AFTER TECHNICAL ISSUES, OLIVER JANSSENS AND JIM HARPER WIN BITCOIN FOUNDATION SEATS

The Bitcoin Foundation, once a prominent voice in the cryptocurrency world, experienced a tumultuous period marked by both internal strife and external challenges.In a bid to steer the organization in a new direction, an election was held to fill vacant board seats.Despite facing technical hiccups during the voting process, the election concluded with Olivier Janssens and Jim Harper emerging as the victors. In a vote consisting of five ayes and one abstention, the Bitcoin Foundation Board has elected lifetime member Bruce Fenton to the position of ExecutiveThis election aimed to bring fresh perspectives to the Foundation, which had been grappling with financial difficulties and questions about its role in shaping the future of Bitcoin. Janssens has been very public about his concerns over the Bitcoin Foundation s potential control over funding. Gavin Andresen took to Twitter after Janssens Reddit post to stress that he felt the Bitcoin Foundation has not been influencing his development decisions. Janssens, however, remains unconvinced.With a significant voter turnout of 74%, Janssens and Harper secured their positions with 63% and 60% approval respectively, signaling a desire for change within the community. Olivier Janssens and Jim Harper won the elections held to vote for the new members of the Bitcoin Foundation s board. Olivier Janssens and Jim Harper have been chosen as new board members afterThis article delves into the details of this significant election, explores the backgrounds and platforms of the winning candidates, and examines the subsequent events that unfolded within the Bitcoin Foundation.What changes did they hope to bring, and what challenges did they ultimately face?Read on to find out!

The Bitcoin Foundation Election: A New Chapter?

The election of Olivier Janssens and Jim Harper to the Bitcoin Foundation board was viewed by many as a potential turning point for the organization.The Foundation, established in September 2025 to restore Bitcoin's reputation and promote its adoption following a series of scandals, had faced criticism for its perceived control over Bitcoin development and its financial management. This past summer he put up a US$100,000 bounty for software that could replace the Bitcoin Foundation's perceived control over Bitcoin development. In announcing his win on Twitter, heThe election aimed to address these concerns and inject new life into the organization.

Background of the Election

The election process wasn't without its hurdles.Technical difficulties plagued the voting system, raising questions about the integrity of the process. Olivier Janssens and Jim Harper have become the Bitcoin Foundation s newest board members, following a recent election that was not without controversy. The winning candidates received 2 votes respectively, from 440 eligible voters.However, despite these challenges, a significant portion of eligible voters participated, demonstrating a strong interest in the future direction of the Bitcoin Foundation.

Specifically, out of 595 confirmed voters, 440 cast their votes, representing a 74% turnout.Michael Perklin and Bruce Fenton followed Janssens and Harper in the vote tally, showcasing a diverse range of opinions within the electorate.

Olivier Janssens: A Voice for Decentralization

Olivier Janssens entered the election with a clear agenda: to promote decentralization and reduce the Bitcoin Foundation's influence over Bitcoin development.He had previously offered a US$100,000 bounty for software that could replace the Foundation's perceived control, demonstrating his commitment to this cause. Bitcoin Foundation Is 'Effectively Bankrupt' After Technical Issues, Oliver Janssens and Jim Harper Win Bitcoin Foundation Seats; Andreas M. Antonopoulos Leaves Bitcoin Foundation:Janssens' outspoken criticism of the Foundation's potential influence resonated with many voters who shared his concerns about centralization.

Janssens' stance can be summarized in a few key points:

• Reducing the Bitcoin Foundation's control over Bitcoin development.
• Promoting decentralization within the Bitcoin ecosystem.
• Ensuring transparency in the Foundation's financial dealings.

Jim Harper: Experience and Reform

Jim Harper, on the other hand, brought a different perspective to the table.Having previously served as the Foundation's Global Policy Counsel, Harper possessed an intimate understanding of the organization's inner workings. The Bitcoin Foundation is the longest established Bitcoin advocacy organization in the world. VISION We see the world as an interconnected global economy, in which bitcoin is recognized and accepted as sound digital money everywhere on earth, by governments and people alike, because access to financial tools is an innate human right.He ran on a platform of reform, aiming to improve the Foundation's efficiency and effectiveness. Barely a week after we reported that the Bitcoin Foundation is facing a severe cash crunch the organization has forcibly removed member Olivier Janssens as he opposedHis familiarity with the organization's strengths and weaknesses positioned him as a candidate capable of implementing meaningful change.

