MicroStrategy Review 2025: Pros, Cons, And Key Insights

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MicroStrategy, headquartered in Tysons Corner, Virginia, is a leader in business intelligence and data analytics solutions. Founded by Michael Saylor, MicroStrategy is best known for its dual focus on data analytics solutions through its software platform and its substantial Bitcoin holdings. It is the largest publicly traded corporate holder of Bitcoin with around 252,220 Bitcoin held in its portfolio as of September 2024.

Since 2020, MicroStrategy has positioned itself as a significant institutional Bitcoin holder, leveraging cryptocurrency to diversify its assets and attract both technology and cryptocurrency investors.

In this article, we’ll cover what is MicroStrategy, its background, MicroStrategy Bitcoin holdings, and how its business model stands out in the financial landscape.

What is MicroStrategy?

Type of activity: Enterprise business intelligence and cryptocurrency strategy
Region of operation: Global, with MicroStrategy headquarters in Tysons Corner, Virginia, USA
Founder: Michael Saylor
MicroStrategy Bitcoin holdings: Over 2,000 BTC, one of the largest publicly-held corporate Bitcoin stashes

Company history and Bitcoin strategy

MicroStrategy was founded in 1989 as a business intelligence and analytics company. Under the leadership of MicroStrategy CEO Michael Saylor, the company originally focused on enterprise data solutions. However, in 2020, the company adopted a cryptocurrency strategy that made headlines when it announced plans to acquire Bitcoin as a primary treasury asset. This move made Michael Saylor Bitcoin holdings an integral part of MicroStrategy's profile.

1989: Founded by Michael Saylor as a business intelligence and analytics company, focusing on data-driven insights for enterprises.
2010s: Shifted to cloud analytics, expanding its platform to provide more robust data solutions for enterprise clients.
2020: Pivoted to a Bitcoin-focused strategy, purchasing over 70,000 BTC as a hedge against inflation, making it one of the first publicly traded companies to adopt Bitcoin as a primary treasury reserve asset.
2021: Increased Bitcoin holdings through additional purchases funded by debt, cementing MicroStrategy as the largest corporate Bitcoin holder.
2023: Continued Bitcoin acquisition, bringing holdings to over 150,000 BTC, and reinforced its dual approach of data analytics and cryptocurrency strategy.
2024: Maintains leadership in both enterprise intelligence and Bitcoin investment, positioning itself as a tech-driven advocate for cryptocurrency in traditional finance.

Key facts and insights

MicroStrategy net worth. As a public company, MicroStrategy’s worth is often linked to its Bitcoin holdings. Theoretically, its market cap is its net worth, which stands at nearly $46 billion.
Who owns MicroStrategy? The company is publicly traded, and while Michael Saylor is its co-founder and primary decision-maker, large institutional stakeholders, including BlackRock, have invested in MicroStrategy.
Does BlackRock own MicroStrategy? Yes, BlackRock holds a minority stake in MicroStrategy but is not involved in its day-to-day operations.

<span translate="no">MicroStrategy</span> has positioned itself as a significant institutional <span translate="no">Bitcoin</span> holder.

MicroStrategy has positioned itself as a significant institutional Bitcoin holder.

What does the company MicroStrategy do?

MicroStrategy provides business intelligence solutions that enable organizations to analyze and interpret complex data. Its software platform offers high-tech data analytics solutions, helping clients optimize their operations and make data-driven decisions. Alongside its software offerings, MicroStrategy’s unique cryptocurrency strategy positions it as a leader in Bitcoin adoption among traditional companies, making MSTR stock a hybrid asset with both tech and Bitcoin exposure.

MicroStrategy Bitcoin holdings and cryptocurrency strategy

MicroStrategy Bitcoin holdings exceed 250,000 BTC, and the company’s cryptocurrency strategy revolves around acquiring and holding Bitcoin as a reserve asset. Michael Saylor Bitcoin holdings — personally and through the company — have been substantial, with Saylor positioning himself as a significant voice in Bitcoin advocacy. Michael Saylor’s crypto portfolio, primarily centered around Bitcoin, has played a pivotal role in shaping institutional investment in digital assets. His unwavering confidence in Bitcoin has positioned MicroStrategy as both a tech company and a Bitcoin powerhouse.

MicroStrategy's cryptocurrency strategy has added volatility to MSTR stock, which often mirrors Bitcoin’s price movements. This dual focus makes MicroStrategy a favored choice for investors seeking indirect exposure to cryptocurrency markets without directly holding Bitcoin.

