Cardano Founder Criticizes TapTools Relaunch

Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson has criticized the relaunched TapTools, saying the platform no longer resembles the high-quality analytics website he once used as part of his daily routine.

For context, TapTools initially announced its shutdown in June after facing significant internal and financial difficulties. As reported earlier, the platform had lost its fifth senior executive within a year, with departures involving key positions such as chief technology officer and chief operating officer, as well as co-founders.

However, TapTools later reversed its decision yesterday and announced its return with the message, “We’re back.”

The announcement initially sparked excitement among some Cardano community members. That enthusiasm quickly faded after the platform introduced a controversial requirement for users.

Hoskinson and Cardano Enthusiasts Slam TapTools’ 777 $ADA $NFT Requirement

Unlike the previous version, which offered free basic charting and token-tracking features, the relaunched TapTools initially required users to mint an $NFT for 777 $ADA to access the platform.

The requirement triggered strong backlash across the Cardano community. Some users accused the team behind the relaunch of attempting to take advantage of $ADA holders.

Interestingly, Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson also expressed frustration with the requirement. He initially responded with a simple “Ugh” on X, signaling his disappointment with the relaunched platform.

When a community member asked why he reacted negatively to TapTools’ comeback, Hoskinson explained that the new version looks nothing like the platform he used to visit every day.

According to him, the relaunched platform is a “vibe coded memeslop” rather than the high-utility analytics website that previously made TapTools valuable to him.

TapTools Admits It “Got This One Wrong”

Following the backlash, TapTools acknowledged that its $NFT sale had failed to resonate with the community.

The team explained that it viewed the sale as a way for supporters to help fund TapTools’ return. However, it admitted that it had misjudged the timing, community sentiment and likely reaction.

TapTools subsequently confirmed that all participants in the $NFT sale had received full refunds. The platform also said it would not attempt to justify or force an approach that had clearly failed to gain community support. At the same time, the team emphasized that it still cares deeply about TapTools and what it built over the years.

Following the controversy, TapTools replaced the previous 777 $ADA $NFT-mint requirement with an “Under Construction” notice on its website. The latest developments have left the future of the Cardano-focused analytics platform uncertain.