Vitalik Buterin Withdraws 16,384 ETH Amid Foundation Austerity Push

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin announced a personal withdrawal of 16,384 ETH to fund open-source technology initiatives. The move comes as the Ethereum Foundation enters a five-year period of financial restraint. ETH prices dropped sharply on January 30, 2026, falling below the $2,800 level amid broader market weakness.

🚨 JUST IN: VITALIK SAYS ETHEREUM’S PRIORITY IS “ETHEREUM FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED IT” AS THE FOUNDATION SHIFTS TOWARD AUSTERITY AND CORE DEVELOPMENT. pic.twitter.com/6ugtO5uBwJ

— Coinwaft (@coinwaft) January 30, 2026

Buterin stated the withdrawn funds will support projects focused on secure, verifiable software and hardware. The initiative targets applications spanning finance, communication, governance, and biotechnology. He emphasized a commitment to “self-sovereignty” and privacy-preserving technologies.

The Ethereum Foundation outlined two primary objectives for its austerity period. First, it aims to deliver an aggressive roadmap ensuring Ethereum remains a performant world computer. Second, the foundation seeks long-term sustainability while protecting its core mission.

Buterin’s Vision for Open Technology

Buterin detailed plans to support a full stack of open-source, secure, and verifiable technology. This includes blockchains, operating systems, secure hardware, and biotech applications. He referenced ongoing projects like Vensa, aimed at making open silicon commercially viable.

The Ethereum co-founder pointed to the ucritter project featuring ZK, FHE, and differential-privacy capabilities. He also mentioned donations to encrypted messaging apps and air quality research. These efforts align with his broader goal of privacy-preserving, local-first software.

Buterin is exploring decentralized staking options to generate additional capital from staking rewards. These rewards would further fund his outlined technological goals over the long term. He described the approach as taking on responsibilities that might otherwise be “special projects” of the foundation.

The foundation will maintain its focus on developing Ethereum with “full-stack openness and verifiability” in mind. Buterin emphasized that “Ethereum for people who need it” takes priority over “Ethereum everywhere.” He described the mission as enabling “cooperation without domination.”

ETH Price Slides Amid Broader Crypto Weakness

Ethereum opened January 30, 2026, trading around $2,818 to $2,825 across major exchanges. The cryptocurrency quickly sold off, dropping to intraday lows near $2,695 to $2,700. By mid-morning UTC, ETH was sliding toward sub-$2,800 levels.

Binance data recorded ETH dipping below $2,800 around 01:22 UTC. The bulk of the decline accelerated through the morning trading session. ETH closed the day around $2,739 to $2,745, representing a decline of approximately 2.75% to 6.7%.

The price action pushed ETH well below the psychological $3,000 level lost earlier in the week. These levels marked lows not seen since late November and December 2025. The cryptocurrency extended a multi-day and multi-week losing streak.

ETH recorded declines of approximately 6% to 8% in the prior 24-hour period. The cryptocurrency had fallen from above $3,000 earlier in late January. Market sentiment indicators showed “extreme fear” conditions prevailing.

The Crypto Fear & Greed Index registered readings around 16 to 25 during this period. This placed market sentiment firmly in fearful territory. The broader cryptocurrency market experienced synchronized weakness alongside Ethereum’s decline.