Anton Bukov, co-founder of the decentralized exchange aggregator 1inch, says he was pushed out of the company in 2025 and is now setting his sights on a fresh venture.
A Public Split With 1inch
Bukov revealed that he no longer plays an active role at 1inch, the platform he helped launch and grow into one of the most widely used decentralized finance tools. According to his account, his departure came after he sought to overhaul the company's management structure and day-to-day operations, efforts that ultimately led to his removal.
The co-founder framed the exit bluntly, describing himself as having been "fired" rather than choosing to step away. His comments mark a rare public airing of internal tensions at a project that has largely maintained a low profile when it comes to its leadership dynamics.
Pushing for change from the inside cost him his seat at the table, according to Bukov's own telling.
Pushing for Operational Change
Bukov indicated that friction developed as he advocated for shifts in how 1inch is run. Disagreements over management direction and operational priorities appear to have been at the heart of the fallout, though the full details of the dispute remain limited to his own characterization of events.
The situation underscores how founder relationships can fracture even at established DeFi projects, where questions of governance, control, and long-term strategy often surface as platforms mature and expand.
What Comes Next
With his time at 1inch behind him, Bukov has signaled that he is turning his attention to a new project. The move suggests he intends to remain active in the crypto and DeFi space despite the break from the company he co-founded.
Key takeaways from Bukov's announcement include:
- He no longer holds an active role at 1inch
- He says his 2025 exit followed calls for management and operational reforms
- He is now preparing to launch a new venture
The developments leave open questions about how 1inch will continue without one of its founding figures and what shape Bukov's next chapter will take in an increasingly competitive DeFi landscape.