Dogecoin Core Developer Ross Nicoll to Step Away

The doge developer will remain as an adviser, but is "handing over everything [he] can to the Dogecoin Foundation."

By Jamie Crawley

Feb 17, 2022 at 11:35 a.m. UTC

Updated Feb 17, 2022 at 5:17 p.m. UTC

Join the most important conversation in crypto and Web3 taking place in Austin, Texas, April 26-28.

Secure Your Seat

Jamie Crawley

Jamie Crawley is a CoinDesk news reporter based in London.

Follow @JamieCrawleyCD on Twitter

Join the most important conversation in crypto and Web3 taking place in Austin, Texas, April 26-28.

Secure Your Seat

Ross Nicoll, a core developer of the Shiba Inu dog-memed cryptocurrency dogecoin, said he is stepping away from the project, citing "overwhelming" stress and a potential conflict of interest.

The developer will remain as an adviser but is "handing over everything [he] can to the Dogecoin Foundation," he said in a blog post Wednesday.
He stressed that his departure is not absolute or instantaneous. "I'd emphasize this is a change of role, and there's a transition period. I'm not suddenly gone" he said in a LinkedIn message to CoinDesk.
Nicoll said he is stepping away "primarily [because] the stress involved is overwhelming."
"There is a further complication that my employer for my day job is moving into the blockchain space, leading to a risk of conflict of interest if I remain as a director," he added. Nicoll is a software engineer at Google.
The Dogecoin Foundation, which also boasts Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin as an adviser, was re-established in August, having initially been set up in 2014 before being dissolved as it became inactive over time. The foundation's aim is to support dogecoin's development through advocacy, governance and trademark protection.
"I have confidence in their ability to steer Dogecoin into the next phase, in a way that I do not have the mindset for," Nicoll said.
The DOGE token was little changed, losing 1.7% over 24 hours to $0.147 as of publication time.

UPDATE (Feb. 17. 12:01 UTC): Adds second bullet with Nicoll's comment to CoinDesk

DISCLOSURE

Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated.

The leader in news and information on cryptocurrency, digital assets and the future of money, CoinDesk is a media outlet that strives for the highest journalistic standards and abides by a strict set of editorial policies. CoinDesk is an independent operating subsidiary of Digital Currency Group, which invests in cryptocurrencies and blockchain startups. As part of their compensation, certain CoinDesk employees, including editorial employees, may receive exposure to DCG equity in the form of stock appreciation rights, which vest over a multi-year period. CoinDesk journalists are not allowed to purchase stock outright in DCG.

Jamie Crawley

Jamie Crawley is a CoinDesk news reporter based in London.

Follow @JamieCrawleyCD on Twitter

Learn more about Consensus 2023, CoinDesk’s longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.

Jamie Crawley

Jamie Crawley is a CoinDesk news reporter based in London.

Follow @JamieCrawleyCD on Twitter