5 Celebrities You Didn't Know Were Bitcoiners

The buzz surrounding Bitcoin is hard to ignore. It has not only taken the financial world by storm, but has also broke into popular culture too. Among its growing fan base are celebrities - the trendsetters of society.

While some celebrities openly express their interest, others operate more subtly, yet their involvement nonetheless helps Bitcoin edge closer to mainstream adoption.

Here are five celebrities you probably didn't know were Bitcoiners:

1. Ashton Kutcher

Ashton Kutcher is not only known for his acting skills in shows like "That 70s Show" and "Two and a Half Men," but also for his keen interest in tech, start-ups, and investments. Kutcher is the co-founder of A-Grade Investments, a venture capital firm that has invested in several high-profile tech companies including Airbnb, Uber, and more notably, BitPay, a Bitcoin payment processing system.

Kutcher’s involvement in Bitcoin, however, extends beyond simple investment. He's a vocal supporter of blockchain technology, seeing it as a tool to transform various industries beyond finance, including healthcare, supply chain management, and even voting systems. His active participation and advocacy demonstrate his firm standing as a Bitcoin enthusiast.

It is worth noting that in 2018, Kutcher donated $4 million in XRP to Ellen DeGeneres's wildlife charity. So, that doesn't put him in the "Bitcoin Maxi" cateogry, however, when you think about it, Kutcher decided to spend his XRP, and not his precious Bitcoin - he kept HODLing that. So, maybe he does understand the value of Bitcoin over Shitcoins 🤔

“I think Bitcoins are obviously becoming more and more relevant.” - Ashton Kutcher in an interview at the 2013 TechCrunch Disrupt Conference

2. Mike Tyson

Boxing legend Mike Tyson’s venture into the digital currency world has been as powerful as his performance in the ring. His engagement with the Bitcoin community began in 2016, when he launched a Bitcoin wallet in collaboration with Bitcoin Direct. The wallet, complete with branding inspired by Tyson’s iconic facial tattoo. In 2015, Tyson also launched his own Bitcoin ATMs in Las Vegas.

“People don’t really understand a currency based on numerical equations. I personally still don’t … but I’m grateful to be a part of the revolution and hoping that my participation in this space will lead to more conversations and help increase knowledge and awareness." - Mike Tyson in an interview with CoinDesk in 2015

3. Tony Hawk

Skateboarding legend, and the first to land a 900, Tony Hawk is another celebrity who has been riding the Bitcoin ramp. Hawk first entered the Bitcoin scene in 2013 and has been a supporter ever since. Unlike many who were drawn to Bitcoin for its investment potential, Hawk was intrigued by the technology and its potential to disrupt traditional banking systems.

Hawk’s involvement with Bitcoin isn't limited to personal investment. The Tony Hawk Foundation, aimed at building skate parks for underprivileged children, accepts donations in Bitcoin. In 2020, Hawk also joined the Bitcoin 2020 conference as a speaker, further cementing his place as a Bitcoin enthusiast.

Been riding it for 6 years. Haven’t bailed yet

— Tony Hawk (@tonyhawk) May 29, 2019

4. Nas

American rapper Nas, born Nasir Jones, is another celebrity who has extended his influence into the Bitcoin world. Nas has shown a deep understanding of Bitcoin and its potential impact on society.

In 2014, Nas, through his venture capital firm QueensBridge Venture Partners, invested in Coinbase, now one of the leading Crypto exchanges (Not the best choice in my personal opinion, and not an exchange I would ever suggest, but we'll leave that for another post).

Today, Nas's early belief in Bitcoin has paid off as Coinbase has become a multibillion-dollar company. His savvy investments and understanding of the space make him a notable Bitcoin enthusiast.

“Bitcoin will evolve into an industry as big, if not bigger, than the internet. My man Ben Horowitz really opened my eyes to that point. This isn’t of the internet age, Bitcoin is its own age,” - Nas in a 2014 interview with CoinDesk

5. Donald Glover

Donald Glover, known by his stage name Childish Gambino, is a man of many talents – actor, singer, songwriter, producer, director, comedian, and now Bitcoiner!

In a 2013 interview, Glover expressed his belief in the future of digital currencies, recognizing the potential of Bitcoin to disrupt traditional financial systems. Glover likened the decentralized nature of Bitcoin to the evolving dynamics in the music industry and pointed out the convenience of digital currencies. Though Glover isn't as vocal as others about his Bitcoin enthusiasm, his early recognition of its potential is a testament to his forward-thinking mindset.

"I know a lot of people are skeptical, but I feel like if everything’s going to live online, why not Bitcoins? Being backed by gold seems very old and nostalgic to me. Being backed to a Bitcoin, which takes time to actually make and there’s this equation that has to be done, that feels realer to me and makes more sense." - Donald Glover in a 2013 interview with Time

Final Thoughts

These five celebrities, each from different realms of the entertainment and sports world, have one thing in common: their belief in the transformative power of Bitcoin. Whether through investments, launching Bitcoin-related ventures, or just simply through their vocal support, their advocacy helps bring Bitcoin further into the mainstream.

Although it would be way cooler if them and more celebrities were passionate Bitcoin-only supporters, and avoided shitcoins, I still count their public support for Bitcoin as a win.

As we progress into the future, it's clear that the list of celebrity Bitcoin enthusiasts will continue to grow, drawing in more and more, one celebrity at a time.