In the rapidly evolving world of cryptocurrency, few voices have been as influential as that of Peter Thiel, the tech billionaire and co-founder of Palantir Technologies. Thiel has long been a proponent of Bitcoin’s decentralized nature and its potential impact on the financial landscape. As we navigate through 2025, his insights from previous discussions continue to resonate and prompt reflection on Bitcoin’s trajectory.
During an episode of the Joe Rogan Experience podcast aired in August 2024, Thiel emphasized Bitcoin’s significance, dubbing the $2 trillion asset a “pretty big deal” that had been “systematically underestimated” during its formative years. He noted, “It went up smoothly for 10-11 years, didn’t get repriced all at once. We are in a world where nothing big ever happens, and so we have no way of processing it when something pretty big happens.” Thiel’s comparison of Bitcoin to the Internet boom of the late 1990s, where he stated, “Internet is really big. Bitcoin is moderately big,” highlights his belief in the cryptocurrency’s transformative potential.
Since Thiel’s remarks, the landscape surrounding Bitcoin has undergone significant changes. The re-election of Donald Trump has reignited enthusiasm for Bitcoin, with Trump openly supporting the cryptocurrency and its role in alleviating pressure on the U.S. dollar. In early 2025, Trump described Bitcoin as “great” for the country and signed an executive order to establish a national Bitcoin reserve, funded by assets seized by the federal government. This shift marks a notable endorsement from a prominent political figure, further legitimizing Bitcoin in the eyes of many investors.
Legislative progress has also been made, with key cryptocurrency bills passing in Congress aimed at providing clearer guidelines for the industry. This regulatory framework is essential for fostering a more stable environment for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, leading many to speculate whether the asset is still “underestimated,” as Thiel suggested.
Thiel’s venture capital firm, Founders Fund, has a storied history with Bitcoin investments, having reportedly made $1.8 billion before the market downturn in 2022. In 2023, the firm capitalized on the market’s volatility by purchasing an additional $100 million in Bitcoin when prices dipped below $30,000. In hindsight, Thiel expressed regret for not acquiring more Bitcoin, a sentiment shared by many investors who have witnessed the cryptocurrency’s remarkable resurgence.
As of now, Bitcoin is trading at approximately $114,657, reflecting a 0.58% increase in the last 24 hours and a staggering 100% surge over the past year, according to data from Benzinga Pro. This upward trajectory suggests that Bitcoin’s status as a “moderately big invention” may be evolving toward a recognition of its substantial importance in the financial ecosystem.
In conclusion, while Peter Thiel’s initial assessment of Bitcoin as being systematically underestimated may have had validity in its early years, the events of 2025 suggest that the cryptocurrency is being increasingly recognized for its potential. As both political support and regulatory clarity continue to develop, Bitcoin’s future appears promising, inviting both seasoned investors and newcomers to participate in its ongoing journey.
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