Bitcoin News Today: Harvard Invests $116.7M in Bitcoin ETFs, Outpaces Tech and Gold Holdings

Harvard University's shifting stance on Bitcoin reflects a broader institutional recognition of the cryptocurrency’s growing significance. In 2018, the university publicly speculated that Bitcoin had a higher likelihood of reaching $100,000 than collapsing entirely, a bold forecast at a time when the asset was trading near $6,000 [1]. This statement underscored a forward-looking perspective that contrasted with more bearish views from some quarters, including Harvard’s own Kenneth Rogoff, who had previously suggested Bitcoin might fall to $100 by 2028.

The intervening years have seen a dramatic turnaround in the cryptocurrency’s performance. As of 2025, Bitcoin is trading well above $118,000, and Harvard has taken a significant step by investing $116.7 million in Bitcoin ETFs, holding 1.9 million IBIT shares. This move has positioned the university among the top 1300 investors in the ETF, ranking it 29th and surpassing its holdings in major technology firms like Nvidia and Google [1]. This strategic allocation signals a shift from speculation to active investment, reflecting a more concrete endorsement of Bitcoin’s potential as a store of value and investment vehicle.

Harvard’s investment also places it ahead of its gold holdings through the SPDR Gold Trust, where it holds approximately $100 million. This contrast highlights the university’s preference for Bitcoin over traditional safe-haven assets, a move that underscores the evolving nature of institutional asset management. It also aligns with a growing trend among universities and endowments to explore diversified portfolios that include exposure to digital assets.

The broader academic community has taken notice of Harvard’s shift, seeing it as a sign of Bitcoin’s growing legitimacy within institutional circles. The university’s early engagement with the cryptocurrency has contributed to a more nuanced discussion on its role in the future of finance. While Harvard’s 2018 comments were speculative in nature, they were based on a careful consideration of market dynamics and technological developments. The university has not made any definitive claims about Bitcoin’s future price, instead emphasizing a balanced, long-term approach that values innovation and strategic foresight.

Harvard’s journey with Bitcoin demonstrates how academic institutions can influence both public and private sector decision-making. As the line between academia and finance continues to blur, institutions like Harvard are expected to play an increasingly important role in shaping the regulatory, ethical, and technological frameworks around digital assets. Their early engagement with Bitcoin may serve as a catalyst for broader acceptance and integration of cryptocurrencies into mainstream financial systems.

Source:

[1] 2018: Harvard: “Bitcoin is more likely to hit $100 than ...” (https://www.facebook.com/groups/61155****835809/posts/1264819421509650/)

[2] Harvard Embraces Bitcoin: Witness Their Remarkable Journey (https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/6898b2bf9af91a539f4388b1/)