Erik Voorhees: The Most Ideological Crypto-Libertarian

Who is Erik Voorhees?

Full Name: Erik Tristan Voorhees 

Born: 1984 (Age 41)

Birthplace: Connecticut, USA

Nationality: American

Residency: Panama, Switzerland (Zug)

Profession: IT, Commerce, Cryptocurrencies

Career Highlights: Founder of SatoshiDice, ShapeShift, and co-founder of several crypto ventures since 2014

Erik Voorhees is synonymous with the rise of the crypto revolution. His journey into the world of digital assets began in 2011 during his work on the Free State Project, where he met American politician Keith Ammon. Ammon was captivated by Voorhees’s vision of a state model that operated without government control over monetary systems. 

At the time, Bitcoin was virtually unknown, trading at around $5, and the crypto community consisted of just a few thousand enthusiasts communicating online. Yet, Voorhees saw blockchain technology as far more than a distributed ledger. He envisioned it as a tool to transform the global financial system and grant individuals genuine control over their money. A committed libertarian, he was captivated by Satoshi Nakamoto’s innovation and quickly became a staunch Bitcoin maximalist.

Looking back on those formative years, Voorhees said: “I've always been an entrepreneur, but I never really hit it big until crypto.”

Erik Voorhees’s Crypto Ventures

Erik Voorhees made his initial mark in the crypto world with Coinapult, a project he launched in 2012. The platform enabled users to send Bitcoin via email or SMS, a groundbreaking innovation aimed at making cryptocurrency accessible to a broader audience at a time when it was still largely confined to a niche community. Today, Coinapult has evolved into a decentralized collective of crypto enthusiasts focused on developing blockchain applications and promoting financial education.

Voorhees’s major breakthrough came in 2014 with the launch of ShapeShift, a non-custodial platform designed for instant cryptocurrency exchanges. Early backing for the project came from notable crypto figures such as crypto evangelist Roger Ver and then-CoinDesk owner Barry Silbert, who collectively invested $500,000 in the venture. The platform later secured additional backing from industry leaders such as Digital Currency Group and Bitcoin Capital, which contributed another $1.6 million.

ShapeShift became a hallmark of decentralization, empowering users with full control over their assets. Initially launched as a platform for instant cryptocurrency exchanges, ShapeShift later evolved into a fully-fledged crypto exchange. In 2021, it made a groundbreaking move by transitioning to a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO), abandoning centralized management and eliminating KYC procedures.

Voorhees has often stated that the collapse of Mt. Gox was the catalyst for creating ShapeShift. Determined to build a fundamentally different trading model, he envisioned a platform that would never custody users’ funds. ShapeShift is widely regarded as the first decentralized exchange (DEX) in the crypto world.

In 2017, a team of developers led by Voorhees launched the Prizm platform on the Ethereum blockchain, which allowed users to earn income from the appreciation of cryptocurrencies placed in a special smart contract. Like ShapeShift, the platform didn’t store customer funds, enabling users to retain control over their coins within the smart contract.

Throughout his career, Eric has repeatedly encountered challenges from both regulators and the crypto community. One such example is his 2014 conflict with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which accused him of violating securities laws by selling shares in SatoshiDICE. This experience proved to be valuable training for future “mega-showdowns” and also reinforced his position as a strong advocate for minimal regulation.

Eric Voorhees' Economic and Political Views

Eric Voorhees is outspoken about his views on economics and politics. A libertarian at heart, he advocates for minimal government intervention and the protection of individual freedoms. For him, cryptocurrencies represent not just a financial tool, but an ideology capable of dismantling the old, centralized financial system.

Voorhees believes that blockchain technology empowers individuals to take control of their finances, eliminating dependence on banks and intermediaries. His criticism of excessive regulation and governments attempting to control digital currencies is a key theme in his public speeches and articles. His writings on freedom and decentralization are frequently cited by crypto publications and speakers at crypto conferences. It’s safe to say that any article from Voorhees quickly becomes a source of quotes.

Eric is also a strong opponent of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), viewing them as a threat to privacy and personal freedom. Instead, he envisions a future of decentralized systems that allow individuals to control their own assets.

Interesting Facts About Eric Voorhees

1. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Eric Voorhees is known for his strong personality and the passion with which he shares his ideas. His public speeches are always emotionally charged and clear in their stance, and his tweets often spark lively debates.

2. Voorhees played an active role in advocating for Ross Ulbricht, signing a letter on behalf of technolibertarians urging President Donald Trump to grant clemency to the Silk Road founder.

3. Eric graduated from Tufts University, where he studied economics and political science. This education provided the foundation for his deep understanding of financial systems and allowed him to shape the philosophy that underpins his projects. However, before getting involved with cryptocurrencies, he had never worked as a financier or political scientist—his interests were more aligned with advertising and marketing.

4. Interestingly, despite his firm convictions, Voorhees always emphasizes the importance of experimentation and unconventional solutions. He often states that the success of decentralized exchange (DEX) systems is impossible without making mistakes, learning from them, and being ready for unexpected changes.

His platform, ShapeShift, became a real-world manifestation of this philosophy. The transition to a DAO model and the decision to abandon KYC requirements were bold attempts to show that communities can manage complex financial systems without central authority.

Voorhees remains an influential leader and symbol of the crypto revolution, with a mission not only to create new technologies but to radically change the nature of government systems.