**Ethereum's ICO: A Decade of Transformation**

Ethereum's initial coin offering (ICO) kicked off on July 22, 2014, marking a pivotal moment in cryptocurrency history. Running for 42 days, it allowed participants to buy 2,000 Ether (ETH) for 1 Bitcoin (BTC). Nick Johnson, lead developer of the Ethereum Name Service (ENS), reflects on Ethereum's impact, noting its revolutionary approach to blockchain programmability.

Unlike Bitcoin's limited functionality, Ethereum introduced a general-purpose Turing complete chain, enabling smart contracts and diverse applications like NFTs and automated market makers. Johnson believes Ethereum's early technical decisions accelerated the crypto industry's growth significantly.

Despite early challenges, including the infamous DAO hack in 2016, Ethereum has matured. The network's shift to proof-of-stake in 2022 and the Dencun upgrade in 2024 highlight its evolution. Looking ahead, Johnson emphasizes the focus on Layer-2 solutions and scalability for both Ethereum and ENS, predicting a bright future as these technologies continue to develop.