Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has once again achieved the status of an "onchain billionaire," a milestone reached as the price of Ether (ETH) has surged past $4,000 for the first time in eight months. Blockchain analytics firm Arkham reported that Buterin's crypto holdings are now valued at approximately $1.04 billion. This resurgence in Buterin's net worth reflects the broader rally in the Ethereum market and growing institutional interest in the Ethereum ecosystem.
Buterin first attained billionaire status in May 2021, when ETH reached $3,000. At that time, his holdings included roughly 333,500 ETH, worth approximately $1.029 billion. However, the crypto market experienced a significant downturn in 2022 and early 2023, impacting Buterin's net worth along with many other crypto investors. In fact, Buterin himself revealed that he was no longer a billionaire during that bear market. Now, with the recent rally, he has reclaimed his billionaire status.
Several factors have contributed to Ethereum's recent price surge. Corporate demand has been a primary driver, with companies like BitMine Immersion and SharpLink Gaming reportedly acquiring substantial amounts of ETH. Institutional investors are also showing increased interest, as evidenced by significant inflows into Ethereum-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Recent data indicates that ETH inflows into ETFs have outpaced those of Bitcoin. Furthermore, regulatory signals have improved, with the SEC clarifying its stance on liquid staking. This could pave the way for staking-inclusive ETH ETFs from prominent asset managers.
The technical outlook for Ethereum also appears bullish. ETH broke through the $4,000 resistance level and is testing new resistance at $4,300. Analysts suggest that a confirmed breakout could lead to further gains, potentially challenging the all-time high of $4,868. Some traders are speculating that ETH may soon surpass this all-time high.
However, Buterin has expressed concerns about the increasing role of Ethereum treasury companies. While the rising price of ETH is generally seen as positive, Buterin has cautioned against potential risks associated with concentrated whale holdings. Despite these concerns, the overall sentiment in the Ethereum market remains optimistic. Experts predict that the price of ETH could continue to rise in the coming months and years.
As of August 10, 2025, Ethereum is trading around $4,200. The cryptocurrency has shown strong momentum, and analysts are closely watching key resistance levels. The next major target for ETH bulls is $4,500, with the all-time high of $4,868 as the ultimate goal. Conversely, key support levels to watch are $4,193 and $3,470.
Vitalik Buterin's return to billionaire status underscores the potential of Ethereum and the broader cryptocurrency market. While the market remains volatile and subject to various risks, the recent surge in ETH's price signals renewed optimism and growing adoption of the Ethereum ecosystem.
