Gitcoin, a platform dedicated to public funding within the Ethereum ecosystem, has decided to shut down its main software development unit, Gitcoin Labs. Founder Kevin Owocki noted that achieving profitability under current conditions was unrealistic.
Closure of Gitcoin Labs and Grant Program Focus
Owocki explained through his X account that 'the financial burden of the Grants Lab has exceeded the resources available.' Following discussions with Gitcoin’s senior executives and the Grants Lab leader, it was announced that there would be no new budget for the second half of the year. After the closure, remaining funds will be utilized to pay severance for affected employees. In the midst of this news flow, Gitcoin’s main network asset, GIT coin, experienced a decline of approximately 2% in value.
Restructuring Process: A New Strategy for Gitcoin
Despite the closure, Owocki remains optimistic, stating that Gitcoin will continue with a smaller, more focused team. The new phase will concentrate on strengthening the Gitcoin Grants program and effectively managing the existing asset portfolio. Beginning nearly a year ago, the restructuring process has seen the platform adopt a more capital-oriented strategy while maintaining its community-focused structure. Several DAOs merged in February 2024, the Layer 2 Public Goods Network was closed, and investments shifted towards more profitable projects, marking a continuation of this transformation.
Future of Gitcoin and Its Programs
Additionally, Gitcoin will close its donation management tool, known as Grants Stack. The Allo Protocol, designed for democratic capital allocation, will also be terminated. However, the identity verification solution, Human Passport, will be retained and supported. Gitcoin reassured its partners and users that 'the technologies you use will not vanish overnight,' promising to provide support throughout the transition. Ongoing work aims to determine how the technological shift will occur and which solutions will be maintained.
The project is noted to have strong financial resources, with assurances that funding for the Gitcoin Grants Program is secure 'until around 2029,' providing optimism among participants.
