Harvard’s $117M Bitcoin Bet Overtakes Alphabet in Shocking Portfolio Shift

Harvard’s $117M Bitcoin ETF stake surpasses Alphabet, signaling growing institutional interest in digital asset investments.

Fridah Kangai
August 11, 2025
2:30 pm

Fridah Kangai

Fridah Kangai is a dedicated crypto journalist with a sharp eye for market trends, blockchain innovation, and digital asset movements. She specializes in breaking down complex topics into clear, engaging stories for both seasoned investors and curious newcomers. With a passion for decentralization and a pulse on the ever-evolving crypto space, Fridah delivers timely, accurate, and insightful coverage. Her work bridges the gap between technology and everyday understanding in the world of cryptocurrency.

Harvard’s Bitcoin ETF stake surpasses Alphabet in portfolio reshuffle.
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Harvard University’s investment portfolio has taken an unexpected turn, according to a recent regulatory filing. The institution now holds $117 million in BlackRock’s spot Bitcoin ETF, surpassing its $114 million stake in Alphabet.

Bitcoin fund is the fifth largest holding of Harvard and it has displaced Alphabet to sixth position. Harvard Management Company manages the university’s endowment, which is worth billions of dollars, and still diversifies its asset base.

The company retains the most significant holding with its shares worth more than 310 million dollars at the end of the fiscal period. This new ranking indicates an increased interest by Harvard in new types of investments.

BlackRock’s inclusion of Bitcoin ETF signals a shift toward digital asset exposure among elite endowments. The action places Harvard among other schools researching cryptocurrency-related investments.

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Harvard Joins Institutions Turning to Bitcoin Funds

The spot Bitcoin ETF, which trades under the ticker IBIT, has quickly become popular with large institutional investors, including BlackRock, and is regarded as one of the most successful ETF launches in the market’s history.

An Abu Dhabi state fund disclosed a $500 million stake in the same ETF earlier this year. The fact that Harvard is one of the leading investors in the fund highlights the increasing popularity of the fund among institutions.

This investment indicates how endowments are gradually moving away from traditional equities and bonds. Harvard’s increased investment in Bitcoin over Alphabet indicates a growing trust in digital asset products.

The strategy gives access to cryptocurrency markets without direct ownership risks. Bitcoin ETFs are considered a regulated entry point that is accessible to many institutions as a means of diversification.

The recent revelation provides a clear picture of transitioning trends in large-scale portfolio management. As the demand increases, other universities and funds can join Harvard and become interested in the same.

Harvard’s decision to prioritize Bitcoin ETF holdings over Alphabet marks a turning point in its investment approach. The move is indicative of a wider institutionalization of controlled digital asset products.

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