MicroStrategy Would Be Up 2x If It Backed XRP Over BTC, Reveals Ex-Ripple Dev

BTC Vs. XRP: A former Ripple developer has shared an analysis suggesting that Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy), known for its Bitcoin-first investment approach, could have doubled its returns had it backed XRP instead of BTC.

Ex-Ripple Developer Puts BTC vs XRP Strategy to the Test

In a recent post on X, former Ripple developer Matt Hamilton shared that if the same dollar amount had been invested in XRP instead of BTC, Strategy’s portfolio could now be worth almost twice as much. Hamilton’s analysis revisits the long-term performance of the tokens, stating XRP has outperformed BTC over the years.

Upon closer examination, the altcoin’s yearly gain stands at an impressive 513%, significantly surpassing Bitcoin’s 96%. Hamilton notes that despite market volatility, the altcoin’s risk-return profile has been stronger over the same period. While Bitcoin maximalists still argue BTC remains the safest digital asset, Hamilton points to XRP’s growing adoption and use cases as evidence of overlooked potential.

Strategy currently holds over 601,000 BTC, acquired for roughly $42.87 billion. At recent market prices, that stash is now valued at more than $71 billion, resulting in an unrealized profit of approximately $29.4 billion for the firm. Latest Strategy purchases include 4,980 BTC for $531.9 million, with an average price exceeding $106,000 per Bitcoin.

Michael Saylor, Strategy’s chairman, remains one of Bitcoin’s most vocal supporters. His social media posts often urge followers to “buy more” BTC, underscoring the firm’s belief in the coin as a long-term investment for corporate treasuries. With 12 consecutive weeks of BTC purchases this year, Strategy is nearing its milestone goal of 600,000 BTC.

XRP Treasury Adoption Surges

Backing up Hamilton’s claim that an XRP-focused Strategy might have outperformed, several public companies are now launching dedicated XRP treasuries.

Nasdaq-listed Trident said it intends to raise $500 million to establish one of the biggest corporate XRP treasuries in the world, as CoinGape previously reported. Likewise, VivoPower has already raised $121 million for its XRP-focused approach, which intends to facilitate practical applications of decentralised finance (DeFi).

Meanwhile, Webus International also filed with the SEC to establish a $300 million XRP reserve, and Hyperscale Data’s Ault Capital Group intends to buy $10 million worth of XRP to power an on-chain lending platform. Even Worksport Ltd. has allocated $5 million toward building an XRP treasury, diversifying alongside smaller BTC positions.

Collectively, the altcoin is becoming increasingly popular among institutions, surpassing Bitcoin in popularity. Many companies are not only buying XRP to hold, but they are also utilizing it in their products and services.

Hamilton’s numbers present an interesting “what if” scenario. Although Strategy’s focus on Bitcoin is impressive, buying XRP could have yielded significantly larger returns due to its substantial gains and increasing interest from institutions.

Michael Adeleke

Michael Adeleke is a passionate crypto journalist known for breaking down complex blockchain concepts and market trends into clear, engaging narratives. He specializes in delivering timely news and sharp market analysis that keeps crypto enthusiasts informed and ahead of the curve. With an engineering background and a degree from the University of Ibadan, Michael brings analytical depth and precision to every piece he writes.