Bitcoin, the first and most popular cryptocurrency, has been making headlines around the world for its meteoric rise in value. Since its inception in 2009, bitcoin has gone from being worth just a few cents to over $60,000 per coin in 2021. This incredible rise in value has led many people to invest in bitcoin, hoping to make a quick profit. In this article, we will take a look at some of the people who have made money on bitcoin.
1. The Winklevoss Twins
Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, famously known for their legal battle with Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, are also early investors in bitcoin. In 2013, they invested $11 million in bitcoin, when it was worth just $120 per coin. Today, their investment is worth over $1 billion. The twins have also launched their own cryptocurrency exchange, Gemini, which is one of the most popular exchanges in the world.
2. Tony Gallippi
Tony Gallippi is the co-founder of BitPay, a payment processing company that allows merchants to accept bitcoin payments. Gallippi was an early believer in bitcoin and saw its potential as a payment system. He has made a fortune through BitPay, which has processed over $5 billion in bitcoin payments since its inception. Gallippi is estimated to have a net worth of around $20 million.
3. Roger Ver
Roger Ver, also known as the “Bitcoin Jesus,” is a bitcoin millionaire and one of the earliest investors in the cryptocurrency. He has been a vocal advocate for bitcoin and has invested in various bitcoin-related startups, including BitPay and Ripple. Ver is estimated to have a net worth of around $50 million.
4. Charlie Shrem
Charlie Shrem is an early bitcoin adopter and entrepreneur. He co-founded BitInstant, a bitcoin exchange that allowed users to buy and sell bitcoin quickly and easily. BitInstant was one of the most popular bitcoin exchanges at the time, and it was used by thousands of people. Shrem became a millionaire at the age of 22, but his career was cut short when he was arrested for money laundering in 2014. He spent two years in prison but was released in 2016.
5. Barry Silbert
Barry Silbert is the founder and CEO of Digital Currency Group, a company that invests in bitcoin and blockchain startups. Silbert is an early investor in bitcoin and has made several successful investments in the cryptocurrency. He is also the founder of Grayscale Investments, which manages the Bitcoin Investment Trust, a fund that allows investors to gain exposure to bitcoin without having to buy and store the cryptocurrency themselves. Silbert is estimated to have a net worth of around $400 million.
Conclusion
Bitcoin has created many millionaires over the years, and the above-mentioned individuals are just a few examples. However, investing in bitcoin is not without its risks. The cryptocurrency market is highly volatile, and the value of bitcoin can fluctuate wildly in a short period of time. Therefore, it is important to do your research and invest wisely. As with any investment, it’s important to remember that there is no guarantee of success, and you should never invest more than you can afford to lose.