Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson has addressed claims made by an anonymous whistleblower regarding internal politics within the Cardano Foundation (CF). The whistleblower, whose memo was shared by prominent Cardano-focused content creator Big Pey on X, raised several concerns. He talked about alleged dysfunction, power struggles, and governance issues within the CF.
Charles Hoskinson Responds to Whistleblower
The whistleblower accused CF leadership of undermining Cardano’s broader governance roadmap and attempting to sideline Input Output Global (IOG), the company founded by Hoskinson. “The CF leadership is failing. Deflated egos at the senior level are poisoning the strategy… their plan succeeds, it will steer Cardano into a slow decline,” the whistleblower stated.
Hoskinson expressed partial agreement with the whistleblower’s observations, acknowledging the challenges surrounding CF’s governance role. “It’s been a long and difficult road, but I do agree with some of the sentiments of the whistleblower,” Hoskinson said.
It’s been a long and difficult road, but I do agree with some of the sentiments of the whistleblower. I honestly have no idea if the CF will vote against the community constitution or budget. It has been extraordinarily frustrating, and yes, intersect should have been the CF.… https://t.co/tSE1O1P1t4
— Charles Hoskinson (@IOHK_Charles) December 11, 2024
He further highlighted Cardano Foundation’s independence from community oversight. He noted, “The board members are not community elected or appointed. No one can influence or veto their decisions and policies.”
The whistleblower also alleged that the CF wielded its 180 million ADA voting power in Catalyst Fund13 to dominate outcomes, signaling a centralizing trend. According to the whistleblower, CF leadership aims to “establish a precedent to use huge ADA blocks against governance outcomes that go against their self-interest.”
Hoskinson Admits Shortcomings
Hoskinson admitted to frustrations with the CF’s actions, particularly its decision-making processes. “I honestly have no idea if the CF will vote against the community constitution or budget. It has been extraordinarily frustrating,” he remarked. Hoskinson also reflected on the broader governance structure, stating, “Intersect should have been the CF.”
The whistleblower claimed that CF’s involvement in Cardano’s governance has been minimal and reactive. They criticized CF’s handling of the governance roadmap, citing its late-stage interference in the drafting of the Cardano Constitution as a bid to challenge the community-driven process.
Hoskinson concluded his response by reaffirming his belief in decentralization and transparency. “You cannot hide things forever in a decentralized ecosystem. Everything comes out. That’s how it should be,” he said.
