Harvard invests in Bitcoin more than Google… what does this mean for global financial markets?
In a surprise revelation, financial reports have shown that Harvard University – through its investment arm Harvard Management Company – holds, at the end of the second quarter of 2025, assets worth 117 million dollars in the BlackRock Spot Bitcoin ETF, surpassing its investments in Google (Alphabet) shares, which amounted to only about 114 million dollars.
This move places the Bitcoin fund as the fifth largest holding in Harvard's investment portfolio, while Microsoft leads with over 310 million dollars. More importantly, this move is not isolated, but comes at a time when major institutions are accelerating towards Bitcoin through ETF funds, reflecting a fundamental shift in the nature of institutional investment.
Why is this important?
A university the size of Harvard does not move out of quick speculation, but according to a long-term strategy that relies on strict risk management and comprehensive data analysis. Putting Bitcoin ahead of Google in the priority ladder means that the institution sees in the digital asset a greater potential for returns or protection from inflation compared to traditional tech stocks. The BlackRock Bitcoin fund, coded IBIT, is considered one of the most successful investment funds ever launched, reaching a size of 84 billion dollars in assets under management.
Indicators of the global investment landscape
When higher education funds – especially in prestigious universities – turn to Bitcoin, it is a clear signal that the digital currency is no longer just an 'alternative asset' but has become part of the core investment portfolio.
The presence of other major investors, such as the Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund with over 500 million dollars in the same fund, strengthens this trend and grants Bitcoin deeper legitimacy in the global market.
Even other funds like ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF have started to attract money from government pension funds, as the Michigan retirement system did with an investment of nearly 11 million dollars.
Harvard, with its investment expertise and awareness of global trends, does not put 117 million dollars into an asset unless it has confidence in its ability to endure and grow. This move may signal that Bitcoin is on its way to becoming a major institutional asset in the coming years, competing with giants like Google and Microsoft for capital.
