OKX founder Star Xu reflects on misjudging Ethereum as a shitcoin

OKX: OKX is a leading global cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 technology company founded by Star Xu. It prioritizes building products around user needs, such as its unified trading account and multichain wallet, to improve capital efficiency and overall experience. The company has recently rolled out features like OKX Pay and Exchange OS as part of its ongoing product refinement efforts. Star Xu: Star Xu is the founder and CEO of OKX. In a September 2026 interview, he reflected on his 2017 decision to pass on listing Ethereum after calling it a shitcoin when approached by Vitalik Buterin. He continues to lead the company with a focus on customer proximity and iterative product improvements. Ethereum: Ethereum is a prominent blockchain platform and the second-largest cryptocurrency by market presence. Its founder Vitalik Buterin personally approached OKX founder Star Xu in 2017 seeking a listing. The asset remains a core part of the broader crypto ecosystem that exchanges like OKX serve. Industry Emphasis: Major exchanges stress staying close to users and refining products for better efficiency and experience. Product Innovation: OKX has expanded its offerings with user-focused tools like OKX Pay to support broader crypto adoption and payments. Leadership Perspective: Crypto exchange leaders frequently reflect on early asset evaluation decisions to inform current product strategies.