Archive · 3 Dec 2025
Harvard's Bitcoin Bet Suffers Losses Amid Crypto Rout
Harvard University made a big bet on Bitcoin by investing nearly half a billion dollars in a Bitcoin ETF.
However, the price of Bitcoin dropped more than 20% this quarter, causing Harvard to potentially lose up to 14% on its recent investments.
Even though Harvard's endowment is very large at $57 billion, this loss is a reminder of how risky investing in cryptocurrencies can be.
Other schools like Brown and Emory also invested in Bitcoin but to a much smaller extent.
Some experts believe crypto is too risky for long-term investors, while others are used to the ups and downs of the crypto market.
Harvard invested nearly $500 million in iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF last quarter.
Bitcoin prices dropped more than 20% this quarter, potentially causing Harvard a 14% loss.
Harvard's endowment is $57 billion, making the Bitcoin loss a small fraction of its total holdings.
Other schools like Brown and Emory also reported crypto holdings but to a much lesser extent.
Experts have differing opinions on whether crypto is suitable for long-term investors.
- Who
- Harvard University and other institutional investors
- What
- Significant losses on Bitcoin investments due to a crypto market downturn
- When
- The losses occurred after a significant investment in the third quarter of 2025
- Where
- United States, primarily affecting Harvard's endowment and other university investments
- Why
- The crypto market experienced a significant downturn, leading to a devaluation of Bitcoin holdings
- Harvard's Bitcoin Holdings
- Nearly $500 million in iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF
- Bitcoin Price Drop
- More than 20% this quarter
- Harvard's Potential Loss
- Up to 14% on recent holdings
- Bitcoin's Annual Gain
- 34% in 2025 before the retreat
- Harvard's Annual Return
- 8.2% over the past decade, 9.6% under current chief
- Other Schools' Crypto Holdings
- Brown ($14M), Emory ($52M)