The Ethereum Foundation (EF) announced on June 23, 2026, that it is cutting approximately 20% of its workforce, eliminating 54 positions as part of a months-long restructuring tied to its updated mandate and treasury strategy. The layoffs follow a period of significant leadership upheaval, with co-executive directors Hsiao-Wei Wang and Tomasz Stańczak stepping down in recent months, and roughly nine senior figures leaving or transitioning out over the past six months. The EF stated the reduction leaves it 'leaner and more focused' on critical tasks for Ethereum's long-term development. Meanwhile, a separate initiative called ETHLabs, backed by major ETH treasury companies BitMine Immersion Technologies and SharpLink Gaming, alongside Ethereum co-founder Joseph Lubin, was announced to accelerate Ethereum's technical roadmap and institutional adoption. The moves highlight growing fragmentation within the Ethereum ecosystem as the foundation narrows its focus while other entities expand efforts.

Key facts

• Ethereum Foundation cuts 54 positions, about 20% of workforce.
• Restructuring follows months of leadership upheaval, including departure of co-executive directors.
• EF says reorganization aligns with updated mandate and treasury strategy.
• ETHLabs, backed by major ETH treasury firms and Joseph Lubin, launches to boost Ethereum development and adoption.
• Layoffs reflect growing fragmentation in the Ethereum ecosystem.

KeyAudit data perspective