About this episode

The episode features a discussion with Trent Van Epps about the role of Protocol Guild in funding core developers and the challenges faced in the open-source and Ethereum communities.

Guest Trent Van Epps Panelists Eriol Fox | Victory Brown Show Notes In this episode of Sustain, host Eriol Fox and co-host Victory Brown are at the Devconnect Conference in Buenos Aires with Trent Van Epps, an organizer of Protocol Guild and member of the Ethereum Foundation. They discuss the vital role of Protocol Guild in funding core protocol developers, addressing systemic issues of under-compensation in open-source projects. Trent also explores the similarities and differences between funding in the open-source community and the Ethereum ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of collective representation and the unique financial structures of blockchain technology. The conversation highlights the necessity of diversity and inclusion within the Ethereum community and shares insights on the impact of adverse regulatory pressures and funding challenges. Press download now! [00:00:29] Trent explains Protocol Guild and he connects Guild work to his EF role coordinating network upgrades and ensuring stable funding and continuity. [00:02:35] Trent tells us why core contributors are under compensated and notes there’s a “hot ball of money” problem. [00:05:21] Eriol and Trent discuss…

People in this episode

Hosts: Eriol Fox, Victory Brown

Guest: Trent Van Epps

Topics covered

• open-source funding
• Ethereum ecosystem
• Protocol Guild
• diversity and inclusion
• regulatory pressures

Keywords

• open-source
• funding
• Ethereum
• Protocol Guild
• diversity
• inclusion
• regulatory challenges

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Protocol Guild, Ethereum Foundation

Places: Buenos Aires

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• Episode 285: Miranda Heath on Altruism & Burnout in Open Source · March 6, 2026 · 44 min
• Episode 283: Devconnect 2025 with Nuno Loureiro · February 20, 2026 · 18 min
• Episode 282: Devconnect 2025 with Lucas Fada · February 13, 2026 · 21 min
• Episode 281: Devconnect 2025 with Devansh Mehta · February 6, 2026 · 23 min

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