A pivotal moment in the evolution of Polygon, a leading Ethereum scaling solution, has recently unfolded with the announcement of co-founder Mihailo Belić’s departure. This development marks a notable change in the leadership landscape of one of the blockchain space’s most significant projects, signaling a new phase for the network.
Belić, who was instrumental in establishing the project from its inception in 2017, communicated his decision to step down from Polygon Labs and the foundation’s board. He conveyed that a divergence in visions had reached a point where his continued direct involvement would no longer contribute meaningfully. Despite this formal separation, Belić affirmed his unwavering support for Polygon and its ongoing trajectory.
A Co-Founder’s Journey
Mihailo Belić was part of the original quartet that founded Matic Network, the precursor to Polygon, alongside Jaynti Kanani, Sandeep Nailwal, and Anurag Arjun. Over the years, the project transformed from a nascent idea into a cornerstone of the Ethereum ecosystem, pioneering advancements in scaling technologies, including zero-knowledge (zk) proofs and proof-of-stake mechanisms. Polygon’s innovations have positioned it as a critical infrastructure provider for decentralized applications and services.
Shifting Leadership Dynamics
Belić’s exit is not an isolated event but rather follows earlier departures by fellow co-founders Jaynti Kanani and Anurag Arjun. This sequence of transitions suggests a generational shift within Polygon’s foundational leadership. Despite these changes at the top, the project maintains its development momentum, steadfastly advancing its comprehensive Polygon 2.0 roadmap. This ambitious plan includes a significant upgrade of the native token from MATIC to POL, broadening its utility and integrating it more deeply into the network’s staking and infrastructure layers.
Sandeep Nailwal, now the most prominent co-founder still actively engaged with Polygon, acknowledged Belić’s contributions with a heartfelt tribute. Nailwal reflected on their years of collaboration, describing Belić as “more than a co-founder – a brother,” underscoring the deep personal and professional ties forged during the project’s formative years.
This shift at Polygon reflects a broader trend observed across the cryptocurrency industry, where early pioneers increasingly transition out of the ecosystems they helped cultivate. As projects mature and evolve, such leadership changes often signify a natural progression, allowing for fresh perspectives and specialized expertise to guide future growth.
Former Wall Street analyst turned crypto journalist, Marcus brings a decade of expertise in trading strategies, risk management, and quantitative research. He writes clear, actionable guides on technical indicators, portfolio diversification, and emerging DeFi projects.