Vitalik Buterin

Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, has left an indelible mark on the blockchain industry. His work and influence extend into interdisciplinary areas, from cryptography to economics. Early on, Buterin received the Thiel Fellowship, a grant to support his work on Ethereum. His prowess in the field led to an honorary doctorate from the Faculty of Business and Economics of the University of Basel in 2018. His ability to communicate complex concepts to a broad audience is evident in his appearances at major conferences, including a notable speech at the North American Bitcoin Conference in Miami, where he introduced Ethereum for the first time.

Buterin's achievements have been recognized by various institutions. In 2014, he was awarded the World Technology Award in the IT Software category. He has made it to the "Fortune 40 under 40" list in 2016, and the "Forbes 30 under 30" list in 2018, reflecting his significant contributions to the world of technology and finance. In 2021, his influence was recognized globally when he was named in Time's 100 most influential people list. Despite his achievements, Buterin remains dedicated to research and development rather than seeking recognition as the central figure in the Ethereum community.

Buterin has also been involved in philanthropic efforts, donating significant amounts to various causes. In 2021, he donated $1.14 billion worth of SHIBA coins to India's Crypto Covid relief fund and $336 million worth of Dogelon Mars ($ELON) to the Methuselah Foundation. He has also used his influence to support Ukraine during the 2022 Russian invasion, endorsing crypto projects aiding the country. Buterin's work is also reflected in his authorship of "Proof of Stake: The Making of Ethereum and the Philosophy of Blockchains", published in 2022, offering insights into his thought process and the development of Ethereum.