In a fascinating thread on X on 23 August, Aditya Baradwaj, a former engineer at Alameda Research, has unveiled his personal experiences and a stark narrative involving Sam Bankman-Fried, his former boss. The thread marked Aditya’s latest installment chronicling his time at the infamous crypto trading firm.
The tale began with Aditya’s excitement as he left Google to join a small, mysterious crypto trading firm, only to find himself embroiled in a world of contradictions and grand visions. The once nondescript office in downtown Berkeley would soon become a battleground for technological aspirations, ethical dilemmas, and financial gambles.
Aditya paints a vivid picture of a man with immense intellect and grand ambitions. From chit-chat over Sliver Pizza to game nights of bughouse, Sam Bankman-Fried’s vision of a future where crypto, biotech, and altruism merged seemed all-encompassing. His plan to move the company to the Bahamas, make political donations strategically, and influence global change seemed both awe-inspiring and bewildering.
However, the initial glitz and opulence soon gave way to a reality marked by careless risk management, technical debt, and millions lost in wasteful spending. Despite the grandiosity of the plans, the downfall was marked by hubris and irresponsibility.
The downfall of FTX, the losses incurred by employees, and Sam’s current situation behind bars expose the tragic and complex side of a technological endeavor that promised so much yet delivered so little.
Aditya’s threads have not only provided a firsthand account but also raised serious questions about the culture, decision-making, and legality of the operations inside Alameda/FTX.
The series of threads ends with an invitation for more inquiries, a gesture that opens a window to further insight into the turbulent times at Alameda and FTX. The complexity and depth of Aditya’s experiences prompt a tantalizing question: Is Aditya Baradwaj planning on writing a book about his time with Sam Bankman-Fried?
Such a book could be a seminal work in understanding the recent history of crypto trading, entrepreneurial ethics, and the human story behind one of the most dramatic collapses in the world of digital finance.
As the world grapples with the rise and fall of FTX, Aditya’s threads stand as a testament to a time filled with promise and disillusionment. The story of working with Sam Bankman-Fried is far from over, and the details yet to emerge may continue to shock and enlighten those interested in the ever-volatile world of crypto.
