U.S. Endowment Funds Boost Crypto Investments Amid Bitcoin Surge

U.S. endowment funds are increasingly investing in cryptocurrency as Bitcoin's value soars. Emory University disclosed millions in Grayscale’s Bitcoin ETF holdings in October, while the University of Austin plans a $5 million Bitcoin fund to grow its $200 million endowment.

Franklin Bi, general partner at Pantera Capital, noted a “huge shift” in institutional interest, a stark contrast to their limited participation five years ago. Bitcoin’s price has surged from $7,000 in 2020 to nearly $97,900, driven by Bitcoin ETFs and the election of crypto-friendly U.S. President Donald Trump. This rise has intensified institutional FOMO (fear of missing out) on digital assets.

The Rockefeller Foundation, managing a $4.8 billion endowment, is also weighing increased crypto exposure after investing in crypto venture funds in 2023. Chief Investment Officer Chun Lai emphasized the importance of staying ahead as digital assets gain recognition in diversified portfolios.

With institutional investors entering the crypto space, Bitcoin’s adoption as a mainstream asset class continues to grow.