Stanford University’s student-run Blyth Fund has allocated a significant portion of its investment portfolio to Bitcoin. On March 5th, Kole Lee, leader of Stanford’s Blockchain Club, announced that the Blyth Fund had dedicated roughly 7% of its holdings to the digital currency.
This decision follows Lee’s persuasive pitch to the fund in February. He reportedly emphasized several factors influencing their decision, including the potential growth fueled by inflows into Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), the cyclical nature of the crypto market suggesting potential future gains, and Bitcoin’s perceived value as a hedge against economic instability and geopolitical tensions.
The specific Bitcoin purchase price was revealed by Lee to be around $45,000 per unit, and he also mentioned advocating for the Blyth Fund to invest in BlackRock’s upcoming spot Bitcoin ETF, though the final decision involved a general allocation to Bitcoin itself.
This news has sparked discussions within the financial world, with some viewing it as a sign of growing mainstream acceptance of cryptocurrency as a legitimate asset class. However, others remain cautious, citing the inherent volatility associated with Bitcoin and the uncertainty surrounding the long-term viability of the crypto market.
The Blyth Fund’s decision comes amidst a period of renewed interest in cryptocurrency. With major institutions like BlackRock exploring Bitcoin ETF offerings, it remains to be seen if this allocation by Stanford’s student-run fund marks a turning point for wider institutional adoption.
