The co-founder of Manta Network, a prominent project within the Polkadot ecosystem, recently made a bold public statement denouncing the very ecosystem it operates within. Expressing deep frustration, he criticized what he perceives as toxic conditions and a lack of substantial support for builders, particularly those of Asian descent.
“As the founder of the former largest project by TVL and market cap/FDV outside of DOT in the Polkadot ecosystem, we have no intention to remain engaged with Polkadot ecosystem and team. It is an environment rife with toxicity, offering little real value for web3, and showing minimal regard for user adoption,” he declared in a tweet.
Pointing fingers directly at the Polkadot team, he accused them of favoring European and American projects over Asian counterparts when allocating grants. He highlighted this alleged discrimination, claiming it hindered progress for Asian founders within the ecosystem, a sentiment echoed by others in the community.
The co-founder lamented the lack of meaningful support from Polkadot leadership, including co-founder Gavin Wood, whom he criticized for inadequate effort and a lack of true decentralization. He expressed a desire for more substantial backing from the team, especially during challenging times for builders.
In response to these issues, the co-founder announced a strategic shift for Manta Network away from Polkadot towards other ecosystems like Ethereum L2, Solana, and Bitcoin. He emphasized that their focus would now be squarely on Manta Pacific, citing what he sees as stagnation within the Polkadot ecosystem. He urged remaining developers to consider more vibrant alternatives such as Solana, Ethereum, and Bitcoin.
An event example from Hong Kong’s Polkadot Academy underscored his critique, noting a predominantly non-Asian attendance despite the event being held in Asia. This, he argued, reflected broader disparities within the ecosystem.
Despite their decision to pivot away, the co-founder assured that Manta Network would honor its commitments to the Polkadot parachain, delivering on promises made and continuing its innovative work. However, he reiterated that discrimination against hardworking Asian builders during challenging market conditions was unacceptable.
In conclusion, while affirming their commitment to fulfill existing obligations, the co-founder emphasized the necessity of seeking more supportive environments for future growth and development.