MARA CEO Urges Retail Investors to Buy Bitcoin and ‘Forget About It’
Fred Thiel, CEO of Bitcoin mining giant MARA Holdings, is advocating a long-term “invest-and-forget” strategy for retail investors looking to gain exposure to Bitcoin. In a January 2 interview with FOX Business, Thiel highlighted Bitcoin’s consistent price performance over the years as a compelling reason for retail participation.
Bitcoin’s Proven Growth
Thiel emphasized that Bitcoin’s price has only declined in three of the past 14 calendar years, underscoring its resilience and growth potential.
“My recommendation, to my kids, for example, is they put just a little bit away every month in Bitcoin and forget about it,” said Thiel. “Over two, three, four years, it grows, and that’s what people do.”
On average, Bitcoin has risen between 29% and 50% annually, making it an attractive long-term investment despite its reputation for volatility.
Catalysts for Growth in 2025
Thiel also pointed to several potential catalysts for Bitcoin’s growth in 2025, including:
- Increased institutional adoption, fueled by the launch of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
- A friendlier regulatory environment under the incoming Trump Administration.
- The possibility of the United States adopting Bitcoin as a reserve asset, which could further drive demand.
These developments could contribute to a more favorable landscape for Bitcoin and enhance its appeal to retail and institutional investors alike.
Investor Sentiment and Adoption
Bitcoin’s popularity among enthusiasts remains strong. A recent poll by MicroStrategy executive chairman Michael Saylor found that 77.7% of 65,164 respondents plan to increase their Bitcoin holdings in 2025. While the results are skewed by Saylor’s largely pro-Bitcoin audience, they highlight a growing confidence in Bitcoin’s future.
MARA Holdings mirrors this sentiment in its corporate strategy. The company has adopted a treasury policy to retain all Bitcoin it mines and leverage financial instruments to expand its reserves. As of 2024, MARA held 44,394 Bitcoin, worth $4.3 billion at current prices, marking a 192.5% increase from its holdings at the beginning of the year.
MARA’s Rising Bitcoin Holdings
MARA’s Bitcoin strategy aligns closely with that of MicroStrategy, the largest corporate Bitcoin holder. While MicroStrategy leads with 446,400 Bitcoin, MARA ranks second among publicly traded companies. The value of MARA’s Bitcoin holdings soared by nearly 120% in 2024, reflecting both Bitcoin’s appreciation and MARA’s increased mining activity.
Balancing Risk and Reward
Thiel acknowledged Bitcoin’s volatility, calling it a relatively risky asset compared to traditional financial instruments. However, he maintains that a disciplined, long-term approach can yield significant rewards for those willing to weather market fluctuations.
Takeaway for Retail Investors
Thiel’s advice to retail investors is clear: Buy Bitcoin incrementally and let it grow over time. His confidence is rooted in Bitcoin’s historical performance, its expanding institutional adoption, and promising macroeconomic trends.
With 2025 poised to be a pivotal year for Bitcoin, investors may find this strategy appealing as the cryptocurrency continues to solidify its role in global finance.
