Brown University reported a $5 million exposure to Bitcoin via BlackRock’s IBIT ETF. As of March 31, the university holds 105,000 shares, now worth about $5.8 million. This investment reflects a shift toward cryptocurrency among educational institutions, following similar moves by UATX and Emory University.
Brown University has recently taken a notable step into the cryptocurrency arena, reporting an impressive exposure of nearly $5 million in Bitcoin through shares of BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT). This came to light in a recent filing submitted to the SEC. As of March 31, the Ivy League institution held a total of 105,000 shares—which wasn’t previously disclosed in earlier filings.
Currently, those shares are estimated to be worth roughly $5.8 million. While this figure is substantial, it’s really just a fragment of a much larger endowment portfolio that topped $7.2 billion at the end of the university’s fiscal year for 2024. The endowment report notes that as financial markets have grown increasingly intricate over the years, Brown has also evolved its investment strategies to remain competitive.
“Today, a team of professional investors is actively engaged in navigating various investment strategies, requiring significant expertise,” the report highlighted. It also mentioned that the portfolio encompasses a wide array of investments including stocks, bonds, private companies, real estate, and commodities—indicating a broadly diversified investment approach.
This move isn’t isolated; Brown isn’t the only university tapping into Bitcoin. Last month, the University of Austin (UATX) partnered with Bitcoin services firm Unchained to carve out a $5 million endowment dedicated to Bitcoin. Meanwhile, in October, Emory University in Atlanta reported Bitcoin holdings worth approximately $16 million through its Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust, reflecting strategic adjustments in its asset management.
Interestingly, Emory’s recent filings show they decreased some of their shares but still have about $22 million in Bitcoin exposure thanks to the rising prices in this volatile market. They also reportedly hold more than $1 million in shares from well-known cryptocurrency exchange, Coinbase.
The actions of these institutions align with a broader trend, as more entities—ranging from public companies to governments—race to integrate Bitcoin into their financial strategies. As of last Friday, Bitcoin’s price was pushing up to nearly $98,000, rebounding sharply from a low around $75,000 in early April, with the current trading price around $96,330.
Decrypt reached out to Brown’s investment office to gather more details or comments regarding their Bitcoin strategy, but was unable to make contact before publishing this article.
This foray into Bitcoin by educational institutions highlights a growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies across varied platforms, suggesting a changing financial landscape ahead.
