After Nearly 10 Years of Building Mastodon, Eugen Rochko Steps Into Advisory Role
Mastodon is a decentralized social network built on the ActivityPub protocol. Unlike Big Tech platforms, it operates as a federated network where users can choose or host their own servers.
The key advantage is that no single entity controls your data or content. We already have an active presence on the instance owned and operated by the Mastodon non-profit, so you can follow us there if you have not already.
Now let’s move on to the topic at hand.
What’s Happening: Eugen Rochko is stepping down as CEO after nearly ten years, transferring the trademark and other assets to the Mastodon non‑profit. He first announced the transition plan just two weeks into 2025, and after a series of quiet behind-the-scenes preparations, the change is now complete.
Eugen goes on to explain his thinking behind the move:
There are too many examples of founder egos sabotaging thriving communities, and while I’d like to think myself an exception, I understand why people would prefer better guardrails.
But it would be uncouth for me to pretend that there isn’t some self-interest involved. Being in charge of a social media project is, turns out, quite the stressful endeavour, and I don’t have the right personality for it.
He further elaborates on how the role has taken a toll on him, particularly the public visibility that comes with leading a social platform. Constant scrutiny, comparisons to tech billionaires, and the emotional weight of community expectations contributed to mounting stress.
Over time, it was clear that continuing in such a prominent and demanding position was no longer healthy for him.
What to Expect: According to TechCrunch, Mastodon is setting up a new Belgian AISBL (international non-profit association) to replace its former German gGmbH, which lost non-profit status last year.
The Belgian structure offers more governance flexibility and international recognition. Meanwhile, a US-based 501(c)(3) non-profit currently holds the trademark and assets until the Belgian entity is established.
Felix Hlatky is the new Executive Director, and the board includes Twitter co-founder Biz Stone, Karien Bezuidenhout, and Esra’a Al Shafei. Other members include Renaud Chaput as the Technical Director, Andy Piper as the Head of Communications, and Philip Schröpel as the Strategy & Product Advisor.
Funding was secured from Jeff Atwood (€2.2 million), Biz Stone, AltStore (€260,000), GCC (€65,000), and Craigslist founder Craig Newmark. It is also worth noting that Eugen received €1 million in recognition of his years of service at a salary below market rates.
And all of this makes sense. He built something bigger than himself and is now ensuring it remains that way. By handing control to a non-profit, he protects Mastodon’s values and frees himself to focus on building rather than managing all the noise that comes with the job.
Suggested Read 📖
Community