Polkadot Face Backlash Over Highly Toxic Ecosystem For Asian Projects

Controversy Surrounding Polkadot's Treatment of Asian-Led Projects

The Polkadot blockchain ecosystem has become embroiled in a debate regarding its treatment of Asian-led projects. Accusations of unfair practices and a hostile environment have surfaced, prompting discussions about inclusivity in the blockchain space.

Allegations and Experiences

Victor Ji, co-founder of Manta Network, has voiced concerns about the Polkadot ecosystem, describing it as "highly toxic" for Asian projects. Ji claims that after initial support from the Web3 Foundation, he experienced a decline in support after securing funding. He cites complex politics, exclusive groups, and grant acquisition difficulties as challenges.

These allegations were echoed by Harold Yu, founder of DIN, who highlighted the complexities and burdens of the grant application process. Both Ji and Yu noted a contrast in experiences compared to European and US-based projects, which they perceive to have greater ease in securing substantial grants.

Financial Context and Community Response

Polkadot's recent financial report for the first half of the year has added to the controversy. The report revealed significant expenditures of 11 million DOTs, with $37 million allocated solely to marketing. This high spending has drawn criticism from the community, who question the effectiveness of these investments.

The current expenditure rate suggests that Polkadot's funds may be depleted within two years, raising concerns about the sustainability of the ecosystem's financial strategy. This has fueled the debate about resource allocation and support for diverse projects within Polkadot.

Implications for Diversity and Inclusivity

The allegations and experiences raised by Asian project leaders have brought to the forefront important questions about diversity and equal opportunities in the rapidly evolving blockchain space. Concerns have been raised regarding whether the Polkadot ecosystem's support structure and grant allocation processes lack inclusivity and fairness.

These issues highlight the need for greater transparency and accountability in the allocation of resources and support for projects within the Polkadot ecosystem. It is vital to create an environment that fosters inclusivity and provides equal opportunities for projects from diverse backgrounds to succeed.