Michael Saylor Transforms Strategy into Major Bitcoin Holder with Nearly 500,000 Coins
Michael Saylor, executive chairman of Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy), has transformed his company from a modest software business into one of the largest corporate holders of Bitcoin. As of recent reporting, Strategy holds 499,096 Bitcoins valued at approximately $46.6 billion, though this figure can fluctuate substantially due to market volatility, according to a report from Fortune.
From 1989 to 2022, Saylor served as CEO of MicroStrategy, a software company that operated in the shadow of larger competitors. The company's fortunes changed dramatically when Saylor made the decision to use corporate funds to purchase Bitcoin. This strategic pivot has resulted in the company's stock price rising more than 2,000% since 2020.
During a recent fireside chat at FII in Miami, Saylor stated plainly: "Bitcoin outperforms everything." While he initially acquired Bitcoin as an inflation hedge, he now describes it as the most:
- Popular
- Useful
- Global
- Digital
- Interesting
- Fastest-growing asset available
The company now functions primarily as what Saylor calls "a Bitcoin treasury company." Though Strategy remains officially a data analytics business, its main activity involves selling shares and debt to finance additional Bitcoin purchases. Saylor personally owns about 10% of the company and holds more than $2 billion in Bitcoin himself.
Saylor's conviction extends to bold predictions about Bitcoin's future value. He believes the price will reach $13 million per coin by 2045, compared to approximately $94,000 today. "It's only once in 5,000 years that you create perfect money using technology," he said, suggesting that the shift toward digital capital has only just begun.
Not everyone shares Saylor's optimism. Many skeptics doubt the sustainability of Strategy's Bitcoin-focused business model. Unlike traditional currencies, Bitcoin lacks both intrinsic value and backing from any central bank or financial institution, making it highly speculative and attractive to those with significant risk tolerance.
Despite his celebrity status among Bitcoin enthusiasts, Saylor's motivations extend beyond personal gain. The billionaire plans to donate all his profits to a foundation dedicated to making education free for everyone. When asked about what brings him joy, he mentioned his homes and a koi pond, but his true passion remains creating more wealth through Bitcoin.
Strategy is not alone in its Bitcoin accumulation approach. Tokyo-listed investment firm Metaplanet has recently purchased an additional 135 Bitcoin worth $12.9 million at an average price of $95,951 per coin. This acquisition brings Metaplanet's total holdings to 2,235 BTC, up from 1,761 BTC at the end of 2023 and just 141 BTC in June 2024. The Japanese firm, which designated Bitcoin treasury operations as a core business line in December, has set targets to reach 10,000 BTC by the end of 2025 and 21,000 BTC by the end of 2026. While Metaplanet's stock experienced a slight 1.3% decline during Tuesday trading, it has gained 67.5% since the beginning of 2024 and 233.7% over the past year.
