What does it mean to be a Bitcoin development company? We will explore how MicroStrategy, a leading provider of enterprise analytics and mobility software, has embraced Bitcoin as a strategic asset and a source of innovation.
Bitcoin is the world’s first and most widely used decentralized digital currency. It is powered by a network of computers that run a software protocol that enables peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries. Bitcoin is also a scarce and durable asset that can serve as a store of value and a hedge against inflation.
MicroStrategy has recognized the potential of Bitcoin as both a technology and an asset. In August 2020, the company announced that it had adopted Bitcoin as its primary treasury reserve asset, investing $250 million to acquire 21,454 bitcoins. Since then, the company has increased its Bitcoin holdings to over 114,000 bitcoins, worth more than $5 billion at current prices.
Tekedia Mini-MBA edition 16 (Feb 10 – May 3, 2025) opens registrations; register today for early bird discounts.
Tekedia AI in Business Masterclass opens registrations here.
Join Tekedia Capital Syndicate and invest in Africa’s finest startups here.
But MicroStrategy is not just a Bitcoin investor. It is also a Bitcoin developer. The company has launched several initiatives to support the growth and adoption of the Bitcoin network and ecosystem. These include:
MicroStrategy World Now: A virtual event that showcases how organizations can leverage Bitcoin and other digital technologies to transform their business models and gain a competitive edge.
Bitcoin for Corporations: A free online course that teaches executives and entrepreneurs how to buy, store, and use Bitcoin as part of their corporate strategy.
Bitcoin Strategy ETF: A proposed exchange-traded fund that would track the performance of companies that are aligned with the Bitcoin vision and have invested in or adopted Bitcoin as a core asset.
Hope.com: A website that promotes the positive social impact of Bitcoin and features stories of individuals and organizations that have benefited from using Bitcoin. –
Macro Strategy: A subsidiary of MicroStrategy that holds and manages the company’s Bitcoin assets and provides consulting services to other entities that want to adopt Bitcoin as a treasury reserve asset.
By becoming a Bitcoin development company, MicroStrategy has positioned itself as a leader and innovator in the digital economy. The company has also demonstrated its commitment to advancing the mission and vision of Bitcoin: to create a more open, fair, and inclusive financial system for the world.
One of the most obvious risks that MicroStrategy faces is the volatility of Bitcoin’s price. Bitcoin is known for its high price fluctuations, which can result in huge gains or losses for investors and holders. MicroStrategy has accumulated more than 100,000 Bitcoins, which means that any change in the price of Bitcoin can have a significant impact on its balance sheet and earnings.
For example, in September 2021, MicroStrategy reported a net loss of $419.9 million due to the decrease in the fair value of its Bitcoin holdings. On the other hand, in June 2021, MicroStrategy reported a net income of $555.5 million due to the increase in the fair value of its Bitcoin holdings. Therefore, MicroStrategy’s financial performance is highly dependent on the price movements of Bitcoin, which can expose it to high levels of uncertainty and risk.
Another risk that MicroStrategy faces is the regulatory uncertainty around Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies in general. Different countries and jurisdictions have different laws and regulations regarding the legality, taxation, and usage of cryptocurrencies. Some countries, such as China, have banned or restricted the use of cryptocurrencies, while others, such as El Salvador, have adopted Bitcoin as legal tender.
These divergent and evolving regulatory frameworks can pose challenges and obstacles for MicroStrategy as a Bitcoin development company, as it may have to comply with different rules and requirements in different markets.
Moreover, MicroStrategy may face legal actions or sanctions from regulators or authorities if it violates any laws or regulations related to cryptocurrencies. For example, in August 2021, MicroStrategy was sued by a group of shareholders who claimed that the company’s Bitcoin strategy was misleading and violated securities laws.
A third risk that MicroStrategy faces is the security and operational risk of managing and storing its large Bitcoin holdings. As a Bitcoin development company, MicroStrategy has to ensure that its Bitcoin assets are safe and secure from hackers, thieves, or technical glitches.
The company has to use reliable and trustworthy custodial services or wallets to store its Bitcoins and implement robust security measures and protocols to prevent unauthorized access or loss of its Bitcoins. However, even with these precautions, there is always a possibility that MicroStrategy’s Bitcoins could be compromised or stolen by malicious actors or due to human error or system failure.
For example, in December 2020, a hacker stole more than $600 million worth of cryptocurrencies from Poly Network, a decentralized finance platform that MicroStrategy had invested in.
To mitigate these risks, MicroStrategy has adopted several strategies and measures. For instance, to reduce its exposure to Bitcoin’s price volatility, MicroStrategy has diversified its revenue streams by offering software products and services to its customers. The company has also hedged some of its Bitcoin positions by issuing convertible senior notes and secured notes that are linked to the price of Bitcoin.
To cope with the regulatory uncertainty around cryptocurrencies, MicroStrategy has engaged with regulators and policymakers to advocate for a favorable and clear regulatory environment for Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies. The company has also complied with all applicable laws and regulations in the jurisdictions where it operates.
To enhance its security and operational capabilities, MicroStrategy has partnered with reputable and experienced custodial providers and wallet providers to store and manage its Bitcoins. The company has also implemented strict security policies and procedures to safeguard its Bitcoins from unauthorized access or loss.
MicroStrategy is a leading Bitcoin development company that has invested heavily in Bitcoin and has launched various initiatives to support and promote the adoption of the cryptocurrency. However, as a Bitcoin development company, MicroStrategy also faces some significant risks that could affect its performance and reputation.
These risks include the volatility of Bitcoin’s price, the regulatory uncertainty around cryptocurrencies, and the security and operational risk of managing and storing its large Bitcoin holdings. To mitigate these risks, MicroStrategy has adopted several strategies and measures such as diversifying its revenue streams, hedging its Bitcoin positions, engaging with regulators and policymakers, partnering with reliable custodial providers and wallet providers, and implementing robust security policies and procedures.