Jameson Lopp: The Bitcoin Legend Who Disappeared from the Internet

Hello, friends!

Today, we’ll share the story of Jameson Lopp—not an influencer, and likely someone you’ve never heard of. He doesn’t have thousands of social media followers, doesn’t post daily, and represents a rare, almost vanishing breed of crypto pioneers. A true OG in every sense of the word.

Here’s how he went from a curious computer scientist to one of the most respected figures in Bitcoin security.

Discovering Bitcoin

Lopp’s story begins in North Carolina, where he studied computer science. In 2012, he stumbled upon Bitcoin’s whitepaper and was instantly captivated. He even tweeted about the first Bitcoin halving when its price was just $12.

By 2013, Bitcoin’s price surged to $200. While many panicked during the inevitable 50% crash, Lopp remained unfazed—he saw Bitcoin’s long-term potential.

Security Becomes a Priority

Lopp’s interest in Bitcoin wasn’t just about prices. After witnessing a data security breach at his workplace, he realized the importance of protecting digital assets. He wasn’t just safeguarding his Bitcoin—he was securing his future.

To spread awareness, he founded the Bitcoin group within Mensa, the high-IQ society, introducing Bitcoin to some of the world’s brightest minds.

Building Bitcoin Infrastructure

In 2015, Lopp took things to the next level by launching Statoshi, a platform that monitors the Bitcoin network for attacks. At a time when many were setting up their first Bitcoin nodes, Statoshi provided critical infrastructure and data.

Shortly after, he decided to dive into the industry. Although he initially applied to Coinbase, BitGo hired him. Today, BitGo secures 20% of all Bitcoin network transactions.

The Block Size Wars and the SWAT Attack

As Bitcoin grew, so did debates about its future. In 2017, the community was divided over how to scale Bitcoin. Initially, Lopp supported larger blocks but later backed SegWit and the Lightning Network, believing they were better long-term solutions.

His support for SegWit made him a target. One day, a false anonymous call reported hostages at his home, triggering a SWAT team raid.

Instead of retreating, Lopp doubled down. He installed 360-degree surveillance around his home and offered a reward for information about the attacker. After years and hundreds of thousands of dollars, he tracked down the perpetrator, leading to their conditional conviction.

Disappearing from the Internet

Following the SWAT attack, Lopp took his security to an extreme level. He dedicated himself to erasing all traces of his personal information from the internet.

Co-Founder of Casa

In 2018, Lopp co-founded Casa, a Bitcoin security company aimed at helping people take control of their private keys without sacrificing security. Casa introduced a multi-key system, ensuring that even if one key is compromised, the Bitcoin remains safe.

Lifelong Bitcoin Advocate

Even after years in the space, Lopp continues to fight for Bitcoin’s future. In 2023, he helped Hal Finney’s family dispel speculations by proving that Finney was not Satoshi Nakamoto.

From securing Bitcoin to securing his own life, Jameson Lopp remains one of the most dedicated figures in the crypto space. His journey proves that Bitcoin is not just about price—it’s about freedom, security, and resilience.