Michael Saylor, the former CEO of MicroStrategy, has characterized the current Bitcoin market downturn as a “crypto winter” but predicts it will be shorter and milder than previous cycles. He cites institutional backing from the banking sector, supportive regulatory developments, and the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs as key differentiating factors. Bitcoin was recently trading near $69,000, while some forecasts project it could reach $78,065 by the end of 2026.
Michael Saylor has confirmed the market is experiencing a crypto winter but offered a positive outlook on its duration. He stated this is the fifth major drawdown in five years but will be shorter and milder than previous winters.
Saylor expressed confidence that this period will be followed by a prosperous season for the asset class. “Uh, we are in a crypto winter. This is the fifth major drawdown of Bitcoin in the five years since I’ve been in the marketplace. Uh, this is a much milder winter than previous winters. It’ll be shorter than previous winters. It’s going to be followed by a spring and then a glorious summer. So don’t fear,” he said.
He attributed his optimism to stronger institutional support now present compared to four years ago. Saylor specifically noted the banking sector’s embrace, the formation of digital credit networks, and supportive political leadership.
“The banking sector is supporting Bitcoin much more strongly today than we were four years ago. We’ve got the formation of digital credit networks and banking credit networks. We’ve got the support of the administration and a Bitcoin president. 12 cabinet members that are pro digital assets and pro-innovation,” Saylor explained. He also highlighted the role of major asset managers like BlackRock in advancing spot Bitcoin ETFs.
Regarding future price action, Bitcoin was trading around $69,000 amid recent volatility. According to CoinCodex BTC stats, the asset is forecasted to hit $78,065 by the end of 2026.
Longer-term models from the same source project a price of $166,372 by 2030. The forecast extends to $968,339 by 2040 and $1.49 million by 2050.
