So here’s the thing about crypto people: they’re basically the financial world’s equivalent of that friend who insists the party’s just getting started at 3 AM while everyone else is calling Ubers.
Case in point: Bitcoin Investor Week just wrapped up in NYC, and despite bitcoin being down about 50% from its recent peak, the vibes were apparently immaculate. Picture this: cowboys in snakeskin boots mingling with hedge fund bros in Patagonia vests, all united by their shared belief that orange coin good, even when orange coin very much not doing good.
The event, hosted by crypto evangelist Anthony Pompliano, was basically a masterclass in “this is fine” energy. Bitcoin’s been stuck around $70,000 (which, let’s be real, would’ve been moon territory a few years ago, but crypto moves fast and so do expectations). Yet attendees were sporting bitcoin-orange ties and the kind of optimism usually reserved for people who just discovered a new Netflix series.
Chris Klein from Bitcoin IRA dropped some wisdom that basically translates to “been there, done that, bought the dip.” He pointed out that anyone who’s been in crypto for a while has seen this movie before – about every 18 months, apparently. It’s like crypto’s version of a Marvel movie: same plot, different year, everyone still shows up.
The heavy hitters were out in force too. Mike Novogratz from Galaxy Digital casually mentioned he’s been buying more bitcoin lately, because nothing says “I believe in this” like doubling down when everyone else is panicking. Cathie Wood showed up with her usual “bitcoin is a hedge against everything” spiel, which honestly, at this point is basically her catchphrase.
Then there’s Dan Ives from Wedbush, who dropped the hot take that you can’t be bullish on tech without being bullish on bitcoin. Bold strategy, Dan. Let’s see how that plays out.
But here’s where it gets interesting: despite the current “crypto winter” (which sounds way cooler than it actually is), these folks are predicting a comeback within the year. Grant Cardone, who apparently diversified from real estate into digital assets, thinks bitcoin could bounce around between $38,000 and $40,000 before potentially hitting $180,000 by year-end. That’s quite the range, Grant.
The entrepreneurs were there too, building stuff while Rome burns – or in this case, while bitcoin bleeds. Eran Barak from Breem Group is betting on regulatory clarity and Fed rate cuts to save the day, because nothing fixes a bear market like good old-fashioned government intervention and cheap money.
Look, you’ve got to admire the commitment. While most people would be stress-eating and checking their portfolios every five minutes, these folks are out here networking and making predictions like they’re reading tea leaves. Whether they’re delusionally optimistic or just playing 4D chess, only time will tell. But hey, at least they’re having fun while they wait.