Sky Wee Sounds Alarm as Retail Investors Exit Bitcoin, Ceding Ground to Wall Street

“Bitcoin doesn’t need Wall Street. Wall Street needs Bitcoin.” With that bold declaration, Sky Wee — one of Asia’s most influential crypto voices — has reignited a growing debate about the future of Bitcoin and who it’s ultimately for.

As Bitcoin prices soar, driven by massive institutional accumulation, a quiet but dangerous shift is underway: retail investors are pulling back. According to data from River, individuals now hold 247,000 fewer Bitcoin than they did at the start of the year, while institutions and ETFs have added over 225,000 coins to their balance sheets.

Wee, a former esports star turned Web3 investor and founder of Sky Ventures, warns this trend could threaten the very essence of Bitcoin as a decentralized, people-powered currency.

“The real risk isn’t institutions buying Bitcoin — it’s that retail investors are not,” says Wee. “Bitcoin was meant to serve the people, not just hedge funds.”

From Gaming to Crypto Evangelism

Wee’s rise to prominence is a uniquely Web3 story. With over 4 million followers across TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, and as an Official Binance Influencer, he’s more than just a public figure — he’s a strategic connector between East and West in the crypto ecosystem.

But behind the persona is a serious investor. Through Sky Ventures, Elevate Ventures, and ATF Capital, Wee has helped raise more than $50 million for over 50 blockchain projects, including names like Manta Network, Elfin Metaverse, Bracket Labs, and xProtocol.

Named one of Forbes’ “30 Under 30 Blockchain Visionaries” in 2025 and a member of the Forbes Business Council, Wee’s influence is both cultural and financial.

Institutional Surge, Retail Retreat

In 2024, retail investors offloaded 525,000 Bitcoin, much of it scooped up by institutions that added 831,000 BTC to their coffers. This reversal of ownership is not just a market trend — it’s an ideological flashpoint.

While institutions bring liquidity and credibility to the crypto markets, Wee warns that convenience often comes at the cost of sovereignty.

“Bitcoin remains permissionless, borderless, and self-custodied,” he explains. “But when people flock to ETFs and custodial platforms, they give up control — and that’s when decentralization starts to unravel.”

The Mempool and Mining Monopoly

Signs of centralization aren’t just in wallets — they’re in the network’s infrastructure. Bitcoin’s mempool, once a bustling highway of global transactions, is now seeing a slowdown. Meanwhile, mining has shifted from garages to industrial-scale operations in Texas and Scandinavia, out of reach for everyday users.

“What started as grassroots is now dominated by capital-rich players with custom chips and cheap energy,” Wee observes. “We’re at risk of repeating the mistakes of the old financial system.”

A Global Mission Rooted in Asia

Speaking at Paris Blockchain Week, Wee shared his perspective on the East-West divide in Web3 development. While Europe emphasizes compliance and regulation, Asia remains the global leader in adoption and innovation.

“Asia is ahead — especially in DePIN, gaming, and community-driven ecosystems,” he says. “But Europe is catching up with strong AI-decentralization projects like The Coin With No Name, built on Solana.”

Still, Wee maintains that Bitcoin’s true strength lies in individual action — in people choosing to hold their keys, educate themselves, and participate.

“The Future of Bitcoin Won’t Be Decided in Boardrooms”

Wee’s core message is unwavering: Bitcoin can still serve as a lifeline for the unbanked, the underrepresented, and the millions looking for financial freedom. But only if individuals reclaim their role.

“Bitcoin doesn’t ask for permission. It doesn’t care who you are. It’s up to you whether you hold it — or let someone else hold it for you. That’s why it’s perfect.”

As institutional investors increasingly treat Bitcoin as digital gold, the ideological battle of the decade is taking shape: will Bitcoin become a tool of Wall Street, or remain the people’s money?

🔍 Key Takeaways:

• Retail Investors Are Retreating: Individuals now hold 247,000 fewer Bitcoin than they did earlier this year, while institutions accumulate.

• Sky Wee’s Warning: The real threat to Bitcoin isn’t institutional money — it’s retail disinterest.

• Custodial Creep: ETFs and centralized platforms offer ease, but compromise decentralization.

• Asia Leads in Web3: Aggressive adoption and innovation put Asia ahead in the blockchain race.

• Bitcoin’s Fate Lies With You: Self-custody, education, and participation are the last defense against co-option.