The Avalanche Foundation has announced its plan to repurchase nearly 2 million Avalanche tokens (AVAX) from Terraform Labs, the firm that was once behind the now-defunct Terra blockchain ecosystem. This move, with a value of $45.5 million, comes as Terraform Labs continues its process of winding down operations following the high-profile collapse of its Terra blockchain, which left the cryptocurrency world reeling.
The decision to buy back the AVAX tokens was revealed in a court filing dated October 9, and the Avalanche Foundation further shared the news in an X post on October 11. This purchase agreement, however, remains subject to approval by the Delaware Bankruptcy Court. The transaction is significant, not only due to the substantial amount of AVAX involved but also because of its connection to Terraform’s infamous downfall in 2022.
Avalanche’s buyback will bring 1.97 million AVAX tokens back into its holdings, securing the tokens from the complications of being liquidated by a bankruptcy trustee. This was a particular concern given the current legal and financial challenges facing Terraform Labs and its associated entities. More importantly, the repurchase ensures that the original agreement’s restrictions on the use of the tokens by the Luna Foundation Guard (LFG) will not be breached.
The timing of this repurchase is notable. The AVAX tokens in question were initially sold to LFG in April 2022, during a period when Terraform Labs was building up reserves for its now-defunct stablecoin, TerraClassicUSD (USTC). The intention back then was to strategically align ecosystem incentives between Terra and Avalanche. However, just a month after the purchase, Terra’s ecosystem unraveled, and its two tokens – USTC and Luna – collapsed in spectacular fashion, wiping out billions in value.
As a result of the collapse, the value of AVAX tokens has also taken a significant hit. The 1.97 million AVAX that LFG acquired for $100 million are now worth about $57.4 million – a staggering 42% drop. Despite this, the repurchase price of $45.5 million seems like a strategic move for Avalanche, allowing it to regain control over its assets at a price below market value, while also potentially saving on future legal costs that could arise from protracted litigation over these tokens.
Terraform Labs, which filed for bankruptcy following the collapse of its ecosystem, supported the repurchase agreement, suggesting that it would help reduce the costs associated with litigation and limit the depletion of its remaining assets. The agreement also reflects Terraform’s efforts to recover an amount close to the current market value of the AVAX tokens, a critical point in its ongoing efforts to settle its debts and wind down its operations.
The price agreed upon for the repurchase was derived from the volume-weighted average price of AVAX over a seven-day period in early August of this year. This calculation method ensures that the repurchase reflects a more stable and accurate valuation of the tokens, avoiding potential price manipulation that could occur in a more volatile trading environment.
For Avalanche, this move represents a step towards mitigating the fallout from its previous dealings with Terraform Labs. While the original sale was part of a broader strategy to align incentives between the two blockchain ecosystems, the collapse of Terra’s ecosystem and the ensuing chaos have forced the foundation to rethink its approach. By reclaiming these tokens, Avalanche is not only protecting its interests but also demonstrating its willingness to take decisive action in the face of market uncertainties.
Terraform Labs, on the other hand, continues to face the fallout from its monumental collapse. The implosion of the Terra ecosystem in May 2022 had far-reaching consequences across the cryptocurrency space, particularly as it resulted in the loss of nearly $60 billion from the market caps of its tokens – Terra Luna Classic (LUNC) and TerraClassicUSD. The collapse also drew significant regulatory scrutiny, culminating in a $4.5 billion settlement with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) earlier this year. Terraform’s ongoing bankruptcy proceedings in Delaware are another chapter in this long-running saga, with the company’s total losses proving difficult to estimate.
The repurchase agreement represents just one of many steps Terraform Labs is taking as it winds down its operations. Last month, a Delaware bankruptcy judge approved the company’s move to cease operations altogether, marking the end of what was once a highly ambitious blockchain project. Terraform’s winding down plan, according to reports, suggests it could pay anywhere between $185 million and $442 million to settle its outstanding obligations, although the exact figure remains uncertain due to the complex and unpredictable nature of its liabilities.
As the legal proceedings continue, it is evident that the repercussions of Terra’s collapse will be felt for some time to come. For the broader cryptocurrency industry, the incident serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the risks of over-leveraging and the fragility of even the most promising projects. For Avalanche, the repurchase of these tokens may mark the end of its involvement in this particular saga, but the lessons learned from its dealings with Terraform are likely to shape its future strategies.
What stands out in this situation is the way in which both organisations have had to adapt to an evolving landscape. For Terraform Labs, the collapse of its ecosystem has forced it into a series of difficult decisions as it seeks to limit the damage and settle its debts. For Avalanche, the repurchase is a calculated risk, one that could ultimately strengthen its position in the long term.
Despite the market volatility, the Avalanche Foundation remains one of the key players in the world of blockchain and decentralised finance. As the industry continues to evolve, the foundation’s ability to navigate these turbulent waters will be crucial to its ongoing success. The repurchase of AVAX tokens, while significant in the short term, is likely just one part of a broader strategy aimed at ensuring Avalanche’s continued growth and stability in a highly competitive environment.
As the story continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see how other organisations in the cryptocurrency space respond to the lessons learned from Terra’s collapse. For now, though, the Avalanche Foundation’s move to reclaim its tokens is a clear indication that it is taking proactive steps to safeguard its future – a move that could very well pay off in the long run.