People Who Own Bitcoin (BTC) - A Short List

Bitcoin (BTC) has undoubtedly revolutionized the financial landscape, but despite its widespread use, understanding how many individuals or entities actually own 1 BTC remains a complex task. 

The decentralized and pseudonymous nature of Bitcoin makes it challenging to determine ownership with certainty. Nevertheless, blockchain data and various surveys help paint a picture of how Bitcoin ownership is distributed.

As of March 2023, blockchain analytics from Bitinfocharts show that roughly 827,000 Bitcoin addresses hold at least 1 BTC, which accounts for approximately 4.5% of all addresses on the network. However, since one person or entity can control multiple addresses, the actual number of unique holders is likely lower. 

A 2020 survey conducted by Glassnode revealed that just 23.6% of Bitcoin owners possess more than 1 BTC, suggesting that most Bitcoin holders own smaller amounts.

Additionally, the ownership distribution is disproportionately skewed, with a small group of large holders—often referred to as "whales"—controlling a significant portion of the Bitcoin supply. As of 2023, the top 1% of Bitcoin addresses control more than 90% of the total BTC in circulation. 

Below, we explore some of the most influential people and entities who own Bitcoin, from the cryptocurrency’s mysterious creator to large corporations making waves in the digital asset space.

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1. Satoshi Nakamoto – The Mysterious Creator

The identity of Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin's pseudonymous creator, remains unknown, but estimates suggest that Nakamoto holds roughly 1.1 million BTC. 

These coins, mined during Bitcoin’s early days, represent the largest single holding of Bitcoin and are yet to be moved, adding to the enigma surrounding its creator.

2. MicroStrategy – Leading with Bitcoin Investment

MicroStrategy, a publicly traded business intelligence firm led by Michael Saylor, is one of the largest corporate holders of Bitcoin. As of 2024, MicroStrategy owns more than 470,000 BTC, making it a significant player in the Bitcoin space. 

In addition to the company's holdings, Saylor himself is a notable Bitcoin advocate and owns about 17,732 BTC, further cementing his position as one of Bitcoin’s staunchest supporters.

3. Tesla – The Electric Car Giant

Under the leadership of Elon Musk, Tesla made headlines by acquiring Bitcoin as part of its balance sheet strategy. As of 2024, Tesla holds around 9,720 BTC. Musk's vocal support for Bitcoin, combined with Tesla’s investment, has contributed to increasing mainstream recognition and institutional adoption of cryptocurrency.

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4. Winklevoss Twins – The Early Investors

Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, the co-founders of the Gemini exchange, were among the earliest adopters of Bitcoin. The twins are estimated to own around 140,000 BTC combined (70,000 BTC each), securing their positions as significant Bitcoin stakeholders. Their early investment and promotion of cryptocurrency have helped bring Bitcoin to a broader audience.

5. Jack Dorsey – Bitcoin's Vocal Advocate

Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter and CEO of Block (formerly known as Square), is a well-known Bitcoin enthusiast. Block, his payment processing company, owns about 8,027 BTC. Dorsey has consistently championed Bitcoin, integrating it into his company's offerings and advocating for it as the future of decentralized finance.

6. Brian Armstrong – Leading Coinbase

As the CEO of Coinbase, one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges in the world, Brian Armstrong is likely a significant Bitcoin holder. While his personal holdings are not publicly disclosed, his influential role in the crypto industry and the massive volume of Bitcoin traded on Coinbase suggest he holds a meaningful stake in Bitcoin.

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7. Barry Silbert – A Driving Force in Crypto Investment

Barry Silbert, founder of Digital Currency Group (DCG) and Grayscale Investments, is a key figure in Bitcoin investment. Through DCG and its subsidiaries, Silbert manages billions of dollars in cryptocurrency assets, including Bitcoin. His companies' exposure to Bitcoin, along with his personal investments, make him one of the industry’s influential Bitcoin owners.

8. Matthew Roszak – The Early Advocate

Matthew Roszak, a prominent blockchain advocate and early Bitcoin investor, holds a significant amount of BTC. Roszak's contributions to the blockchain ecosystem, combined with his investments, position him as a noteworthy figure in the Bitcoin space.

9. Fred Ehrsam – Coinbase Co-Founder

Fred Ehrsam, another co-founder of Coinbase, is likely a substantial Bitcoin holder. As an early investor in Bitcoin and a key player in the cryptocurrency exchange market, Ehrsam’s portfolio is thought to include significant Bitcoin holdings, though the exact amount remains private.

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10. Chris Larsen – Ripple’s Co-Founder

Chris Larsen, the co-founder of Ripple (XRP), is another influential figure in the cryptocurrency world with significant Bitcoin holdings. Although Larsen’s primary focus is on Ripple, his substantial investments in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies demonstrate his broad engagement with the digital asset space.

11. Nikil Viswanathan – Co-Founder of Alchemy

Nikil Viswanathan, co-founder of the blockchain infrastructure company Alchemy, is another individual likely to hold a considerable amount of Bitcoin. Alchemy’s role in the blockchain industry, coupled with Viswanathan’s prominent position, suggests that he is a significant holder of Bitcoin.

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12. Celebrities Who Have Embraced Bitcoin

In addition to these tech entrepreneurs and institutional investors, several celebrities have also made headlines for their Bitcoin holdings or public endorsements of the cryptocurrency. These include:

• Elon Musk (who owns about 0.25 BTC)

• Mark Cuban

• Mike Tyson

• Maisie Williams

• Snoop Dogg

• Steven Seagal

• Kanye West

• Floyd Mayweather Jr.

• Richard Branson

These high-profile individuals have either publicly shared their Bitcoin investments or expressed their support for the cryptocurrency, further fueling its mainstream acceptance.

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Final Thoughts

The ownership of Bitcoin is highly concentrated, with a small group of individuals, corporations, and institutions holding a significant portion of the total supply. While the total number of Bitcoin holders remains difficult to determine due to the pseudonymous nature of the network, it’s clear that Bitcoin continues to attract influential figures from diverse sectors. 

As the cryptocurrency landscape evolves, the role of these major holders will remain integral to Bitcoin’s story, shaping its future as both an investment asset and a decentralized financial tool.

Read Also: Bitcoin Dominance Hits New High! Is This Bearish for Crypto?

FAQ

Q: How many people own 1 Bitcoin or more?
A: As of March 2023, approximately 827,000 addresses hold 1 BTC or more, according to Bitinfocharts.

Q: Who is the largest known holder of Bitcoin?
A: The largest known holder of Bitcoin is Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin, who is estimated to control around 1.1 million BTC, mined in the early days of Bitcoin.

Q: Why is Bitcoin ownership so concentrated?
A: Bitcoin ownership is highly concentrated due to the early adoption by a small group of investors, tech enthusiasts, and institutional players.

Q: Do celebrities own Bitcoin?
A: Yes, several celebrities have either publicly embraced Bitcoin or are known to hold it. Notable celebrities include Elon Musk, Mark Cuban, Mike Tyson, Snoop Dogg, and more.

Q: How can I buy Bitcoin?
A: Bitcoin can be purchased on various cryptocurrency exchanges like Bitrue

Q: What are the risks of owning Bitcoin?
A: Bitcoin can be volatile, and its value can fluctuate significantly. 

Bitrue Official Website:

Website: https://www.bitrue.com/

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