In a stark revelation, Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson disclosed he has personally lost over $3 billion due to the recent severe cryptocurrency market crash. The statement was made in a video interview posted by Coin Bureau, where Hoskinson emphasized the scale of his losses, noting he has "lost more money than anyone listening to this."
The admission comes during a period of extreme pressure for the Cardano network and its native token, ADA. The coin's price recently retreated to $0.22, a level last seen at the start of the 2021 bull market, marking a weekly slide of over 20%. ADA has concluded its fifth consecutive week in the red and is down approximately 77% from its 2025 high and 91% from its all-time peak in 2021.
Hoskinson framed the massive financial hit as a secondary concern to his mission, stating, "Do you think I care if I lose it all? Do you think I'm doing this for money?" He highlighted that he could have easily cashed out years ago but chose to remain committed to Cardano's long-term technological vision.
The market downturn has severely impacted key Cardano network metrics beyond price. The Total Value Locked (TVL) on Cardano has plummeted 96% from its December 2025 peak of $686.4 million to just $27.28 million. Network activity has also cooled significantly, with active addresses showing a declining trend over the past three years, and DEX volume failing to capture meaningful DeFi growth compared to rivals.
The community reaction to Hoskinson's disclosure has been sharply divided. Supporters have praised his conviction and long-term commitment, viewing the statement as inspirational. Critics, however, have questioned transparency and revisited historical concerns. The declaration underscores the role of founder narratives in shaping market sentiment during periods of high volatility and weakened investor confidence.
