Vitalik Buterin Sells Millions of ETH as Ethereum Price Weakens

Ethereum’s co‑founder, Vitalik Buterin, has been selling significant amounts of Ether (ETH) in recent weeks, drawing renewed attention from traders and analysts amid a broader market downturn. The sales have coincided with the cryptocurrency’s price weakening below key psychological levels, fueling debate about what the moves might signal for the market.

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Founder Reduces ETH Holdings While Price Slides

On‑chain tracking shows Buterin has been moving large amounts of ETH from his personal wallets and selling them on the open market. In the past several days alone, he offloaded thousands of Ether worth several million dollars. These transactions extend a pattern of selling activity earlier in February, when he also liquidated substantial portions of his holdings.

The timing of these sales has drawn attention because they are taking place as Ethereum’s price has struggled to hold above major support levels and continues to trade softer compared with recent months.

Market Reacts to Founder’s Moves

Historically, transactions from well‑known developer wallets get amplified in crypto markets, since traders often read them as sentiment indicators rather than just personal liquidity decisions. In this case, the combination of founder selling and existing bearish technical conditions has contributed to downward pressure on ETH’s price in the short term.

Some traders point out that when a high‑profile figure moves funds, it can influence sentiment and trigger additional selling or defensive positioning from other market participants.

Broader Market Conditions Add Pressure

The wider crypto market has been in a risk‑off phase, with major tokens under pressure and macro indicators challenging bullish momentum. That environment makes moves from prominent holders like Buterin stand out more and complicates interpretation: it’s unclear whether the sales are part of a strategic reallocation for long‑term goals, funding for ecosystem initiatives, or simply routine portfolio management.

Regardless of intent, the increase in available ETH on exchanges and ongoing founder-related selling have combined with weak price action to maintain cautious sentiment among traders and investors.

What Comes Next for Ethereum

Looking ahead, market watchers will be watching whether Ethereum can stabilize around key price areas and whether further founder or whale activity continues to influence momentum. Some analysts argue that founder sales are more signal than supply shock, while others see them as a reminder of how psychology can sway crypto pricing even without major shifts in fundamentals.

Simonas Brazionis

Blockchain Expert

Simonas is a crypto and blockchain expert with 6 years of experience. Passionate about the industry he educates others on blockchain technology, and continuously expands his knowledge. He has helped many newcomers understand crypto, navigate investments, and stay informed about trends like DeFi and NFTs.