On May 23, 2025, Mihailo Bjelic, co-founder of Polygon, officially announced his resignation from the Polygon Foundation board and stepped down from day-to-day operations at Polygon Labs. This marks a significant change in leadership for Polygon, a major Ethereum layer-2 scaling platform.
Bjelic’s Departure: A New Chapter for Polygon
Bjelic shared that his vision for the project had evolved differently from the current direction, making it difficult for him to contribute effectively. Despite stepping back, he expressed confidence in the team continuing Polygon’s growth and said he will support the project from a distance.
His Role and Contributions
- Entered the crypto space in 2013 and co-founded Polygon in 2017.
- Played a key role in developing Polygon’s layer-2 scaling solutions on Ethereum.
- Led research and development efforts, including work on zero-knowledge technology.
- Helped Polygon become one of the most popular proof-of-stake blockchains.
- Supported partnerships with major brands and helped improve Ethereum compatibility.
Team Response
The remaining co-founder expressed gratitude for Bjelic’s contributions and emphasized their ongoing friendship and support. The team remains focused on Polygon’s roadmap and future growth.
What This Means for Polygon
Bjelic’s departure comes at a critical time as Polygon pushes forward with its next phase of development. This leadership change may influence the project’s strategic direction. The crypto community is watching closely to see how Polygon adapts.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
| Date of Announcement | May 23, 2025 |
| Who Stepped Down | Mihailo Bjelic, Polygon co-founder |
| Reason | Diverging visions, difficulty contributing effectively |
| Other Co-founders Left | Two others left in previous years |
| Contributions | Layer-2 scaling, zero-knowledge tech, blockchain research |
| Remaining Co-founder | One active co-founder remains |
| Project Status | Active, focused on growth and development |
Key Takeaways
- Bjelic’s exit marks a leadership shift for Polygon.
- The project continues under new leadership.
- Strategic direction may evolve with this change.
- Bjelic’s technical contributions remain foundational.
- The crypto community remains engaged with Polygon’s progress.
FAQS
Q: When did Mihailo Bjelic leave Polygon?
- A: On May 23, 2025.
Q: Why did he leave?
- A: Due to differences in vision and difficulty contributing effectively.
Q: Who remains from the founding team?
- A: One co-founder remains active.
Q: What was Bjelic’s role?
- A: Lead technical development and research.
Q: Will he stay involved in crypto?
- A: Yes, from a supportive, non-operational role.
This leadership change reflects natural evolution as Polygon grows. The project moves forward with new direction while honoring its founders’ legacy.
