An upcoming HBO documentary set to be released on Tuesday has reignited discussions about whether my late friend Len Sassaman could be Satoshi Nakamoto, the enigmatic figure behind Bitcoin. The documentary's creator claims to have confronted an individual whom he suspects to be Satoshi, casting doubt on Len, who tragically took his own life in 2011. Nevertheless, many have compellingly argued that Len's profound technical abilities mark him as a strong candidate for this role.

Whatever claims the film might assert, I wish to highlight the Len I knew, and why I, too, find it plausible that he was indeed Satoshi.

When I first encountered Len, he appeared shy and struggled with eye contact while we chatted at Thomas Ruth's residence during a reunion at the Hill School. Len was a quiet yet brilliant teenager, showing early signs of being a remarkable computer scientist.

Throughout our discussions, particularly on significant topics like open-source software and democratization of information, Len's passion was palpable, transforming his demeanor from reserved to animated as he saw the potential in technology to shape the future positively.

In light of this upcoming release and the resulting chatter, it’s crucial to understand the values Len stood for: open and permissionless innovation, the rights of individuals, and the belief that technology could affect change. Although I can’t assert that Len was Satoshi, the intersection of his identity and values certainly allows for the possibility.

Read more: Polymarket Bettors Say HBO Documentary Will Name Len Sassaman as Satoshi Nakamoto.