Mihailo Bjelic, a co-founder of Polygon, announced his departure from Polygon Labs and the foundation board on May 23, 2025. This move marks a significant change in leadership during the 2.0 roadmap implementation.
End of Co-Founder Era with Bjelic's Exit
Bjelic’s exit marks the end of the original co-founder era for Polygon. Since its founding in 2019, Polygon has achieved notable growth under Bjelic's leadership. He cited "evolving visions" as a reason for leaving while expressing confidence in Polygon's current leadership.
> "I can no longer contribute to Polygon to the best of [my] abilities," he stated, citing evolving visions as the primary reason. "I remain confident that Polygon leadership is committed to the success of the project. I'll always be cheering from the sidelines and supporting however and whenever I can." CITE_W_A
Bjelic's Departure Sparks Strategic Speculation
The absence of its original founders could influence Polygon's strategic direction. Industry analysts expect possible shifts in development priorities. Financial markets reacted moderately, with potential implications for both Polygon and competitors within the Layer 2 solutions landscape.
Previous Co-Founder Departures: A Broader Trend
With previous co-founders leaving in 2023, the complete original founding team exit echoes similar transitions in tech startups worldwide. Experts foresee potential challenges but also opportunities for Polygon as it pursues its 2.0 roadmap, focusing on multi-chain structures.
Mihailo Bjelic’s departure is a significant moment for Polygon, potentially impacting its strategic direction and future development. Continuing to implement the 2.0 roadmap and adapting to leadership changes will be key factors for the project’s ongoing success.
