EL7.AI
Crypto•16 July 2026•
1 min read

1inch Co-founder Anton Bukov Fired, Launches New DeFi Startup Second Tier

Key Facts

1Anton Bukov, the co-founder of 1inch, has been fired from the company.
2Bukov launched a new DeFi infrastructure startup named Second Tier.

In a move reflecting growing leadership tensions within major decentralized finance protocols, 1inch co-founder Anton Bukov has been fired from his position. According to reports, following his departure, Bukov immediately launched a new DeFi infrastructure startup named Second Tier. This new venture aims to focus on core decentralization, potentially creating a competitive dynamic with 1inch’s current institutional strategic direction.

This split occurs as decentralized exchange aggregators like 1inch face intensifying competition from peers such as Uniswap and CowSwap, struggling to balance institutional compliance with DeFi's founding principles. Per market data, executive shifts in top-tier projects often trigger volatility in user sentiment, particularly given Bukov's reputation as a key technical architect in the space. Analysts suggest that Bukov’s pivot to infrastructure may address technical gaps not yet filled by existing market solutions.

Looking ahead, traders are monitoring how this separation will impact 1inch’s product roadmap and future development. Investors should also watch the upcoming U.S. Monetary Policy Report on July 10, 2026, as broader Fed policy continues to dictate risk appetite across the crypto and DeFi sectors.