Harvard holds $117 million in BlackRock Bitcoin ETF as its fifth largest investment.
BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF now manages $84 billion in assets and holds 738,000 BTC.
Universities like Harvard and Brown increase exposure to crypto through regulated Bitcoin ETFs.
Harvard University held $117 million in BlackRock’s spot Bitcoin ETF at the end of the second quarter of 2025. This investment ranks as Harvard’s fifth-largest equity holding. This compares with its slightly larger investment in Alphabet, the parent company of Google, worth $114 million.
https://twitter.com/LuxAlgo/status/1953919084686700951
This portfolio is overseen by Harvard Management Company, which manages the $53.2 billion endowment of the university. Microsoft is the biggest individual holding in the portfolio worth more than $310 million. This marks a significant move by Harvard into regulated cryptocurrency investments.
Institutional Interest in BlackRock’s Bitcoin Fund Expands
BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust has become a favorite among institutional investors since its January 2024 launch. The ETF now manages roughly $84 billion in assets and holds about 738,000 BTC. This is nearly 3.5% of the total Bitcoin supply.
An Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund reported holdings exceeding $500 million in IBIT by the first quarter of 2025. BlackRock’s spot Bitcoin ETF benefits from SEC approval and professional custody arrangements, making it easier for large institutions to include Bitcoin in their portfolios.
Universities Increasing Exposure to Crypto-Linked Assets
Harvard’s investment reflects a growing trend among university endowments toward cryptocurrency funds. Brown University disclosed a $13 million stake in IBIT during the same period. Emory University acquired over $15 million in Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust earlier in 2024.
University funds avoid direct cryptocurrency investments due to price volatility and regulatory issues. However, spot Bitcoin ETFs provide a compliant, exchange-traded solution that suits institutional investment needs more readily.
Bitcoin ETF’s Growing Role in Diversified Portfolios
Harvard’s move signals a growing institutional belief in Bitcoin’s potential as a portfolio diversifier and growth asset. Bitcoin saw increased institutional inflows in early 2025, pushing its price higher. Institutional investors such as hedge funds and pension funds also use IBIT to gain Bitcoin exposure without dealing with custody or security challenges.
Industry analysts forecast that crypto ETFs in North America will be the third-largest asset class this year, behind equities and fixed income. The presence of Bitcoin ETFs in prestigious university endowments shows the asset’s shift from a speculative token to a recognized investment.
The trend represents a new chapter in the adoption of cryptocurrency by conservative and compliance-oriented investors. The Harvard investment with the $117 million raises awareness about the growing prominence of Bitcoin in mainstream finance.
