Ark Invest CEO Cathie Wood reiterated her bullish outlook on Bitcoin (BTC), predicting that it will soar past $1 million by the end of the decade.
She made the prediction during a Bloomberg Markets interview, in which she attributed Bitcoin’s rising value to its finite supply of 21 million coins and growing institutional interest. She noted that BTC has already exceeded $108,000 in 2024 and will continue to grow in the coming years.
According to Wood:
“Bitcoin’s scarcity is unmatched.”
She further emphasized its resistance to inflationary pressures compared to traditional assets like gold. Unlike gold, which sees production increase with rising prices, Bitcoin’s supply is fixed, making it an increasingly attractive store of value.
Wood also highlighted that institutional adoption, particularly through Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), is amplifying BTC’s appeal and driving broader recognition of its role in the global financial system.
M&A activity to grow under Trump
Wood also forecasted a wave of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) among startups under President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration, which has already made several pro-crypto moves.
According to Wood:
“Regulatory barriers have been a significant obstacle for M&A activity, but that is likely to change.”
She pointed to expected changes in Federal Trade Commission (FTC) policies that could reduce regulatory hurdles and foster a more favorable environment for private-sector deals. She added that such shifts could allow venture-backed companies to access new liquidity opportunities.
Wood added that the anticipated deregulation could spark a surge in market activity as companies regain the freedom to engage in acquisitions without restrictive oversight. She argued that this would be pivotal for startups seeking growth or exit opportunities in a dynamic economic landscape.
Crypto-friendly policy changes
Wood welcomed the nomination of Paul Atkins, a known advocate for digital assets, to replace Gary Gensler as chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
She described the move as a turning point for the crypto industry and is anticipating a more balanced regulatory approach that could accelerate innovation and investment in the sector.
Comparing Bitcoin’s $2 trillion market cap to gold’s $15 trillion valuation, Wood emphasized BTC’s untapped potential and suggested that there is significant room left for growth as global adoption expands.
According to Wood:
“The crypto market remains in its early stages.”
Wood’s dual outlook—Bitcoin’s unprecedented growth and a surge in startup acquisitions—reflects her confidence in a deregulatory environment that fosters innovation and economic expansion.