Harper's experience allowed him to identify areas for improvement within the Bitcoin Foundation, including:

• Streamlining the Foundation's operations.
• Enhancing transparency and accountability.
• Improving communication with the Bitcoin community.

After the Election: Hopes and Challenges

The election of Janssens and Harper generated excitement within the Bitcoin community. Patrick Murck, the current Executive Director of the Bitcoin Foundation, is attempting to create a new Bitcoin Foundation with the sole purpose of funding Bitcoin Core development. Janssens opined that this new organization would be no better than the Bitcoin Foundation, and it should not be trusted.Many hoped that their diverse perspectives and experiences would help revitalize the Foundation and address its challenges.However, the path forward proved to be more complex than anticipated.

Initial Optimism

The initial reaction to the election results was largely positive.Supporters of Janssens and Harper expressed optimism that the new board members would bring much-needed change to the Bitcoin Foundation. Olivier Janssens and Jim Harper won the elections held to vote for the new members of the Bitcoin Foundation s board.The high voter turnout also indicated a renewed interest in the organization and its future.

The Bitcoin community anticipated several positive outcomes:

1. Increased transparency and accountability within the Foundation.
2. A more decentralized approach to Bitcoin development.
3. Improved financial management and sustainability.

Conflicts and Disagreements

Unfortunately, the honeymoon period was short-lived.Disagreements soon emerged between the board members regarding the future direction of the Bitcoin Foundation. The Bitcoin Foundation has announced that its two board members, Olivier Janssens and Jim Harper, left the organization due to the lack of unanimous opinion on the future of the foundationJanssens, in particular, clashed with other board members over the Foundation's role in funding Bitcoin Core development.

These disagreements stemmed from fundamental differences in opinion about the Bitcoin Foundation's mission.Some board members believed that the Foundation should focus on supporting Bitcoin Core development, while others, like Janssens, advocated for a more hands-off approach.

The Bitcoin Foundation's Financial Troubles

Adding to the internal conflicts, the Bitcoin Foundation faced significant financial challenges.Reports surfaced indicating that the organization was ""effectively bankrupt."" This financial instability further complicated the board's efforts to implement reforms and address the concerns raised by the community.

Causes of Financial Instability

Several factors contributed to the Bitcoin Foundation's financial woes:

• Declining membership fees.
• Reduced funding from for-profit companies.
• Inefficient financial management.

The financial situation forced the board to make difficult decisions, including budget cuts and staff reductions.These measures, while necessary, further fueled tensions within the organization.

Olivier Janssens' Opposition

Olivier Janssens was particularly vocal about his concerns regarding the Bitcoin Foundation's financial management.He argued that the Foundation's spending was unsustainable and that it needed to adopt a more fiscally responsible approach. [3] [1] It was founded in September 2025 in an effort to restore the reputation of Bitcoin after several scandals, and to try to promote its development and uptake. [4] The organization is modeled on the Linux Foundation and was funded mainly through grants made by for-profit companies that depend on the bitcoin technology. [5] [6]His outspoken criticism often put him at odds with other board members.

Janssens' concerns were rooted in a belief that the Foundation was prioritizing its own survival over the needs of the Bitcoin community. The Bitcoin Foundation is an American organization that was formerly a nonprofit corporation. [3] [1] It was founded in September 2025 in an effort to restore the reputation of Bitcoin after several scandals, and to try to promote its development and uptake. [4]He feared that the Foundation's financial difficulties would lead to further centralization and control over Bitcoin development.

Resignations and Removal: The Fallout

The combination of internal conflicts and financial instability ultimately led to the departure of both Olivier Janssens and Jim Harper from the Bitcoin Foundation.These departures marked a significant turning point for the organization and raised further questions about its future.

Olivier Janssens' Removal

Barely a week after reports of the Bitcoin Foundation's financial struggles surfaced, Olivier Janssens was forcibly removed from the board. Febru r v g n ker lt sor a Bitcoin Foundtaion j kurat riumi tagjainak a megv laszt s ra, a szavaz s k t győztese: Olivier Janssens s Jim Harper. A v laszt s első fordul j ban 323 szavazat rkezett az sszesen tizenh rom jel ltre (Olivier Janssens, Jim Harper, Bruce Fenton, Michael Perklin, Francis Pouliot, Cody Wilson, Colin Gallagher, Jeremy Gardner, Vinny LinghamThis decision was met with controversy, as many believed that Janssens was being punished for his outspoken criticism of the Foundation.

