Ethereum Foundation’s Path to Sustainability: Key Recommendations for 2024

Ethereum Foundation’s Path to Sustainability

A recent review of the Ethereum Foundation’s (EF) 2024 budget report outlines critical steps to ensure long-term sustainability and efficiency. The recommendations focus on streamlining operations, optimizing resource allocation, and diversifying revenue streams.

Key Measures Proposed:

1. Reduce Burn Rate: Slash the current annual burn rate from $130M to $30M immediately.
2. Optimize Workforce: Downsize headcount to 80, prioritizing technical talent (80% of total staff). Remove redundant roles, part-time positions, interns, and any positions with conflicts of interest.
3. Team Structure: Reorganize tech teams into small, specialized units of five members, each focusing on specific areas.
4. Leadership Overhaul: Establish a merit-based leadership committee of five, led by a chairperson—Vitalik Buterin.
5. In-House Treasury Management: Form an internal treasury team to oversee finances, reducing reliance on external advisories.
6. Treasury Diversification:
   • Invest in Layer-2 Rollups, sustainable DeFi projects, and other Ethereum-based initiatives with strong fundamentals.
   • Diversify staking yields into stablecoins and supply DeFi liquidity.
   • Borrow through platforms like Aave to manage treasury needs and optimize ETH sales.
7. Revenue Model: Develop a sustainable income stream through transaction fees and staking yields to fund EF’s budget.

Why Change is Needed

EF currently faces challenges related to high expenses and inefficient treasury management. These recommendations aim to create a leaner, more focused organization while maximizing Ethereum’s potential to support its ecosystem sustainably.

By addressing these key areas, the Ethereum Foundation could position itself for long-term success and resilience in a competitive and rapidly evolving blockchain landscape.