Blockworks has experienced departures from at least seven staff members as the crypto data firm focuses on product development, a shift that prompted one departing analyst to question the move away from independent research. Announcements regarding these seven departures appeared across social media posts between October and November, involving both research and product personnel. Jake Koch-Gallup raised concerns about the company's choice to prioritize products over independent crypto research.
On Nov. 3, Blockworks made its MCP service available to all users and provided $100 in credits. The organization released the final issue of its 0xResearch newsletter on Nov. 6. Departure posts shared on X identified the exiting employees as Jake Koch-Gallup, Nick Carpinito, Kunal Doshi, Silvio Busonero, Westie, Nikhil, and AJC.
Departures Question Research Shift
According to departure posts shared on X, at least seven employees have left Blockworks, including Jake Koch-Gallup, Nick Carpinito, Kunal Doshi, Silvio Busonero, Westie, Nikhil, and AJC. The announcements spanned several weeks, with Nikhil's post dated Oct. 19, while Westie and Doshi posted on Nov. 5, followed by Koch-Gallup and Carpinito on Nov. 6. Several individuals described the week as their last at the company without providing an exact departure date.
Westie, a member of the initial research group, previously helped establish and grow the firm's data capabilities before shifting his efforts toward product creation. He characterized this transition as the organization's main priority for the current year and future periods. Expressing satisfaction with his contributions, he highlighted his enjoyment in developing the company's solutions and performing duties within those specific areas.
Koch-Gallup provided a contrasting viewpoint after spending two years at Messari and an additional six months at Blockworks following its acquisition, where he thanked colleagues but voiced disappointment regarding the firm's trajectory. He expressed sorrow that one of the leading crypto research entities is moving its focus away from core research activities.
While acknowledging the strategic choice to prioritize product development, Koch-Gallup maintained that independent research retains significant value, especially as artificial intelligence renders original human analysis increasingly critical. His remarks addressed the company's shifting priorities, whereas other departing staff members concentrated on their personal experiences and future plans; these posts did not indicate a coordinated resignation or a shared motivation for leaving.
Carpinito noted that he joined the organization in early 2025, during which time Blockworks acquired Messari, introduced a new product suite, and created the Token Transparency Framework. He characterized the framework's evolution from an initial concept into a disclosure standard now accessible on Bloomberg terminals.
Doshi expressed gratitude to his colleagues and explained that his tenure working with protocols had influenced his perspective on research, leading him to view quality papers as narrative tools over the previous year. AJC stated that his exit followed four years at Messari and six months at Blockworks, adding that he intended to rest for several weeks before determining his next steps.
Nikhil departed after spending more than two years at the company, where he expressed gratitude to the team and stated his intention to continue using the platform regularly. A separate announcement from Busonero also conveyed thanks to colleagues and excitement for his upcoming professional chapter, marking these exits as they coincided with an expansion of access to the firm's AI data service.
Blockworks announced on Nov. 3 that any user could now connect their data to Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor, or other MCP clients, offering new accounts $100 in credits for this expanded access. This November update broadened availability beyond the initial group of API customers who had already received the service launch on Oct. 1.
Blockworks stated that its platform enables users to query protocol revenue metrics, stablecoin expansion rates, and schedules for future token unlocks by leveraging standardized data derived from its research and Blockworks Intel services. The firm's product description from October outlined institutional applications such as drafting materials for exchange listings, monitoring listed assets, and compiling counterparty information prior to onboarding a cryptocurrency business.
AI Service Expansion Amid Turnover
The company also highlighted stock-related utilities that allow tracking of tokenized shares in relation to underlying stock prices, supply levels, holder distributions, and decentralized-exchange trading volume. On June 12, Blockworks acquired Messari to consolidate their research, data, and market intelligence operations; during the acquisition announcement, co-founder Jason Yanowitz noted that Messari covered more than 40,000 assets, with its API providing information on markets, exchanges, stablecoins, protocols, fundraising events, token unlocks, and other crypto activities.
Prior to the deal with Messari, Blockworks had reached a $192 million valuation in earlier reporting. On November 6, the firm released its concluding newsletter for the 0xResearch series under the title 'Signing off.' The acquisition statement categorized asset issuers alongside investors, exchanges, custodians, brokerages, and regulators who examine those assets as comprising its two primary customer segments.