phases and recovery periods, suggesting a structured liquidation approach rather than reactive selling. ETH recently moved back above the $2,000 level, gaining around 5% in the past 24 hours.
Market Reaction and Balance Sheet Pressure
Founder sales often attract scrutiny, particularly when executed during fragile market conditions. However, Ethereum’s daily liquidity significantly exceeds the scale of these transactions, limiting direct price impact.
More broadly, Ethereum’s price decline has placed pressure on companies and treasury firms holding large ETH balances. Volatility in digital asset reserves continues to highlight balance sheet risk for corporate holders.
Vitalik’s Remaining Holdings
Despite the sizable liquidation, on-chain data indicates Buterin still controls approximately 224,106 ETH. At current market prices, that stake is worth more than $460 million, underscoring that he remains one of Ethereum’s largest individual holders.
The scale of his remaining position suggests continued long-term alignment with the network, even as he reallocates capital toward ecosystem development.
Structural Signal or Routine Funding?
The key question for markets is whether these sales represent a broader shift in outlook or a one-time funding strategy. So far, Buterin has indicated the proceeds are dedicated to strengthening Ethereum’s core infrastructure rather than reducing exposure for strategic reasons.
For now, the transactions appear more operational than directional, though continued monitoring of founder wallets will likely remain a focus for traders navigating Ethereum’s volatile environment.
