1. Limited Supply
Unlike fiat currencies, Bitcoin’s emission is strictly limited to 21 million coins. This means that over time, as demand grows, it will become increasingly scarce, which could lead to a price increase.
Example:
- In 2009, when Bitcoin was first created, its price was close to zero.
- By 2013, thanks to mining and growing interest in cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin’s price reached $100.
- In 2017, amid the cryptocurrency hype, Bitcoin’s price skyrocketed to $20,000.
- The following years were marked by correction and volatility, but by 2024, Bitcoin started to grow again and has already reached $57,000.
2. Increasing Institutional Demand
More and more large companies and investors, such as MicroStrategy, Tesla, PayPal, Grayscale Investments, and the recent launch of several Bitcoin Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) in January 2024, are starting to consider Bitcoin as a legitimate asset and a hedge against inflation. This broadens the investor base and leads to a significant inflow of capital into the market, which, in turn, can lead to price growth.
Example:
- In 2020, MicroStrategy, a business intelligence company, started investing in Bitcoin, buying 29,646 BTC for $650 million.
- In 2021, Tesla, an electric car manufacturer, invested $1.5 billion in Bitcoin.
- In 2022, PayPal, a payment system, started allowing its users to buy, sell, and store Bitcoin.
3. Infrastructure Development
Bitcoin’s infrastructure is constantly evolving, making it more accessible to a wider range of users and facilitating new financial opportunities. This can lead to a significant increase in demand for Bitcoin, which, in turn, can lead to price growth.
Examples:
- Cryptocurrency exchanges: Platforms like Coinbase, Binance, and Kraken simplify buying and selling Bitcoin.
- Cryptocurrency storage: Secure storage options like Ledger, Trezor, and Coinbase Custody provide peace of mind for Bitcoin holders.
- Lightning Network: This second layer enables fast and cheap transactions, expanding use cases for Bitcoin.
- Emerging Borrowing Options: The availability of cryptocurrency loans secured by Bitcoin as collateral allows users to access capital without selling their holdings. This can unlock additional investment opportunities and further increase demand for Bitcoin.
This combination of infrastructure advancements and new financial tools broadens the appeal of Bitcoin, potentially fueling its future growth.
4. Global Economic Instability
In times of geopolitical tensions, inflation, and economic crises, Bitcoin can be seen as a “safe haven” for investors concerned about the devaluation of fiat currencies. This can lead to increased demand for Bitcoin and, consequently, to price growth.
Example:
- In 2022, amid the geopolitical crisis caused by the war in Ukraine, many investors turned to Bitcoin as a safe haven asset.
- In 2023, amid high inflation in the US, Bitcoin demonstrated its resilience to inflationary risks.
5. Technological Innovations
Bitcoin is a constantly evolving technology. New developments, such as Taproot, Schnorr signatures, MimbleWimble, can make it more secure, confidential, and scalable, which can lead to increased usage and, consequently, to price growth.
Example:
- Taproot, a Bitcoin protocol update activated in 2021, increased the confidentiality and security of transactions.
- Schnorr signatures, a new type of signature that will be added to Bitcoin in the future, will make transactions more compact and secure.
- MimbleWimble, a privacy technology, can be integrated into Bitcoin, making its transactions anonymous.
It is important to note that Bitcoin is a high-risk asset. Its price can fluctuate sharply, and it can be subject to manipulation. Therefore, it is important to carefully study the market before investing in Bitcoin.
