The first time I heard about Thorchain’s fork, I’ll be honest—I didn’t think much of it. In a space where every project claims to be a game-changer, another fork felt like just another headline. But as I dug deeper, spoke to developers, and watched the recruitment trends, something became crystal clear: Thorchain’s fork could be a massive talent magnet in 2024. And I’m not just saying that for hype—I’ve seen it firsthand in the recruitment trenches.
The Surge in Cross-Chain Skills
One of the biggest draws for developers and engineers right now is cross-chain capability. It’s no secret that blockchain ecosystems are fragmented. Developers are itching to work on something that solves this issue, and Thorchain’s fork is front and centre with its unique approach to cross-chain liquidity. But here’s the kicker: it’s not just any developer who can dive into this kind of project.
A few months back, I was tasked with filling a senior engineer role for a DeFi project that wanted to expand its cross-chain functionality. After filtering through a flood of applications, it became evident that finding someone with deep knowledge of cross-chain architecture was like finding a needle in a haystack. This is where Thorchain’s fork shines. Its focus on decentralised liquidity across chains is pushing more developers to upskill in this niche.
If you’re a developer with even a hint of cross-chain experience, you’re in demand. And guess what? The demand is only going to skyrocket in 2024. Thorchain’s fork is essentially creating a playground for these skills, and that’s why I believe we’ll see more talent flocking to projects in this space.
The ‘DeFi Maximalist’ Attraction
If you’ve spent any time in the recruitment side of crypto, you’ll know that developers have strong opinions—especially when it comes to decentralisation. Thorchain’s commitment to a fully decentralised protocol (one that doesn’t even have wrapped assets) is what makes it such a magnet for “DeFi maximalists.” And yes, that’s a term I’ve heard more than once in interviews!
Last month, I placed a senior blockchain engineer with a project that had a strong decentralised ethos, and the number one reason they accepted the role? The commitment to decentralisation. It wasn’t about the salary or even the tech stack—it was the vision. I’m seeing more developers prioritising this in their career choices, and Thorchain’s fork offers exactly that.
Security Experts: The Next Big Push
Security in DeFi has always been a hot topic, and for good reason. Just ask any project that’s suffered a hack or vulnerability exploit. Thorchain’s journey hasn’t been without its bumps either—security breaches in the past have made it a headline for all the wrong reasons. But here’s the twist: every challenge has made it stronger.
One of the most intriguing things about Thorchain’s fork is the emphasis on bolstering its security measures. This is a huge draw for blockchain security experts. And let me tell you, security talent is in short supply.
A while back, I was recruiting for a firm that had just been through a nasty exploit. Their immediate need? Security experts with DeFi experience. The scramble to find someone with the right blend of blockchain security and DeFi knowledge was intense. What I’ve learned from that experience is that developers and engineers with security chops are some of the most coveted hires in the blockchain space.
Community Engagement: The Secret Weapon
You can have the most technically sophisticated project, but without community, you’re building in a vacuum. What sets Thorchain apart—and ultimately keeps talent pouring in—is its community-first approach. In fact, I’ve consistently noticed during recruitment that candidates are not only drawn to projects with strong technical foundations, but also to those that make them feel part of something bigger than just code. As a result, this sense of belonging creates a unique pull toward Thorchain’s ecosystem.
Recently, I was hiring for a blockchain project that put a lot of emphasis on community engagement. They weren’t the most technically advanced, nor did they have the deepest pockets, but the level of interest in the roles was overwhelming. Why? Because the community was involved in every aspect of the project’s evolution.
The 2024 Talent Magnet
So, is Thorchain’s fork the talent magnet for 2024? In my experience, all signs point to yes. The project has the right mix of cutting-edge tech (cross-chain liquidity), decentralisation principles that resonate with DeFi maximalists, a renewed focus on security, and a deeply engaged community.
In the crypto recruitment game, I’ve seen firsthand that the projects attracting top talent aren’t always the flashiest or those with the biggest budgets. The ones pulling in the best developers and engineers are those that offer real opportunities for growth, innovation, and impact. From my perspective, Thorchain’s fork stands ready to deliver exactly that.
If you’re a developer or security expert looking to make your next move in 2024, Thorchain’s fork should be on your radar. The landscape is shifting, and those who get in early are likely to find themselves at the centre of one of the most exciting projects in crypto next year.
