Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are experiencing a resurgence. As global economies navigate post-2020 challenges, digital currencies offer an alternative to traditional government-backed assets. Major players like Tesla and Mastercard are now embracing cryptocurrencies, signaling a shift toward mainstream adoption.
At the heart of this movement is Michael Saylor, CEO of MicroStrategy, whose fervent advocacy for Bitcoin has influenced industry leaders like Elon Musk. Below, we explore 29 key facts about Saylor and his role in shaping the future of cryptocurrency investments.
Who Is Michael Saylor?
10 Fast Facts About the Bitcoin Evangelist
- Born in Lincoln, Nebraska.
- Grew up on Air Force bases.
- Currently 56 years old.
- Never married.
- Attended MIT on an ROTC scholarship.
- Double-majored in aeronautics/astronautics and science/technology/society.
- A benign heart murmur prevented him from becoming a pilot.
- Estimated net worth: $500 million (unverified).
- Avid Dungeons & Dragons player—always the Dungeon Master.
- Owns a yacht named USHER (inspired by software, not the artist).
Michael Saylor’s Business and Investments
- Co-founded MicroStrategy in 1989 with MIT roommate Sanju Bansal.
- MicroStrategy specializes in business intelligence software.
- Pioneered early targeted advertising models.
- Shifted focus to BI software after a McDonald’s contract in the 1990s.
- Author of The Mobile Wave (2012).
- Settled SEC fraud allegations in 2000, paying $8.3 million personally.
- MicroStrategy’s stock plummeted $6 million post-scandal.
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Michael Saylor’s Connection to Tesla
- Hosted a "Bitcoin for Corporations" conference (Feb. 2021) with 1,400+ executives.
- SpaceX representatives attended, hinting at Tesla’s imminent Bitcoin move.
- Days later, Tesla invested $1.5 billion in Bitcoin.
- Musk and Saylor have publicly discussed Bitcoin’s potential on Twitter.
- Jack Dorsey’s Square also invested $50 million in Bitcoin (Oct. 2020).
- Saylor dubbed 2021 the "year of institutional Bitcoin investment."
Why Is Michael Saylor Betting on Bitcoin?
- MicroStrategy holds 71,079 Bitcoin (~$3.3 billion at current prices).
- Calls Bitcoin "digital gold" and a superior store of value.
- Advocates Bitcoin as a non-sovereign alternative to fiat currency.
- Personally owns ~18,000 Bitcoin (as of Oct. 2020).
- Mastercard announced crypto support in 2021, validating Saylor’s thesis.
- Despite volatility, MicroStrategy’s stock surged 700% in six months.
FAQs
Q: How did Michael Saylor influence Tesla’s Bitcoin investment?
A: Saylor’s advocacy and direct outreach to Musk (including conferences and Twitter discussions) preceded Tesla’s $1.5 billion purchase.
Q: What’s Saylor’s long-term Bitcoin outlook?
A: He believes Bitcoin will outperform gold and become a cornerstone of institutional portfolios.
Q: Is cryptocurrency replacing traditional money?
A: While adoption is growing, Bitcoin’s role as a mainstream asset is still evolving.
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The Bottom Line
Michael Saylor’s relentless Bitcoin evangelism has catalyzed corporate adoption, with Tesla and others following his lead. Whether Bitcoin becomes the "new gold" remains to be seen, but Saylor’s impact on its legitimacy is undeniable.
Originally published on Feb. 11, 2021.