Yeliz Akmaca 
The cryptocurrency markets are witnessing a strategic move from one of DeFi’s most prominent figures. Despite recent price turbulence, Aave founder Stani Kulechov continues to increase his stake in the protocol. On-chain data reveals that Kulechov purchased 84,033 $AAVE (approximately $12.6 million) over the past week, with an average entry price of $176. Although he currently faces an unrealized loss of $2.2 million, his consistent buying pattern signals long-term conviction.
Why is AAVE Facing Downward Pressure?
The decline in AAVE’s price is largely driven by significant whale liquidations and internal governance debates. Most notably, a major investor offloaded approximately 230,000 AAVE (worth ~$35 million) in a short window last Monday. These tokens were swapped for Bitcoin and Ether derivatives, triggering a sharp 10% intraday drop. This selling pressure intensified following heated discussions within the DAO regarding brand control.
Governance Disputes and Snapshot Voting
A critical debate has emerged concerning the control of Aave’s brand assets and online presence. Ernesto Boado, co-founder of BGD Labs, advocated that domain names and social media accounts should be directly controlled by AAVE token holders. Stani Kulechov responded by moving the proposal to a Snapshot vote, adhering to the protocol’s established governance framework. This move highlights the ongoing transition toward full decentralization within the ecosystem.
SEC Closes Aave Probe After Four Years, No Charges Filed
The Message Behind Founder Accumulation
While Kulechov’s purchases haven’t yet offset the broader market sell-off, they serve as a powerful confidence indicator for the community. On-chain analysis shows these trades were executed strategically via CoW Protocol using WETH to minimize market impact. For long-term observers, the founder’s willingness to “buy the dip” suggests that despite short-term volatility and governance hurdles, the fundamental outlook for Aave remains robust.
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