Michael Saylor, the billionaire founder of MicroStrategy (now rebranded as Strategy), has become one of the most vocal proponents of Bitcoin. With a net worth of $9.3 billion, Saylor has redirected his company’s strategy to accumulate Bitcoin aggressively, amassing 592,000 coins—the largest non-ETF holding globally.
His bullish outlook suggests Bitcoin could reach $13 million per unit by 2045, implying a potential 12,770% upside for BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) ETF. Here’s why investors are paying attention.
Why Bitcoin Could Reach $13 Million
Bitcoin’s performance over the past decade—a 41,820% price surge—solidifies its status as the best-performing asset class. Saylor’s projection hinges on two key factors:
- Fixed Supply: With only 21 million coins ever to exist, scarcity could drive demand as global wealth (7% in Saylor’s base case) shifts from traditional assets (stocks, bonds, real estate) into Bitcoin.
- Institutional Adoption: Spot Bitcoin ETFs, like BlackRock’s IBIT, provide regulated exposure, attracting institutional capital from hedge funds, pensions, and sovereign wealth funds.
👉 Discover how Bitcoin ETFs are changing the investment landscape
While a 27.5% annualized return is speculative, Saylor’s conviction stems from Bitcoin’s deflationary design and growing mainstream acceptance.
BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT): A Gateway for Investors
Approved in January 2024, spot Bitcoin ETFs marked a watershed moment for crypto accessibility. IBIT emerged as the leader, with $71 billion in assets by mid-2025. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Convenience: Trade like a stock in traditional brokerage accounts—no crypto wallets or exchanges needed.
- Low Cost: 0.25% expense ratio, making it affordable for long-term holders.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ideal for institutions restricted from direct crypto purchases.
Note: ETF holders don’t own Bitcoin directly but track its price movements.
FAQs
Q: How realistic is a $13 million Bitcoin price by 2045?
A: While speculative, Bitcoin’s scarcity and adoption curve support long-term bullish cases. Saylor’s forecast assumes significant wealth redistribution into crypto.
Q: What are the risks of investing in IBIT?
A: Bitcoin’s volatility, regulatory changes, and competition from other ETFs could impact performance.
Q: Why choose IBIT over buying Bitcoin directly?
A: IBIT simplifies compliance, eliminates custody hassles, and suits tax-advantaged accounts (e.g., IRAs).
👉 Learn why institutional investors are flocking to Bitcoin ETFs
Final Thoughts
Michael Saylor’s $13 million Bitcoin thesis—and its ripple effect on IBIT—highlights crypto’s disruptive potential. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, the rise of ETFs like IBIT underscores Bitcoin’s maturation as an asset class.
Key Takeaways:
- Bitcoin’s fixed supply could drive exponential gains if adoption accelerates.
- IBIT offers a compliant, low-fee path to crypto exposure.
- Always assess risk tolerance; past performance doesn’t guarantee future results.
For investors eyeing the next decade, understanding Bitcoin’s fundamentals—and vehicles like IBIT—could be pivotal.