Who Created Bitcoin?

Bitcoin was created by an anonymous person or group using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. In 2008, Satoshi published the Bitcoin whitepaper, outlining a system for peer-to-peer electronic cash without reliance on trusted third parties. In January 2009, they mined the first block—the “genesis block”—and launched the network.

From 2009 to 2010, Satoshi collaborated with early developers, improving the software and answering questions. Their writing demonstrated a deep understanding of cryptography, economics, and distributed systems. Yet Satoshi never revealed personal details and maintained strict anonymity.

In 2010, Satoshi handed control of the code repository to other contributors and disappeared from public communication. This exit helped decentralize Bitcoin early. With its creator gone, Bitcoin became a fully open, community-driven project. No one, not even Satoshi, holds special authority over the network—an intentional design choice that reinforces Bitcoin’s neutrality.