Satoshi Nakamoto is a mysterious figure. In the decade since the creation of Bitcoin, no-one has quite managed to figure out quite who he is. In this blog, we’re going to be addressing six rumours which have surfaced regarding the inventor of the world’s most popular cryptocurrency.
1. Who is he, and why is he famous?
Satoshi Nakamoto is thought to be a pseudonym, used by whoever it was who invented Bitcoin. It was a name first picked up on in 2008, when a white paper regarding the cryptocurrency was issued to a mailing list full of advocates for the system.
Although the name given is Japanese, the white paper is written in perfect English – so, not only do we not know exactly who Nakamoto is, we can’t even narrow him down through nationality.
2. T-shirts
A merchandising niche has been built aiming to capitalise on the uncertainty surrounding Nakamoto’s identity. You can buy T-shirts with a number of different slogans, including:
• I am Satoshi Nakamoto.
• Who is Satoshi Nakamoto?
• Where in the world is Satoshi Nakamoto?
3. Is ‘he’ actually ‘them’?
Some theorise that Bitcoin is a joint creation of four globally-renowned Japanese companies.
This belief arises from the conjoined names of Samsung and Toshiba – ‘Satoshi’ – and Nakamichi and Motorola – ‘Nakamoto’ – forming the inventor’s moniker.
4. Nakamoto could be Nick Szabo
Many see US computer scientist Nick Szabo as the inventor of Bitcoin. This is because he came up with the concept of cryptocurrency in the first place, with Bit Gold. Szabo himself refuses this theory, however.
5. Is Nakamoto Craig Steven Wright?
In 2016, Australian entrepreneur Craig Wright told the BBC that he had invented Bitcoin. He was even arrested by Australian police. However, he failed to provide convincing evidence to support the claim.
6. Could Nakamoto be Dorian Nakamoto?
In 2014, US news reported that Satoshi had been found in California, living under the name of Dorian Prentice Satoshi Nakamoto. However, Dorian, who was working as a physicist, denied these claims.
Whoever Satoshi Nakamoto really is, he’s been keeping us guessing for the best part of 10 years now!
