MicroStrategy, founded by Michael Saylor almost 35 years ago, has undergone a seismic shift in its market presence. Once a discreet business intelligence software firm, the company saw an astonishing 337% surge in its stock in 2023 to $536, outperforming major U.S. counterparts like Nvidia and Meta.
As of today, January 12, 2024, Bitcoin is valued at $45,920, amplifying Saylor’s strategic move into the crypto space. His personal Bitcoin holdings, totaling 17,732 BTC at an average price of $9,882, now value over $600 million. Meanwhile, MicroStrategy holds a substantial 189,150 Bitcoins, acquired at an average price of $31,168, amounting to a staggering $8.69 billion.
MicroStrategy’s unexpected foray into cryptocurrency began in mid-2020 when, under Saylor’s leadership, it purchased $530 million in idle funds towards Bitcoin investments. This strategic decision allowed investors to indirectly access the cryptocurrency through the company’s stocks, steering its stock value upward.
However, recent developments around spot-bitcoin ETFs have cast a shadow over MicroStrategy’s once-humiliating position. The stock has experienced a decline of -5.21% from the previous closure and -17.38% over the past 5 trading sessions, indicating a potential reevaluation by investors.
Despite the apparent setback, MicroStrategy holds a unique position. While ETFs operate passively, the company retains the flexibility to actively leverage its Bitcoin holdings. Whether this approval becomes a turning point for MicroStrategy or an obstacle is a question that only time can answer.
Intriguingly, Michael Saylor, the founder who guided MicroStrategy through its evolution, now serves as the executive chairman, witnessing the consequences of a bold move that has reshaped the company’s trajectory. Just recently Saylor asserted that markets shouldn’t underestimate the significance of Spot Bitcoin ETF’s potential approval.
John E. Deaton, a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency community, recently expressed his approval of Michael Saylor’s aggressive approach to acquiring Bitcoin. Deaton tweeted that he believes Saylor is strongly committed to expanding his Bitcoin portfolio and even aims to surpass Satoshi Nakamoto’s holdings.
