What is Coinbase's Outside Activities Policy?

It requires disclosing side projects; bans anything competing with Coinbase products, even if disclosed earlier. Approval isn't guaranteed forever.

Can you get fired for a side project at Coinbase?

Yes, even pre-disclosed ones if they "materially compete," as in this AI trading case. Retaliation claims possible but unproven.

Should I disclose side projects when joining Big Tech?

Always, per contracts—but know it's no shield. Get written approval from Legal, not just HR.

🧠 Engineering Culture

Coinbase Axes Engineer for Pre-Disclosed AI Trading App: Side Hustle Nightmare Unfolds

You build a passion project for years, disclose it upfront to your dream job, and still get canned. One engineer's Coinbase saga exposes the razor-thin line between ambition and 'violation.'

theAIcatchup Apr 08, 2026 4 min read

Coinbase office with a fired engineer holding an AI trading app sign

⚡ Key Takeaways

Disclosing side projects upfront doesn't guarantee protection if they later compete with company products. 𝕏
Coinbase's firing highlights retaliation risks when pushing back on policy enforcement. 𝕏
This signals tighter controls on engineer side hustles amid AI and crypto competition. 𝕏

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theAIcatchup

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#AI trading #Coinbase firing #employment policy #side projects

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Originally reported by dev.to

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