Edited By
James O'Connor

A rising chorus of voices in the VeChain community has prompted reflection on its leadership and direction. Recent discussions highlight mixed feelings about the platform's trajectory, particularly regarding its partnerships and market strategies.
VeChainThor, established as a Layer-1 blockchain in 2015 by Sunny Lu, aims for real-world applications, yet it faces scrutiny. The recent
VeChain Renaissance upgrade pursues interoperability and increased user growth through ambitious phases. However, community sentiment indicates unease regarding decision-making.
The VeChain Renaissance aims to refine the blockchain's functionality. The initial phase, Galactica, rolled out in July 2025, introducing a dynamic gas market and improved developer capabilities. Coming next, the highly anticipated Hayabusa phase will shift consensus mechanisms, potentially enhancing security and attracting more stakeholders. As one user put it, "The changes could be a game-changer for engagement."
Yet, despite these innovations, users have taken to forums with criticisms. Many feel that partnerships like those with UFC overshadow its luxury market aspirations. One comment noted, "I bought in thinking the former Louis Vuitton CTO had a decent idea, but UFC feels like a misstep." Others echo similar sentiments of disappointment.
Discontent isn't solely rooted in partnerships. Comments reflect a broader skepticism towards the current state of the crypto market:
Extended Bear Market: Users question whether a prolonged bear market since 2021 is indicative of a failed four-year cycle.
Technological Applications: Thereβs curiosity about how VeChain's technology could combat issues like AI-generated deepfakes.
Calls for Transparency: Many are advocating for clearer communication from VeChain's leadershipβand feel recent upgrades aren't enough to restore confidence.
"We didnβt have a bull market since 2021 I hope it will not last another year," said one user expressing frustration at the current landscape.
π Renaissance Upgrade aims to boost VeChain's usability and security.
π Users are troubled by the prolonged crypto bear market and its implications.
π¬ "VET's leadership has been a massive disappointment," reflects a growing sentiment in the forums.
As VeChain heads towards its Hayabusa launch, full JSON-RPC integration is on the horizon for 2026, promising seamless cross-chain functionality. Investors and community members alike are left pondering: Can these upgrades reignite confidence and user engagement? With user participation driving much of this project, continuous adaptation and transparency will be vital for its success.
As VeChain moves towards the Hayabusa phase, there's a strong chance that user engagement may rebound, especially if the upgrades improve security and usability as intended. Experts estimate around 70% probability that clearer communication from leadership will restore some confidence within the community. A significant part of this restoration hinges on whether upcoming features demonstrate real-world value. If the tech addresses hefty concerns like market stability and transparency, we could see increased participation from existing users and attract new investors, potentially heralding a shift back into the spotlight of the crypto arena.
This situation mirrors the early days of the electric vehicle (EV) market, where skepticism was rampant over production and technology. As EV manufacturers faced ridicule for their partnerships and market fit, a pivotal change occurred through persistent innovation and community outreach. Just as automakers shifted gears and turned their narratives around, VeChain has an opportunity to redefine its story. If the blockchain can unify its community and adapt to feedback, it might just steer through the current pivotal moment, much like how EVs became a critical part of sustainable transportation narratives.