Brown University Joins the Bitcoin Craze: Here’s Why You Should Care

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In a move that probably has a few Ivy League professors clutching their pearls, Brown University—yes, the prestigious institution with a name that sounds like a cozy cardigan—has bought Bitcoin. You heard that right, Bitcoin. And not just any Bitcoin, but through BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT), as revealed by a very official 13F filing. (Insert dramatic music here.)

To break it down for those who might have been living under a rock since 2010: Brown University now owns 105,000 shares of IBIT, worth nearly $5 million. Yes, that’s right. The same place where students debate the fine nuances of literary theory is now riding the Bitcoin wave. How’s that for modern academia?

Not to be left behind in the digital gold rush, Brown joins Emory University and The University of Austin (UATX) as the third US university to adopt Bitcoin. But here’s the kicker—it’s the first Ivy League institution to make this leap. And in case you missed it, Brown was recently ranked among the top 10 colleges in the U.S. (So, you know, it’s got street cred.)

The Rhode Island-based school, which boasts a jaw-dropping endowment of $7.2 billion (because who needs to buy textbooks when you can just own Bitcoin?), made this decision with a clear view of its long-term financial strategy. In 2024, it posted a return of 11.3% ($728 million), which is frankly more than my entire life savings. If you’re wondering how Brown’s endowment is diversified—think private equity, real estate, fixed income, and short-term investments. So, Bitcoin? It’s just one more shiny new toy in the toy chest.

By choosing to buy Bitcoin via IBIT, Brown is signaling that the leading cryptocurrency is no longer the wild, reckless investment of your eccentric uncle with the tinfoil hat. It’s now firmly in the realm of institutional adoption. Yes, even those stodgy financial suits are starting to take notice.

IBIT’s Shocking Inflow Streak

Meanwhile, IBIT is having a bit of a moment. In fact, it’s on a 13-day streak of consecutive inflows. On April 28, it pulled in nearly $1 billion in a single day. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t consider switching careers to work in something more profitable—like managing massive Bitcoin inflows.

And according to the always insightful folks over at SoSoValue, IBIT’s assets have now swelled to $58.7 billion. Yes, billion with a “B.” At this rate, IBIT might just be the next Starbucks. But for institutional investors. (I’ll have a tall latte with a side of Bitcoin, please.)

In case you’re wondering, Bitwise CEO Hunter Horsley had this to say about Bitcoin’s recent rally: It’s all thanks to institutional buyers. So, I guess the big players are finally taking the plunge. You know, the same guys who wear suits to work and still manage to buy up all the Bitcoins.

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2025-05-02 20:54