MicroStrategy business intelligence and software platform

MicroStrategy’s business intelligence products remain a core part of its revenue. Its software platform provides tools for data visualization, analytics, and strategic decision-making. This data analytics solutions arm serves a wide range of clients, from multinational corporations to government entities. By integrating blockchain and AI technology, MicroStrategy has enhanced its product offerings, aligning with current industry trends.

Transparency and financial health

MicroStrategy, as a publicly traded company, maintains transparency with audited financial statements, detailing its Bitcoin holdings, assets, and liabilities. Though it has a strong asset base, much of its net worth depends on the volatile value of Bitcoin. Investors are advised to review MicroStrategy’s SEC filings to understand the company’s current financial position and Bitcoin strategy.

How does MicroStrategy’s business model work?

MicroStrategy’s business model combines revenue from business intelligence solutions with potential capital appreciation through MicroStrategy Bitcoin holdings. Its two-pronged approach creates a unique investment profile that attracts both tech and crypto-focused investors.

Revenue sources:

Business intelligence software sales. MicroStrategy’s data analytics solutions form the backbone of its revenue, providing sophisticated tools for large enterprises.
Cryptocurrency appreciation. By holding Bitcoin as a reserve asset, MicroStrategy leverages Bitcoin’s market potential to enhance company value, providing indirect exposure to cryptocurrency for MSTR stock investors.

How to invest in MSTR stock

Investors interested in MicroStrategy Bitcoin holdings and its business strategy can purchase MSTR stock on NASDAQ. By holding MSTR, investors gain indirect exposure to Bitcoin price movements while also investing in a business intelligence company.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to investing in MSTR:

Choose a broker. MSTR is listed on NASDAQ, but you can buy it through most major brokerage platforms that support U.S. stock trading. While NASDAQ is the primary exchange for MSTR, international investors can access it through global brokerages that offer U.S. market access.

Best brokers to invest in MSTR
Broker	Demo	Account minimum	Stocks/ETFs Fee per share basic	Interest rate	Signals (Alerts)	Research and data	Open an account
eToro	YES	$0	$0	$0	Yes	Yes	Open an account Your capital is at risk.
Saxo Bank	YES	£500	U.S. Stocks: start from $1.European Stocks: start from €3/UK Stocks: start from £5.	4.56%	Yes	Yes	Open an account Your capital is at risk.
CapTrader	YES	$2000	US Stocks: $0.01 per share; min fee of $2, max of 1% of the trade value. EU Stocks: 0.1% of trade value with a min fee of €4 and a max of €99.	3.8%	Yes	Yes	Open an account Your capital is at risk.
Revolut	YES	$0	After exceeding the free trades, the fee is 0.25% of the order amount, with a min fee of £1.00 (or equivalent in other currencies)	0,15-1%	No	Yes
Interactive Brokers	YES	$0	$0	4.83%	Yes	Yes

Open and fund your account. If you don’t have an account with a U.S.-based brokerage, you’ll need to open one and complete any required verification steps, like KYC (Know Your Customer). Afterward, fund your account using a preferred payment method.
Find MSTR stock. Search for MicroStrategy by entering the ticker symbol “MSTR.” You’ll see current prices, performance, and other details.
Place your order. Decide how many shares you want to purchase, then choose your order type — market, limit, or stop order — and execute the transaction.
Monitor your investment. Since MSTR is influenced by Bitcoin price movements, keep track of both the stock and Bitcoin’s market trends for a comprehensive view of your investment.

Pros and cons of MicroStrategy investment

Let’s break down the key pros and cons to help you assess whether MSTR stock aligns with your investment goals and risk tolerance.

Dual tech and Bitcoin exposure
Leading business intelligence provider
Transparent reporting for Bitcoin reserves
Traditional equity with cryptocurrency exposure

High volatility due to Bitcoin’s fluctuating value
Heavy reliance on Bitcoin for asset valuation
Potential liquidity issues due to debt for Bitcoin buys
Regulatory risks surrounding Bitcoin

Considerations for beginners

For those new to investing, MSTR stock offers a simplified route to Bitcoin exposure through traditional equity markets. MicroStrategy’s dual focus on business intelligence and Bitcoin holdings makes it a good option for diversifying across tech and cryptocurrency sectors.

Tips for beginners:

Track Bitcoin trends, as MSTR stock mirrors Bitcoin’s price fluctuations.
Consider diversifying investments within the tech sector to balance risk.
Stay informed on MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin acquisition strategies and any regulatory updates.

