Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has exceeded his previously announced ETH sell-off plan, offloading significantly more than the 16,384 ETH he initially disclosed. On-chain data reveals that he has now sold approximately 19,300 ETH—valued at around $38 million—marking a notable expansion of his funding strategy.
Buterin’s ETH Sales Exceed Initial Plan
On January 30, 2026, Buterin publicly announced his intention to withdraw and sell 16,384 ETH (valued at roughly $45 million at the time) to fund long-term open-source software, hardware, privacy, and security initiatives, as part of what he described as a “period of mild austerity” for the Ethereum Foundation .
However, recent on-chain analytics show that he has surpassed that target. Lookonchain reports that he sold a total of 19,326 ETH for approximately $39.36 million, at an average price of $2,037 per ETH . Similarly, CryptoNewsZ estimates the total at 19,268 ETH, valued at nearly $38.7 million, with an average sale price just above $2,000 .
Sales Execution and Strategy
The transactions were executed gradually, using structured swaps via CoW Protocol to minimize market impact. Lookonchain and Arkham Intelligence data indicate that the sales were split into multiple batches—ranging from small to mid-size—rather than large block trades . This methodical approach aligns with Buterin’s stated goal of transparency and minimizing disruption to the market.
Current Holdings and Funding Intent
Despite the sell-off, Buterin remains one of the largest individual ETH holders. Arkham Intelligence reports that he still controls over 240,000 ETH across traceable wallets . CryptoNewsZ similarly notes that his holdings remain substantial, at around 224,000 ETH—worth over $460 million at current market prices .
The proceeds from the sales are being converted into multiple stablecoins—such as USDtb, GHO, EURC, PYUSD, and LUSD—and are earmarked for funding open-source, privacy-focused, and infrastructure projects across software, hardware, and public health domains .
Market Reaction and Price Context
Ethereum’s price has remained relatively stable amid the sell-off. CryptoNewsZ reports ETH trading near $2,048, with a 13% surge in recent days . Tron Weekly notes a 4.9% daily gain and a 7.5% weekly increase, with ETH trading at $2,065 . CoinCentral also confirms ETH holding above $2,000 despite a 37% monthly decline .
Summary Table
| Metric | Value |
| Initial planned sale | 16,384 ETH (~$45M) |
| Actual sale amount | ~19,300 ETH (~$38–39M) |
| Average sale price | ~$2,000–$2,037 per ETH |
| Current holdings | ~224,000–240,000 ETH |
| Sale execution method | Structured swaps via CoW Protocol |
| Proceeds allocation | Stablecoins for open-source and infrastructure projects |
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Cryptocurrency investments carry significant risk, including the possibility of total loss. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Always conduct your own research and consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.