Brown University Invests $4.9 Million in Bitcoin ETF
Brown University has made a significant move in teh crypto world.They’ve invested $4.9 million in BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT). This investment, detailed in a 13F filing, shows the university bought 105,000 shares. it’s their first reported stake in a spot Bitcoin ETF.
The investment, made in the first quarter of 2025, reflects growing interest in Bitcoin (BTC) among institutions. Brown’s total equity holdings are $216 million across 14 positions. The IBIT stake is about 2.3% of Brown’s portfolio.
BlackRock’s IBIT gained SEC approval in January 2024. It’s popular among professional investors. Now, it includes shareholders like hedge funds, pensions, and Ivy League universities.
Historically, university endowments were cautious about digital assets. They preferred indirect exposure or avoided them. Brown’s move might signal a shift towards regulated Bitcoin products. The University of Austin launched a $5 million Bitcoin fund in Febuary. They partnered with Unchained for custody. they committed to holding Bitcoin for at least five years, seeing it as a long-term asset.
Other universities, like Emory and Stanford, also invested in Bitcoin through Grayscale’s Bitcoin Mini Trust and BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin ETF. The University of Austin launched a $5 million Bitcoin fund in February, managed by Unchained.
This trend shows a shift in institutional risk appetite towards regulated Bitcoin products. It’s a sign that digital assets are gaining acceptance in conventional finance.