Risks and warnings

MicroStrategy’s bold approach to Bitcoin involves specific risks:

Bitcoin volatility. MSTR stock experiences major price shifts as it mirrors Bitcoin’s fluctuations.
Debt financing. The company’s Bitcoin acquisitions, often debt-funded, add to its financial risks.
Regulatory landscape. Legal changes affecting Bitcoin could impact MicroStrategy’s cryptocurrency strategy and stock value.

MSTR is debt-funded Bitcoin and more

MicroStrategy isn’t just known for its software but for making massive bets on Bitcoin. If you're just getting started, it’s essential to know that this company’s stock behaves almost like Bitcoin itself. This means if Bitcoin takes a hit, MicroStrategy might suffer too. Think of it as owning stock in a software company with a wild Bitcoin roller-coaster attached. So, if you believe in Bitcoin's future but don't want to own the cryptocurrency directly, MicroStrategy could be a way to get similar exposure.

Another thing to note is that MicroStrategy has borrowed a lot of money to buy Bitcoin. This isn’t your average business move; it’s more like putting your house on the line to buy more of something you believe in. If Bitcoin drops in value, it could spell trouble, especially because of the company’s debts. As a beginner, don’t just look at Bitcoin prices but also check interest rates and economic news. If borrowing costs go up, MicroStrategy could be under pressure. It’s not just about buying in because you think Bitcoin is cool; you need to think about how the company manages its risks.

Conclusion

MicroStrategy’s dual role in business intelligence and Bitcoin holdings makes it a unique player in the tech and crypto sectors. For those seeking Bitcoin exposure through traditional equity, MSTR stock offers a balanced option. Still, the stock’s high volatility and debt-backed Bitcoin purchases require careful consideration. With strong leadership from Michael Saylor and a pioneering approach, MicroStrategy remains an innovative but volatile investment in both tech and cryptocurrency markets.

FAQs

Can I get exposure to Bitcoin by investing in MicroStrategy stock?

Yes, MSTR stock provides indirect exposure to Bitcoin because the company's value fluctuates with its Bitcoin holdings.

If I don’t live in the U.S., can I still buy MSTR stock?

Yes, you can buy MSTR stock on NASDAQ through many international brokers that offer U.S. stock trading.

Is MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin strategy a long-term commitment?

Yes, MicroStrategy has stated that it sees Bitcoin as a long-term reserve asset and continues to acquire more Bitcoin.

How can I check MicroStrategy’s latest Bitcoin holdings?

MicroStrategy regularly discloses its Bitcoin holdings in quarterly earnings reports and through public filings with the SEC.

Team that worked on the article

Oleg Tkachenko is an economic analyst and risk manager having more than 14 years of experience in working with systemically important banks, investment companies, and analytical platforms. He has been a Traders Union analyst since 2018. His primary specialties are analysis and prediction of price tendencies in the Forex, stock, commodity, and cryptocurrency markets, as well as the development of trading strategies and individual risk management systems. He also analyzes nonstandard investing markets and studies trading psychology.

Also, Oleg became a member of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (membership card No. 4575, international certificate UKR4494).

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Chinmay Soni is a financial analyst with more than 5 years of experience in working with stocks, Forex, derivatives, and other assets. As a founder of a boutique research firm and an active researcher, he covers various industries and fields, providing insights backed by statistical data. He is also an educator in the field of finance and technology.

As an author for Traders Union, he contributes his deep analytical insights on various topics, taking into account various aspects.

Mirjan Hipolito is a journalist and news editor at Traders Union. She is an expert crypto writer with five years of experience in the financial markets. Her specialties are daily market news, price predictions, and Initial Coin Offerings (ICO).

Diversification

Diversification is an investment strategy that involves spreading investments across different asset classes, industries, and geographic regions to reduce overall risk.

Investor

An investor is an individual, who invests money in an asset with the expectation that its value would appreciate in the future. The asset can be anything, including a bond, debenture, mutual fund, equity, gold, silver, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and real-estate property.

Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency is a type of digital or virtual currency that relies on cryptography for security. Unlike traditional currencies issued by governments (fiat currencies), cryptocurrencies operate on decentralized networks, typically based on blockchain technology.

Risk Management

Risk management is a risk management model that involves controlling potential losses while maximizing profits. The main risk management tools are stop loss, take profit, calculation of position volume taking into account leverage and pip value.

Leverage

Forex leverage is a tool enabling traders to control larger positions with a relatively small amount of capital, amplifying potential profits and losses based on the chosen leverage ratio.