Harvard University Significantly Increases Investment in BlackRock's Bitcoin ETF

By: Eliza Bennet

Harvard University, renowned for its substantial investment prowess, has made headlines with a significant increase in its stake in BlackRock's Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF), known as the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT). The university tripled its position in this fund by September 2025, holding an impressive 6.8 million shares valued at $442.8 million. This move marks a notable shift in Harvard's investment strategy, highlighting its growing confidence in cryptocurrencies as an asset class.

Initially, Harvard Management Company, responsible for managing Harvard's $57 billion endowment, ventured into the IBIT with a holding of around 1.9 million shares earlier in the year. This substantial increase reflects a strategic decision to expand its exposure to Bitcoin, further emphasizing the potential the university sees in the cryptocurrency market. This decision arrives amidst a broader trend of institutional adoption of cryptocurrencies, spurred by the growing interest in assets that provide diversification from traditional financial markets.

The performance of the IBIT has been noteworthy since its inception. A $10,000 investment in the fund at launch would now be valued at approximately $19,870, representing a 98.7% gain, significantly outperforming many traditional benchmarks such as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100. This remarkable growth trajectory has been characterized by periods of both steady advancements and sharp volatility, reflecting Bitcoin's inherent market dynamics. Recent months witnessed Bitcoin reaching unprecedented highs, although it has since experienced notable fluctuations.

The strategic shift by Harvard underscores a larger trend where institutional investors, including reputed academic institutions, are recognizing Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as potential mainstream assets. This increased interest aligns with the infrastructure advancements surrounding cryptocurrencies, which now offer greater ease of access and reliability for large-scale investors wary of traditional custody challenges. As Harvard continues to augment its crypto portfolio, its actions may influence other institutional investors to reassess their positions on digital assets in the evolving financial landscape.