Eclipse founder Neel Somani steps down, focusing on machine learning research

The founder of the Ethereum Layer 2 network Eclipse, Neel Somani, stepped down in October 2025 and shifted his focus to research areas such as machine learning.

Eclipse Labs disclosed that Somani founded Eclipse Labs in 2022, initially positioned as a rollup service provider, and transitioned to developing the Ethereum Layer 2 network in 2023. After completing a $50 million Series A funding round in 2024, he transitioned from CEO to Executive Chairman. The related adjustments were founder-led and pre-planned, with no changes to his equity or board power.

Somani's departure marks the official end of his leadership role at Eclipse, as the company enters a new phase of development led by a new leadership team.