Bitcoin (BTC USD) nears $80,000, mystery billionaire may be driving the surge - who is he?

Bitcoin BTC USD price surge analysis: A renewed wave of attention is building around Bitcoin as its price hovers near recent highs, briefly crossing above $79,000 over the weekend before easing closer to $71,000 on Wednesday. The move has brought the cryptocurrency back to levels last seen before the early February selloff, but the durability of the rally remains uncertain.

Michael Saylor and Strategy Remain Central to Bitcoin (BTC USD) Buying Momentum

Much of the focus has shifted toward billionaire Michael Saylor and his firm Strategy, which has become closely associated with large-scale Bitcoin accumulation. Saylor’s high-profile social media activity and consistent advocacy for Bitcoin have kept the company’s actions firmly in the market spotlight.

Strategy acquired more than 100,000 Bitcoin during March and April, a position worth over $7.7 billion at current prices, as per a Fortune report. At one stage, the firm’s holdings even overtook BlackRock’s popular Bitcoin ETF, highlighting the scale of its buying activity.

Bitcoin Purchases Slow as STRC Funding Pressure Builds

That momentum has since cooled. Last week, Strategy purchased 3,273 Bitcoin for $255 million, a smaller figure compared to earlier buying rounds. The slowdown has been tied to weaker sales of its perpetual preferred shares, known as STRC, which the company uses to fund its Bitcoin purchases.

What Is STRC and Why It Matters for BTC Acquisition Strategy

STRC, introduced in July 2025, carries an 11.5% dividend and is designed to trade around $100. However, when the shares fall below that level, issuing new stock becomes more expensive, limiting Strategy’s ability to raise funds for additional Bitcoin buying.

Dividend Structure Changes Aim to Stabilize Bitcoin Buying Pace

The company has also proposed shifting its dividend payments from monthly to twice a month, a change intended to spread out and stabilize its Bitcoin accumulation strategy.

Broader Stock Market Gains Contrast With Uncertain Bitcoin Trend

Even the broader market conditions are adding uncertainty. While equity markets have posted strong gains in April, with the S&P 500 rising nearly 9%, Bitcoin’s path has been less decisive.

Rising Oil Prices and Macro Concerns Weigh on Risk Appetite

A mixed macroeconomic backdrop, including rising oil prices, is also being cited as a factor potentially weighing on risk appetite. Investors appear to be in a waiting phase, with many holding back until clearer economic signals emerge.

Futures Market Signals Increasing Short Positions in Bitcoin

Market data from CoinGlass shows Bitcoin’s perpetual futures funding rate has been mostly negative over the past two weeks, suggesting an increase in short positioning even as prices remain near recent highs, as per the Fortune report.

FAQs

How much Bitcoin did Strategy buy recently?
More than 100,000 Bitcoin were accumulated during March and April.

Has Strategy slowed its Bitcoin purchases?
Yes, recent purchases have been smaller compared to earlier buying rounds.