I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately: Bitcoin Layer 2 foundations need to start holding bitcoin in their treasuries. It makes too much sense for them not to.
And apparently I’m not the only one.
As someone who’s watched this space evolve, let me explain why Bitcoin Layer 2 foundations should listen to Molly and I.
For years, bitcoin was known as “digital rock”—a solid store of value but not much else. But now with the explosion of Bitcoin Layer 2s, bitcoin is becoming a “programmable rock.” These layers are adding functionalities like smart contracts and scaling solutions, making bitcoin more versatile than ever.
But here’s the thing: these projects raise millions of dollars from VCs and investors, and most of that money ends up sitting in fiat currencies like USD. That’s a huge mistake.
Why? Because fiat is a melting ice cube. Every year, it loses 5-10% of its value due to inflation. The longer you hold it, the less it’s worth. On the other hand, bitcoin has a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of around 70%. If these foundations held their treasury in bitcoin instead of fiat, their runway wouldn’t just stay the same—it would grow.
Imagine having 70% more resources each year to fund developers, grants, and projects. That’s the kind of edge that could make or break a Layer 2 ecosystem.
Okay, okay, I get it — Bitcoin is volatile, and these foundations need some stability. Because of this, keeping 3 to 4 years of runway in fiat makes sense. It would help to cover short-term needs. But the rest? It should be in bitcoin. Over the long run, this strategy could double or even triple the runway of these foundations, giving them the time and resources they need to succeed.
There’s a precedent for this too. Remember EOS? They raised $4.2 billion in 2018 and reportedly bought 164,000 bitcoin with it. Today, that bitcoin is worth around $16 billion—even though EOS itself fell off the map. Now, imagine if Bitcoin Layer 2 foundations did the same but actually used their bitcoin to grow and sustain their ecosystem. The potential is massive.
At the end of the day, these foundations are building on Bitcoin. They believe in its future, so why not hold it in their treasuries? Bitcoin is the best store of value out there. If you’re running a Bitcoin Layer 2 foundation, stop holding depreciating fiat, and start holding bitcoin. It’s not just a smart move—it’s the move.
This article is a Take. Opinions expressed are entirely the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of BTC Inc or Bitcoin Magazine.
