Anton Bukov, co-founder of decentralized finance project 1inch, departed from the company's operations after more than seven years and was fired in late November 2025. Bukov confirmed he is no longer involved in day-to-day operations and has shifted focus to a new venture called Second Tier. The departure followed his push for changes to 1inch's management and operational structure, which he detailed in a statement published on X. Despite leaving operations, Bukov retains a 50% ownership stake in 1inch but holds no operational authority over product architecture, protocol security, or management decisions. The development became a major topic in the crypto community after 1inch released its own response, stating Bukov had not been actively involved in organizations linked to the project since December 2025.
Bukov Fired After Management Change Push
In his statement published on X, Bukov said feedback from users and colleagues encouraged him to become more involved in the leadership of the organization. He explained that he spent several months improving his leadership and communication skills while trying to implement changes to strengthen the company. According to Bukov, these efforts resulted in his dismissal in late November 2025.
Bukov clarified that while he remains a co-founder with a 50% stake in 1inch, his ownership does not translate into any operational authority. He stated he no longer has any involvement in product architecture, protocol security, or management decisions, leaving the project's future entirely in the hands of the current leadership team.
1inch Confirms Bukov's Absence Since December 2025
1inch released its own response after Bukov's announcement. The company stated that Bukov had not been actively involved in organizations linked to the project since December 2025. While the company acknowledged his absence from day-to-day operations, it did not directly address his claim that he was fired in late November 2025. The company also did not provide details about the internal disagreements that led to the separation.
Kunz Reassures Community on Operational Continuity
Co-founder Sergej Kunz addressed the situation by reassuring the community that Bukov's departure would not affect the platform's operations. Kunz stated the change will not disrupt the 1inch Network's infrastructure, systems, or ongoing product development. He added that the protocol will continue building its decentralized trading and liquidity solutions as planned.
Bukov Launches Second Tier Venture
Alongside announcing his departure, Bukov introduced his next venture, Second Tier. He shared few details about the project but stated it is being built with people who share the same vision and values from the beginning.
1inch's Evolution from DEX Aggregator to DeFi Infrastructure
Bukov and Kunz launched 1inch in May 2019. The project transformed into one of the most recognized names in decentralized finance. It was initially known for its decentralized exchange aggregation service, but 1inch later expanded into cross-chain trading solutions and a wide range of DeFi infrastructure. Throughout this time, Bukov played an important role in protocol architecture and security before stepping away from operational responsibilities.
FAQ
Why did Anton Bukov leave 1inch operations?
Anton Bukov was fired in late November 2025 after pushing for changes to 1inch's management and operational structure. According to his statement on X, he spent several months improving his leadership and communication skills while trying to implement changes to strengthen the company, which resulted in his dismissal.
Does Anton Bukov still own part of 1inch?
Yes, Anton Bukov retains a 50% ownership stake in 1inch as co-founder. However, he clarified that his ownership does not translate into any operational authority, and he no longer has involvement in product architecture, protocol security, or management decisions.
