Cardano's Hoskinson Warns Crypto Community "It'll Get Redder" After Losing $3 Billion

Cardano creator Charles Hoskinson has disclosed that he has incurred over $3 billion in unrealized losses on his personal cryptocurrency portfolio amid the ongoing decline in crypto prices, with Bitcoin (BTC) plummeting to as low as $65K — its lowest price since October 2024.

However, Hoskinson made it clear that he is not cashing out.

Cardano’s Hoskinson has dismissed speculation that wealthy crypto founders can easily hold through market routs, especially after last week’s brutal drubbing.

Hoskinson revealed during a public livestream from Tokyo on Feb. 5 that his crypto stash has depreciated by over $3 billion in paper value, and noted that cashing out and walking away would have been easy, but he did not pull the plug.

“It’s easy for you to say, Charles, you’re rich. You can ride it out. I’ve lost more money than anyone listening to this, over $3 billion now,” Hoskinson stated. “It’d have been real easy to cash out. Just walk way.”

His rationale: “Do you think I honestly care if I lose it all? Do you think I’m doing this for money? You’re pretty mistaken if you do.”

Hoskinson Urges Patience Amid Uncertainty

At the time of writing, Bitcoin has climbed back above $69,000 after a painful trip to $60,000 lows on Thursday. The broader market has perked up, too, with Ether, Ripple’s XRP, Solana, Cardano’s ADA, and other tokens regaining some poise. However, the market may not be completely out of the woods yet.

Hoskinson predicted that the latest selloff could deepen in the coming days or weeks, urging developers and investors not lose hope.

“It’ll get worse. It’ll get redder. It is what it is. But at the end of the day, are you having fun? Find a way to. And know that each and every one of you in the cryptocurrency space, you’re doing something that matters,” he postulated.

Hoskinson addressed cryptocurrency holders considering exiting the market, asking what alternative they would return to. He pointed to what he described as a corrupt financial system that destroys wealth by 5–10% yearly through inflation, while advances in artificial intelligence pose risks to employment.

According to Hoskinson, investors face a clear choice: endure market downturns in a decentralized system, or retreat to one he says is controlled by corrupt forces.