MARA CEO Recommends "Buy and Forget" Bitcoin Strategy for Retail Investors

Fred Thiel, CEO of Bitcoin mining firm Marathon Digital Holdings (MARA), has advised retail investors to adopt a "buy and forget" strategy when it comes to investing in Bitcoin, citing the cryptocurrency's strong long-term performance. In a January 2 interview with FOX Business, Thiel emphasized that Bitcoin’s price has only fallen in three of the last 14 calendar years, making it a solid investment for those willing to hold for the long haul.

Thiel's advice, which he also shared with his children, is simple: invest a small amount of money in Bitcoin each month and forget about it. He explained that over time, Bitcoin tends to appreciate significantly, with average annual returns ranging from 29% to 50%. "Over two, three, four years, it grows, and that’s what people do," Thiel said, advocating for patience and long-term holding.

While Thiel’s strategy may appeal to some, Bitcoin remains a volatile asset, and its price can experience significant fluctuations. This level of risk may make Thiel’s "buy and forget" approach challenging for some retail investors, especially those accustomed to more stable, traditional financial assets.

Bitcoin's Growth Potential in 2025

Thiel also highlighted several factors that could contribute to Bitcoin’s price appreciation in 2025. He pointed to the potential establishment of a United States Bitcoin reserve, growing institutional adoption, particularly through spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and a more favorable regulatory environment under a potential Trump Administration. These developments, Thiel believes, could drive increased demand for Bitcoin and lead to higher prices.

Thiel’s comments come on the heels of a recent poll conducted by Bitcoin advocate and MicroStrategy executive chairman Michael Saylor. The poll, shared on X (formerly Twitter), revealed that 77.7% of 65,164 respondents plan to increase their Bitcoin holdings in 2025, further indicating strong investor confidence in Bitcoin’s long-term prospects.

MARA's Bitcoin Strategy

MARA itself has adopted a long-term strategy when it comes to Bitcoin holdings. In July 2024, the company introduced a new treasury policy, deciding to retain all of the Bitcoin it mines rather than selling it. This shift in strategy aligns with the approach taken by MicroStrategy, which has famously accumulated a vast Bitcoin reserve.

As of the end of 2024, MARA holds 44,394 Bitcoin, worth approximately $4.3 billion at current prices, making it the second-largest public company holder of Bitcoin behind MicroStrategy, which holds 446,400 Bitcoin. MARA’s Bitcoin holdings grew significantly in 2024, increasing by 192.5% from 15,174 Bitcoin at the start of the year. The value of these holdings also surged, reflecting Bitcoin's nearly 120% price increase over the year.

Conclusion

Thiel’s "buy and forget" recommendation for retail investors underscores his belief in Bitcoin’s long-term growth potential. While Bitcoin remains a volatile and risky asset, Thiel’s advice aligns with the growing sentiment among Bitcoin enthusiasts that the cryptocurrency will continue to appreciate over time. With increased institutional interest and potential regulatory changes on the horizon, 2025 could be another pivotal year for Bitcoin. For those willing to embrace its volatility, Thiel’s strategy may offer a path to long-term wealth creation, as evidenced by MARA’s own Bitcoin accumulation and success in the past year.