The Ethereum Foundation has played a crucial role in the evolution of the blockchain ecosystem. They pioneered the Swiss foundation structure and ran one of the first token sales. They played a key role in developing the second-most valuable blockchain network and still play a key role in funding research and steering the future of Ethereum. At the same time, it has been frequently criticized for a lack of transparency, being too slow in funding development and poor financial risk management. Executive Director Aya Miyaguchi joined us to discuss her journey into the space, the role of the Ethereum Foundation and their plans for the future. Topics discussed in this episode:How Aya went from high school teacher to enter the crypto spaceJoining Kraken and building their presence in JapanThe role of the Ethereum Foundation in the Ethereum ecosystemDecision making processes and governance in the Ethereum FoundationEthereum's grant program and funding prioritiesThe Ethereum Foundation's plans to attempt to become more transparentThe Ethereum Foundation's approach to conflicts of interestWhy the EF decided to support MolochDAOWhether Ethereum should be concerned about competition from other blockchain networks Links mentioned in this episode: Ethereum.orgEthereum Foundation to Spend $30 Million on Development Over Next YearEthereum Foundation WebsiteEthereum Foundation Values by Aya Miyaguchi (Devcon4) - YouTubeEthereum Devcon 5 Japan - Oct 30 to Nov 2DappCon Berlin - August 21 to 23 Sponsors: Azure: Deploy enterprise-ready consortium blockchain networks that scale in just a few clicks Support the show, consider donating: BTC: 1CD83r9EzFinDNWwmRW4ssgCbhsM5bxXwg (https://epicenter.tv/tipbtc)BCC: 1M4dvWxjL5N9WniNtatKtxW7RcGV73TQTd (http://epicenter.tv/tipbch)ETH: 0x8cdb49ca5103Ce06717C4daBBFD4857183f50935 (https://epicenter.tv/tipeth) This episode is hosted by Brian Fabian Crain & Friederike Ernst. Show notes and listening options: epicenter.tv/287