Metamask is what I want! American entrepreneur accuses ConsenSys and MetaMask founder of stealing ideas, claims manipulation by Vitalik

Cryptocurrency wallets have always been an important part of the blockchain ecosystem, embodying asset self-custody. Among them, the MetaMask wallet under Consensys is widely known and influential. However, according to a report by Coindesk, a controversy related to the founder of the most widely used wallet is brewing, and it is gradually evolving into a legal case.

What is MetaMask?

MetaMask is a cryptocurrency wallet that allows users to interact with the Ethereum blockchain. It can be accessed and used by users through browser extensions or apps. In addition to features like transactions and cross-chain transfers, users can also utilize multiple decentralized applications (DApps).

Reportedly, this wallet was designed by the blockchain software company ConsenSys. ConsenSys has been dedicated to developing Ethereum-based tools, infrastructure, and enterprise solutions.

According to a press release by ConsenSys in March last year, MetaMask had a monthly active user base of up to 30 million, and the company was valued at an unprecedented $7 billion at that time.

Legal Dispute Involving MetaMask Founder

Entrepreneur Accuses ConsenSys and MetaMask Founder Aaron Davis

On August 2nd of this year, American entrepreneur Joel Dietz filed a lawsuit in a San Francisco court, claiming that he had conceived a browser-integrated cryptocurrency wallet called Vapor in 2014 and had invited the future MetaMask founder Aaron Davis to collaborate on its development in 2015.

However, Aaron Davis allegedly stole his ideas and product, colluded with ConsenSys, rebranded Vapor as MetaMask, and released it, disregarding Dietz's contributions.

Legal documents show that Dietz had discussed the Vapor concept with Vitalik Buterin and Gavin Wood in November 2014 and had received initial recognition and funding.

Challenges Faced in Vapor's Development

Serious funding shortages for startup companies have always been a major challenge. Vapor also faced this dilemma at the time, with all fundraising plans, including applying for startup accelerator programs, yielding no results.

By mid-2015, Dietz seemed to have abandoned the vision of Vapor and the browser-integrated cryptocurrency wallet, turning to other professions. According to LinkedIn, he currently serves as a metaverse consultant for Digital Dubai and is a research affiliate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology focusing on "driving innovation through decentralized networks."

The Birth of MetaMask

As described by Blockworks, Davis continued to develop the product at the time and named it MetaMask. The product was eventually launched through ConsenSys in 2016.

According to the official ConsenSys blog, Aaron Davis and Dan Finlay are the co-founders of MetaMask, having met in 2013 and worked together at the same company.

Their idea for MetaMask gradually took shape after exposure to Ethereum, with Davis taking the lead in development, naming, and conceptualizing the logo.

Dietz believes that ConsenSys is attempting to conceal his role in the creation of MetaMask and claims to have evidence proving himself as a founding partner of MetaMask. He feels unfairly treated and hopes to obtain recognition and rights through the lawsuit.

ConsenSys' Response

Consensys, through Blockworks, denied Joel Dietz's accusations, stating that he falsely claimed to be a founder of MetaMask and attempted to sell tokens or solicit money through this claim. They firmly assert that MetaMask was founded by Davis and Finlay in 2016, with no association with Dietz.

In response, Dietz commented:

These are things that Vitalik asked me to do, but they never compensated me for it. So, it feels a bit like a manipulated RugPull.