How Cathie Wood Got Started With Bitcoin In 2015: 'We Had To Ask The NYSE For Permission'

Cathie Wood sees Bitcoin BTC/USD as an essential asset for institutional investors, recapping her history with the most valuable cryptocurrency since 2015.

What Happened: Speaking at Bitcoin Investor Week with Anthony Pompliano at the end of February, ARK Invest CEO Cathie Wood said she believes Bitcoin has become "undeniable" as an investment force, making it "absolutely essential that institutional asset allocators take a look at this asset" or risk failing their "fiduciary responsibility."

Wood recalled ARK's early adoption of Bitcoin in 2015 when BTC was just $200–$250 despite significant resistance.

"We had to ask the New York Stock Exchange permission to put it in," she recalled, noting they were limited to just 1% allocation.

This early adoption faced skepticism, with a prominent ETF publication dismissing it as a "great marketing gimmick."

“I Am Certain About 21 Million Units”

Wood highlighted Bitcoin's consistent long-term growth, pointing out that BTC's three-year moving average has increased every year.

She also stressed its low correlation with traditional assets, making it a unique hedge during global uncertainty.

She linked Bitcoin to ARK's “Big Ideas 2025” framework, which covers five key innovation platforms: robotics, energy storage, artificial intelligence, blockchain technology and multiomic sequencing.

Within this ecosystem, Wood sees Bitcoin as a rare constant, stating, "I am certain about 21 million units."

Also Read: Will Bitcoin Test $69,000? Watch This Date For The End Of The ‘Window of Weakness’

Wood's Confidence In Strategic Reserve

Wood expressed strong confidence in the establishment of a U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve this year, citing its political momentum, “It became a one-issue voter issue that brought in young people.” She noted 50 Bitcoin-related bills are advancing across 22 states, with Texas, Arizona and Utah leading the charge.

Regarding funding the reserve, Wood suggested "Our gold is at cost on our balance sheet, land is at cost… We could sell a little bit off."

She referenced senator Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), who pointed out that one-third of U.S. land—and 50% of Wyoming's land—is still listed on government balance sheets at cost.

Wood predicts economic policy shifts under the new administration will favor Bitcoin, comparing the current moment to the Reagan Revolution but asserting "This Revolution will dwarf the Reagan Revolution."

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