Microsoft says “No” to Bitcoin!

Imagine standing at the edge of a wave so massive, it could carry you further than you’ve ever been. But instead of jumping in, you freeze.

You hesitate, and that wave passes you by. This is the story of Microsoft’s recent decision to reject the idea of adding Bitcoin to its financial reserves.

For a company that’s built its success on innovation, this choice feels like a pause when it should be a leap forward.

During Microsoft’s annual meeting on December 10th, a proposal came from a think-tank group called the National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR).

Their idea was straightforward: Microsoft should consider investing a small portion of its profits, just 1% to 5%, in Bitcoin.

The reasoning? To ensure Microsoft doesn’t get left behind in what many see as the financial revolution of the future.

“Microsoft can’t afford to miss the next technology wave, and Bitcoin is that wave,” NCPPR boldly stated. The group presented charts, figures, and even a pre-recorded video showing how holding Bitcoin could create massive value for shareholders.

They highlighted companies like MicroStrategy, which has grown its wealth by betting big on Bitcoin. Even BlackRock, Microsoft’s second-largest shareholder, now offers Bitcoin ETFs to its clients.

The message was clear: Bitcoin isn’t just an idea anymore; it’s an opportunity.

But the push for Bitcoin wasn’t about going all-in. The proposal was measured, cautious even. It acknowledged Bitcoin’s volatility and suggested that Microsoft shouldn’t invest “too much.”

Instead, they advised taking a small step, a modest investment that could hedge against inflation and diversify the company’s assets. In other words, it was a calculated risk — a safety net in an uncertain world.

The fear of volatility

Microsoft’s board, however, wasn’t convinced. They called the proposal “unnecessary” and highlighted Bitcoin’s volatility as a major concern. In their eyes, corporate reserves need to be stable and predictable.

They worried that Bitcoin’s price swings could jeopardize their financial safety.

To be fair, their caution makes sense. Microsoft manages billions of dollars, and any risk, no matter how small, is taken seriously. But is there such a thing as playing it too safe?

Innovation often comes with discomfort. The same Microsoft that hesitated on Bitcoin is the same company that once took bold bets on personal computers, software, and cloud computing.

Each of those leaps came with risks, but each paid off handsomely. Could Bitcoin be another such leap?

Michael Saylor’s bold prediction

One of the most vocal supporters of the proposal was Michael Saylor, a well-known Bitcoin advocate and the co-founder of MicroStrategy.

Saylor didn’t mince words. He predicted that if Microsoft adopted Bitcoin, it could boost its market value by nearly $5 trillion.

That’s a jaw-dropping number, one that could make anyone pause and consider the possibilities.

“Microsoft can’t afford to miss the next technology wave, and Bitcoin is that wave,” Saylor passionately argued. He wasn’t just making a financial case; he was making a visionary one.

He was urging Microsoft to look beyond the immediate future and see the transformative potential of Bitcoin.

Michael Saylor

Fear vs. growth

Microsoft’s reluctance reflects a broader hesitation in the corporate world. Despite Bitcoin’s growth, many companies are still cautious, worried about its volatility and the uncertainty that comes with something new.

But history shows us that playing it safe doesn’t always lead to growth.

Take inflation, for example. The money sitting in corporate reserves today loses value over time. The dollars that were worth something yesterday are worth less tomorrow.

Bitcoin, on the other hand, is designed to resist inflation. It’s a limited resource, like digital gold, and as more people adopt it, its value has the potential to rise.

The NCPPR’s proposal wasn’t just about Bitcoin; it was about keeping up with change. It was about making sure that a company as powerful as Microsoft stays ahead of the curve, rather than falling behind.

Microsoft

A future still unfolding

Microsoft’s decision to say “no” to Bitcoin might seem like a missed opportunity, but the story isn’t over.

Companies like Amazon are considering similar proposals. The conversation about Bitcoin’s place in corporate finance is just beginning.

For everyday people, this debate holds a lesson. Change is scary, but sometimes the scariest thing is standing still.

Will Microsoft regret its decision? Only time will tell. But for those who believe in the power of Bitcoin, the wave isn’t stopping anytime soon. And perhaps, just perhaps, the future belongs to those brave enough to ride it.

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Microsoft says “No” to Bitcoin! was originally published in The Capital on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.