Hey there, crypto enthusiasts! If you’ve been keeping an eye on the blockchain world, you’ve probably heard the buzz around Bitcoin’s future. A recent episode of the When Shift Happens podcast, hosted by Kevin WSH Pod, features an exciting chat with Hunter Horsley, the CEO of Bitwise, one of the biggest crypto index fund managers in the U.S. Posted on July 9, 2025, this thread dives deep into why 2025 might just be Bitcoin’s most important year yet. Let’s break it down!

The Big Prediction for 2025

Horsley is super optimistic about Bitcoin’s trajectory, calling 2025 “the end of the beginning.” With Bitwise managing over $10 billion in assets after seven years, he’s got a solid foundation for his bullish outlook. He believes the crypto world is hitting an inflection point, driven by trends like institutional adoption and traditional banks warming up to Bitcoin. Imagine Bitcoin as a young startup that’s finally getting the recognition it deserves—2025 could be its coming-of-age moment!

Staying the Course in a Wild Industry

Crypto is known for its wild ups and downs, with plenty of projects fading away after a quick hype cycle. But Horsley emphasizes Bitwise’s strategy: consistency is key. He quotes Paul Graham, saying, “The leading cause of death for startups is suicide,” and advises founders to keep pushing forward if they love what they do. It’s like planting a tree—you won’t see the fruit overnight, but with patience, it can grow strong.

Data-Driven Optimism

Horsley’s not just guessing here. His insights come from over 10,000 conversations a year at Bitwise. He points to big trends like inflation worries, distrust in traditional finance, and a shift in how younger generations view money. “Bitcoin is an idea whose time has come,” he says, and it’s not Bitcoin changing—it’s the world catching up. Pretty cool, right?

Banks Jumping on Board

One of the most exciting shifts? Traditional banks are starting to play nice with crypto. Horsley predicts that by 2025, banks will offer Bitcoin-backed loans, custody services, and even stablecoin products. With over a trillion dollars in Bitcoin out there, people want to hold onto it but need cash—banks see this as a golden opportunity. It’s like the old guard finally inviting the new kid to the party!

The IPO Wave in 2026

Looking ahead to 2026, Horsley sees a wave of crypto IPOs, following the success of Coinbase’s 2021 listing. Companies like Circle, Kraken, and Chainalysis—worth billions but under the radar—are gearing up to go public. This could give crypto the credibility boost it needs, though Horsley warns retail investors to watch out for hype over substance. Think of it as a reality check for the market!

Companies Hoarding Bitcoin

It’s not just banks and investors—companies are jumping in too. Over 70 firms now hold Bitcoin, with recent additions like Fold and Bitdeer making headlines. Horsley explains that corporations see Bitcoin as a hedge against a weakening dollar. Bitwise even launched a fund to track companies holding over 1,000 BTC—pretty smart move!

Who’s Keeping Bitcoin Alive?

Here’s a mind-blower: Bitcoin, worth more than Facebook, is maintained by just 40 core developers funded by grants and donations. No big corporate backing, just a passionate community. Bitwise steps up by donating 10% of its Bitcoin ETF profits to support this open-source work. Horsley hopes others will follow suit—after all, if we all use Bitcoin, we need to keep it secure!

Bitwise’s Big Plans

With a recent $70 million raise, Bitwise is expanding fast—adding 30% more staff and offering new products like ETFs and staking solutions. Horsley, who once worked at Facebook, knows there’s always more to build. It’s like a never-ending puzzle that keeps the team motivated!

A Call for Collaboration

In a space often filled with rivalry, Horsley advocates for respect among builders. “Focus on what you love, not on tearing others down,” he says. This collaborative spirit could shape a stronger crypto future, making it more credible and appealing to everyone.

What’s Next?

This convo leaves us with a lot to chew on. If you’re intrigued, head over to When Shift Happens on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform to catch the full episode. With 2025 shaping up to be a game-changer for Bitcoin, it’s an exciting time to dive into the crypto world—meme tokens included! What do you think about these predictions? Drop your thoughts in the comments!