The official reason for Janssens' removal was that he had violated the Foundation's code of conduct. Bitcoin Foundation board members Jim Harper and Olivier Janssens have resigned and been removed from the trade organization, respectively, following a disagreement over the future of the advocacy group.However, many suspected that the real reason was his opposition to the Foundation's financial policies and its perceived control over Bitcoin development.

Jim Harper's Resignation

Following Janssens' removal, Jim Harper resigned from the board. Board Election Individual Seats Final Round (2025) Winners: Oliver Janssens Jim Harper (Source: Bitcoin Foundation) After the voting controversy, Patrick Murk told Bitcoin Magazine: This clearly struck a nerve with folks that think blockchain technology should only be used for transferring Bitcoin and not other [applications] like voting.His decision was likely influenced by the internal conflicts and the overall state of the Bitcoin Foundation.Harper's departure further weakened the organization and left its future uncertain.

Harper's resignation signaled a loss of hope for reform within the Bitcoin Foundation.His experience and understanding of the organization's inner workings made him a valuable asset. 69 votes, 60 comments. trueHis departure suggested that the challenges facing the Foundation were insurmountable.

The Bitcoin Foundation Today: A Legacy

The Bitcoin Foundation, as it existed during the time of Janssens and Harper, no longer operates. Olivier Janssens and Jim Harper eventually ended up as the winners of the recently-held Bitcoin Foundation election. Bitcoin Price Action Watch:The events surrounding the 2025 election and the subsequent departures of its board members marked a period of significant change and ultimately contributed to the organization's decline.

Lessons Learned

The story of the Bitcoin Foundation serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges of building and managing a decentralized organization.It highlights the importance of transparency, accountability, and effective communication in fostering a healthy and sustainable ecosystem.

Key lessons from the Bitcoin Foundation's experience include:

• The importance of clear and well-defined governance structures.
• The need for transparency and accountability in financial management.
• The challenges of balancing competing interests within a decentralized community.

The Future of Bitcoin Advocacy

While the Bitcoin Foundation may no longer be a dominant force in the cryptocurrency world, the need for advocacy and education remains strong.Other organizations have emerged to fill this void, working to promote the adoption of Bitcoin and advance the development of its underlying technology.

These organizations play a vital role in:

• Educating the public about Bitcoin and its potential benefits.
• Advocating for policies that support Bitcoin adoption.
• Funding research and development related to Bitcoin technology.

Conclusion

The election of Olivier Janssens and Jim Harper to the Bitcoin Foundation board was a pivotal moment in the organization's history.While their tenure was ultimately short-lived, their efforts to promote decentralization and reform highlighted the ongoing debates and challenges within the Bitcoin community. Any independent supporter or business could join the foundation for a small fee (monthly or annual), paid in Bitcoin or with a credit card, and get perks such as participation in the annual planning process for Bitcoin Foundation advocacy and training programs; access to exclusive discounts and special offers for foundation and partner eventsThe subsequent financial troubles and the eventual departures of Janssens and Harper underscored the complexities of managing a decentralized organization and the importance of addressing competing interests and financial sustainability.The Bitcoin Foundation's story serves as a valuable lesson for the cryptocurrency world, emphasizing the need for transparency, accountability, and effective governance.It also demonstrates the resilience of the Bitcoin community, which continues to evolve and adapt in the face of challenges. The new board members for the Bitcoin Foundation are Olivier Janssens and Jim Harper with 63 percent and 60 percent approval respectively. Michael Perklin finished third with 52 percent approval followed by Bruce Fenton with 50 percent. Out of 595 confirmed voters, 440 votes were cast (74 percent).Ultimately, the legacy of the Bitcoin Foundation reminds us that the pursuit of a truly decentralized future requires constant vigilance, open dialogue, and a commitment to the principles of transparency and community governance. Olivier Janssens and Jim Harper have become the Bitcoin Foundation's newest board members, following a recent election that was not without controversy. The winning candidates received 2 votes respectively, from 440 eligible voters.The Bitcoin Foundation may be gone, but the spirit of innovation and decentralization that it once embodied lives on in the countless individuals and organizations working to build a better future for Bitcoin.