Harvard Endowment Takes Rare Leap Into Bitcoin With $443M Bet on BlackRock's IBIT

Harvard University’s endowment has invested $443 million into BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), marking its largest known equity position in cryptocurrency. This investment comprises 20% of Harvard's reported U.S.-listed public equity holdings, a significant move given that institutional investors typically avoid exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in favor of private equity and real estate. The investment was disclosed in filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, showing Harvard held 6.8 million shares of IBIT as of the third quarter of 2025. Although this investment represents less than 1% of Harvard’s total endowment of over $55 billion, it positions the university among the top 20 holders of the IBIT fund. This decision comes amidst fluctuating bitcoin prices, which have seen a decline of over 5% recently, yet IBIT remains the world’s largest spot bitcoin ETF, with nearly $75 billion in net assets. The move illustrates a shift in investment strategy for a traditionally conservative investor, indicating an increased interest in cryptocurrency ventures.

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