XRP is ‘Better Version of Bitcoin,’ Says Ripple Co‑Founder Chris Larsen

Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen recently shed light on XRP’s origins during an episode of the “When Shift Happens” podcast, revealing that it was created with the vision of being a better version of Bitcoin. 

Larsen said he worked with a group of “really, really smart people” to build a digital currency that was faster, more efficient, and less energy-consuming than Bitcoin. 

While he praised Bitcoin’s conservative foundation, he felt XRP, the fourth-largest cryptocurrency, could improve upon its limitations without sacrificing its core values. 

Larsen Took a Jab at Competitors

Larsen didn’t shy away from criticizing rival projects that lack consistency. Without directly naming it, he took a swipe at Stellar, co-founded by former Ripple exec Jed McCaleb, which famously burned over half its token supply in 2019. 

He described such moves as chaotic, arguing that constant changes, airdrops, and burn events make a project look unstable. According to Larsen, successful currencies are built on predictability, not impulsive shifts in direction. 

Praising XRP Community, Questioning Ethereum

Larsen praised the XRP community for sticking with the project through ups and downs, likening their loyalty to that of Bitcoin supporters. However, he appeared less confident in the Ethereum community’s long-term commitment, subtly questioning whether it would demonstrate similar resilience. His comments added a touch of rivalry to the broader altcoin debate while reaffirming Ripple’s vision of XRP as a long-term, stable digital asset.

Concerns Over U.S. Public Listings

Switching gears, Larsen also criticized the current environment for companies looking to go public in the U.S. He called the process “very bureaucratic” and warned about the influence of short-sellers, who he claimed spread misinformation to drive down stock prices. His remarks align with Ripple President Monica Long’s earlier statement that the company has no plans to go public anytime soon, hinting at broader frustrations with U.S. regulatory hurdles. 

Moreover, there might be a bullish turn in XRP prices if XRP ETFs are approved this year. Since Bitcoin is getting overpriced, investors are looking for other alternatives to mitigate the risk factor. 

In all, Larsen’s comments showcase XRP as a purpose-built, sustainable alternative to Bitcoin, backed by a loyal community and designed for the long haul.