Barry Silbert predicts that Bittensor (TAO) may surpass Bitcoin (BTC) as a global store of value, citing its growth and AI influence. Bittensor focuses on solving global challenges, positioning itself with a strong economic model similar to Bitcoin. Recent market data shows significant price increases and rising interest in Bittensor, alongside substantial growth in its subnet ecosystem’s market capitalization.
Barry Silbert, the CEO of Digital Currency Group, believes that Bittensor (TAO) may surpass Bitcoin (BTC) as a global store of value. His assertion arises from Bittensor’s significant growth, particularly in its subnet ecosystem’s market cap and the rising TAO token price. In an interview with Raoul Pal, Silbert remarked on the increasing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the cryptocurrency sector, positioning Bittensor at the forefront of a new era in crypto investment.
Silbert stated that while Bitcoin, Ethereum, and NFTs have historically defined the market, Bittensor represents the next major investment theme. He described Bittensor as embodying the pioneering spirit of Bitcoin but with a focus on addressing larger global issues beyond just financial sovereignty. Silbert suggested that Bittensor could emerge as a superior version of Bitcoin for global value storage, emphasising its potential impact on real-world problems.
Silbert argued that the $10 to $12 billion annually spent on securing the Bitcoin network could instead fund a network of individuals dedicated to innovation and problem-solving globally. He believes that such investment could spur the creation of a thriving ecosystem that extends beyond traditional financial applications. While acknowledging Bitcoin’s significance, he stressed Bittensor’s unique economic model, which mirrors Bitcoin’s halving and decentralisation principles.
He highlighted that Bittensor distinguishes itself from numerous other decentralised AI projects by achieving “escape velocity,” indicating rapid development and growing market presence. Silbert cautioned against the majority of crypto tokens, claiming that 99.9% lack utility or value.
Market statistics show increased enthusiasm for Bittensor; TAO saw a 32.1% price increase in the last week, trading at $328 and rising 7.2% over the last day. The altcoin is currently trending on CoinGecko, showcasing its surge in popularity. Additionally, Google Trends indicates a peak search interest in Bittensor, with volume hitting 100 at the time of reporting.
The Bittensor ecosystem is also demonstrating remarkable growth, as data indicates its subnet tokens’ market capitalisation grew from $181 million to $481 million in April 2025—a 166% increase. This growth correlates with an expansion of active subnets over the past year, tripling their numbers and indicating a strong development trajectory in the Bittensor network.
