Michael Saylor, the executive chairman and founder of MicroStrategy, has made a bold statement regarding the future of his Bitcoin fortune. In an October 21 interview with Madison Reidy on Markets with Madison, Saylor revealed his intention to "return" his wealth in Bitcoin "to the civilization" after his death. The tech mogul, who has been one of Bitcoin’s most prominent advocates, likened his decision to that of Bitcoin’s pseudonymous creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, whose 1.1 million BTC remains untouched.
As a single man with no children, Saylor explained that he views Bitcoin as a "solid foundation" upon which society can build and that he plans to leave his substantial holdings to the world. Saylor remarked, “Just like Satoshi left a million Bitcoin to the universal, I’m leaving whatever I’ve got to the civilization.”
Saylor’s Role as a Bitcoin Advocate:
Michael Saylor has become synonymous with institutional Bitcoin investment. Through his company, MicroStrategy, he has amassed the largest corporate Bitcoin reserve, with a staggering 252,220 BTC. MicroStrategy’s most recent purchase of 7,420 BTC in September 2024 pushed the company’s Bitcoin holdings to over 1% of the entire Bitcoin market. The company has seen an unrealized profit of $6 billion since its investments began.
Saylor himself owns over $1 billion worth of Bitcoin, having accumulated 17,857 BTC. This figure is based on Bitcoin’s price in August 2024 when it was trading at $56,000. With Bitcoin now trading at higher levels, Saylor’s personal Bitcoin holdings could be worth more than $1.1 billion.
A Legacy in Bitcoin:
Saylor’s view of Bitcoin transcends its value as a financial asset. He likened Bitcoin to "the recipe for civilization," referencing a biblical analogy of building on solid foundations. He stated, "Build on a solid granite foundation. What is Manhattan? It is 100-story steel buildings powered by electricity, built on the closest thing to granite you can find. That’s the recipe for civilization, that’s what Bitcoin is."
The idea of returning Bitcoin to society resonates with Saylor’s broader vision for the cryptocurrency as a long-term store of value and a fundamental asset in the global economy. If he chooses to return his BTC to the market after his passing, it could rejuvenate Bitcoin’s limited supply, which is capped at 21 million coins, with only 1.4 million yet to be mined as of January 2024.
Bitcoin and the Legacy of Satoshi Nakamoto:
Saylor’s declaration draws parallels to the legacy of Bitcoin’s mysterious creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, who is believed to own approximately 1.1 million BTC. Nakamoto’s Bitcoin wallet has remained largely untouched since his disappearance in 2011, though it received a mysterious $1.2 million transfer in January 2024. Like Nakamoto, Saylor’s decision to return his wealth to the public reflects a long-term vision for Bitcoin as an asset that can continue to benefit society after the current generation is gone.
Conclusion:
Michael Saylor’s plans to return his Bitcoin wealth to the world after his passing solidify his position as one of the most dedicated advocates for the cryptocurrency. His perspective that Bitcoin represents a solid foundation for civilization aligns with his belief in its long-term potential. As Bitcoin approaches its capped supply of 21 million, Saylor’s vision may leave a lasting impact on the future of cryptocurrency and its role in the global financial system.
