Cointelegraph CEO Departs for AI Startup as Crypto Media Faces Headwinds

Several major crypto media outlets have shut down or reduced headcount over the past year amid declining search traffic. Cointelegraph may have been among the hardest hit. Its former chief executive is now moving into the artificial intelligence sector.

After nearly five years at Cointelegraph, Yana Prikhodchenko has stepped down to become co-founder and CEO of Phase, an AI-agent blockchain venture. The project has a $45 million funding commitment from its founder, Kirill Eves.

In an exclusive interview with BeInCrypto, Prikhodchenko confirmed she still holds a stake in Cointelegraph even after leaving.

“I remain a shareholder, but I’ve left all operational and management roles.”

Prikhodchenko, who previously held executive roles in banking and insurance, led Cointelegraph’s push beyond journalism into areas such as research, marketing and events. She stated that its headcount exceeded 200 during her time there.

Why Is Cointelegraph’s CEO Leaving Now?

Prikhodchenko described the move as a personal choice after spending years developing the media business.

“After nearly five years at one company, building its day-to-day operations and its team, launching new services and products together, there comes a point when you want the next big challenge.”

She said her growing interest in AI was a factor. Still, her exit comes at a challenging time for crypto journalism.

Blockworks closed its newsroom in October 2025 to focus on data products. DL News ceased operations in May 2026 despite a 270% revenue increase in its research arm.

According to Reuters Institute data, Google search referrals to publishers dropped 33% globally between November 2024 and November 2025.

Cointelegraph has also faced questions about its online approach. Archived records indicate it ran sections related to gambling in 2025. Its editorial policy in April 2026 subsequently banned such coverage.

Some reports have tied declining search visibility to Google’s spam enforcement, though no formal penalty against Cointelegraph has been disclosed.

When asked about reported job cuts, Prikhodchenko declined to comment, referring questions about current staffing to the company.

She rejected the idea that broader industry difficulties drove her departure.

“Hard times were never the reason to leave. Especially when the market is moving in cycles, it goes up and down.”

Does Her New Venture Have Cointelegraph Connections?

There are already business links.

Phase founder Eves also founded Unlimit, which co-hosted Cointelegraph’s LONGITUDE events. Cointelegraph covered Phase’s October 29 launch before Prikhodchenko took the role.

She denied any involvement in that coverage, stating editorial decisions were made independently.

“No. Cointelegraph’s coverage is fully independent. Phase was covered like any other project.”

Prikhodchenko also confirmed she received equity in Phase, giving her financial stakes in both companies. No direct corporate ownership between them has been identified.