Just 17 years after Hal Finney typed “Running bitcoin” on X, Michael Saylor posted the exact same phrase.
The date was not just a guess. On Jan. 11, 2009, Finney sent the first-ever tweet confirming that Bitcoin was up and running. On Jan. 10, 2026, Saylor put on a near-perfect anniversary show — simple and calculated — as the company he runs holds one of the world’s biggest Bitcoin treasuries.
Strategy, formerly known as MicroStrategy, owns 673,783 BTC, which they bought on average for $75,024. At current prices, that stake is worth over $61.16 billion — a 20.98% unrealized gain.
Even so, MSTR shares are still trading way below their net asset value, with a basic NAV multiple of 0.739 and a diluted NAV of 0.823. That spread leaves billions in unpriced exposure, even after five years of consistent accumulation.
The message also comes at a time when there is a lot of interest in Bitcoin’s role in the world of money again. While there are now spot ETFs, Saylor’s firm continues to operate as a high-leverage BTC proxy — without redemption features, without fee compression and without strategic drift.
Running Bitcoin in 2026
The company’s enterprise value currently reflects just under 96% of its BTC holdings, suggesting that institutional investors are still reluctant to value Strategy at the same level as its main asset.
Back in 2009, “running Bitcoin” was all about getting software together on your own machine and hooking it up to a network with a couple of folks. In 2026, it now describes a public company that holds over 3% of the total Bitcoin supply — with no hedge, no escape plan and no excuse.
Saylor did not explain his tweet — the date did the talking.
Disclaimer: The information on this page may come from third parties and does not represent the views or opinions of Gate. The content displayed on this page is for reference only and does not constitute any financial, investment, or legal advice. Gate does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information and shall not be liable for any losses arising from the use of this information. Virtual asset investments carry high risks and are subject to significant price volatility. You may lose all of your invested principal. Please fully understand the relevant risks and make prudent decisions based on your own financial situation and risk tolerance. For details, please refer to
Disclaimer.
Related Articles
Bhutan Moves $72M in $BTC As Mining Pause Rumors Grow
Recent withdrawals by Bhutan's government suggest a potential halt in its Bitcoin mining operations, moving $72.3M in BTC within 24 hours. This shift raises questions about the country's long-term strategy in digital assets, attracting global attention.
BlockChainReporter2m ago
Canadian Cryptocurrency Business Owner, 33, Kidnapped in Madrid, Spain; Two Suspects Arrested
A kidnapping incident occurred in Madrid, Spain, where a 33-year-old Canadian cryptocurrency entrepreneur was forcibly detained by multiple men with the intent to steal BTC and private keys. Police rescued the victim in time and arrested two suspects. The case involves premeditated stalking and physical coercion attacks and remains under investigation.
GateNews4m ago
Bitcoin hashrate declined 8% over the past week to 920 EH/s, with network difficulty expected to adjust down 8%
On March 18th, driven by Middle East conflict pushing oil prices higher, Bitcoin hashrate declined approximately 8% to 920 EH/s, with price falling below $72,000. Difficulty is expected to adjust down around 8%. Miners face profit pressure, with many enterprises beginning diversified layouts and increasing Bitcoin sales to maintain operations.
GateNews6m ago
Ionic Digital Mined 32.95 BTC in February, Holdings Reached 2787.4 BTC at Month-End
Gate News: On March 18, Ionic Digital released its February 2026 mining data report. The data shows that the company mined a total of 32.95 BTC in February, with an average daily production of approximately 1.18 BTC. As of February 28, Ionic Digital's total Bitcoin holdings reached 2787.4 BTC. The report disclosed that Ionic Digital did not sell any of its held Bitcoin during this period and published operational information including hashrate deployment, maintenance status, and subsequent expansion plans.
GateNews11m ago
Bitcoin Price Prediction: $112K by Year-End, Citigroup Predicts Despite Recent Strong Performance — Playnance Draws Attention With TGE in Just a Few Hours
Bitcoin (BTC) has been acting as a macro hedge lately as strong buying from both retail players and institutions pushes the price higher. In the recent price action, the ‘king crypto’ climbed to the north of $75,000 before retracing slightly to above $74,000 on Wednesday, after rising from
CaptainAltcoin16m ago
