Vlad Zamfir #70

Biography:

Vlad Zamfir is a researcher of cryptoeconomics and consensus protocols, particularly proof-of-stake protocols. Since 2014, Zamfir has been researching proof-of-stake implementations in anticipation of Ethereum’s transition from proof-of-work. The current model he has been perfecting is called correct-by-construction Casper.

Self-identifying as an “absurdist” and a “troll”, he has frequently engaged in heated debates around blockchain governance, believing that the wrong path in building these networks could create tyrannical systems rather than liberative.

Vlad Zamfir’s 2019:

In February, CasperLabs announced its collaboration with Zamfir to research and develop his CBC Casper protocol for a new proof-of-stake blockchain. While he did question Bitcoin and Ethereum’s capacity to move away from proof-of-work in the near future, he is still working with the Ethereum Foundation. In September, CasperLabs raised $14.5 million in a Series A funding round lead by Terren Piezer of Acuitas Group Holdings.

We expect 2020 to mostly be an R&D year for Zamfir as developers in the Ethereum community and the CasperLabs work as a team to refine the proof-of-stake consensus protocol design before implementation.