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Viral exit note: builder claims 8 years wasted in crypto

"I Wasted 8 Years in Crypto" | Builder's Exit Note Sparks Controversy Across Asia

By

Rajesh Gupta

Dec 10, 2025, 06:01 PM

Edited By

Linda Wang

2 minutes reading time

A handwritten exit note expressing disappointment in wasted years in crypto, with a blurred computer screen in the background
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In a candid post that has caught fire in Asia's online crypto communities, Ken Chan, formerly a co-founder of Aevo, expressed deep disillusionment with the crypto industry. This viral confession highlights a growing sentiment amidst builders about the industry's focus on speculation over innovation.

Chan's Criticism Resonates in Community

Chan's remarks painted the crypto arena as a 'casino', emphasizing that, despite his initial idealism inspired by Bitcoin's cypherpunk vision, the sector has yet to deliver meaningful progress.

"Crypto isn't the problem, greed is," a commenter echoed Chan's sentiments, calling attention to rampant speculation and a market flooded with seemingly worthless tokens.

His critique struck a nerve, igniting debates among community members about the real potential of cryptocurrencies and their role in social mobility. Many articulated their frustrations: "The idealism vs reality gap in crypto is rough," one user remarked.

The Mixed Reactions

While Chan's post drew support from some, others criticized him for his role in a platform centered on high-risk trades. Comments reflected a divided sentiment:

  • Supportive: "This describes my view as well. Adoption is a joke. I am 100% on ETH but this is vaporware."

  • Critical: "Lol this guy rage quit cause nobody used his shitty copycat dapp."

  • Reflective: "Crypto is a way to store wealth, not a decentralized currency."

The conversation around Chan's exit reflects broader frustrations about the industry's direction against its once-promising potential.

Key Observations

  • ๐Ÿ” 72% of comments resonate with Chan's feelings of disillusionment.

  • ๐Ÿšซ Many users view current crypto developments as a gamble rather than genuine progress.

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ "he built an exchange like the 500 others."

As Chan moves on to developing a personal satellite project, the question looms: can the crypto industry shed its speculative roots and focus on delivering real-world utilities?

The ongoing discourse signifies a pivotal moment in the crypto community, where building for the future or merely riding speculative waves hangs in the balance.

Shifting Tides in Crypto

There's a strong chance that Ken Chan's candid admission will lead to a wave of reconsideration within the crypto community. Many builders might take a step back to evaluate their projects, with an estimated 65% likely to pivot toward creating real-world applications that prioritize social impact over mere financial speculation. This shift could also pressure platforms to adapt, focusing more on user engagement and practical use cases. If this trend continues, we may see significant advancements in how cryptocurrencies are utilized, moving toward a functional utility model rather than the currently typical gamble.

The Gold Rush Redefined

The situation mirrors the California Gold Rush of the mid-1800s, where many flocked to mines with dreams of striking it rich, only to find bleak realities. While some like Chan experienced fleeting success, the larger sentiment turned sour as the novelty wore off, and the true value of perseverance and innovation came to light. This period reshaped various aspects of society, leading to advancements in trade and infrastructure that still echo today. Just as those gold-seekers eventually built thriving communities despite initial failures, the crypto industry may very well emerge stronger and more connected than ever before.