Saylor Transforms MicroStrategy into Bitcoin Focused Strategy
Michael Saylor co-founded MicroStrategy in 1989 and took it public in 1998. He stepped back from the CEO role in 2022 to focus on Bitcoin strategy and advocacy full-time. Prior to that, he had built the business intelligence company into a successful entity through its early years.
At MIT, Saylor graduated with dual degrees in aeronautics and astronautics, as well as science, technology, and society. He joined DuPont in 1988, where his work on computer models helped predict market changes. A $10 million contract with McDonald's in 1992 established MicroStrategy's reputation.
However, the company faced challenges later on. In 2000, it announced a restatement of financial results, causing the stock to plummet. Saylor settled with the SEC without admitting wrongdoing and stepped back from his role as CEO in 2022. During this time, he transformed MicroStrategy into Strategy, focusing more heavily on Bitcoin.
The company's first Bitcoin purchase was made in August 2020, buying 21,454 BTC for $250 million. Since then, it has expanded its holdings through additional purchases funded by debt and equity. By June 2026, Strategy's holdings stood at approximately 847,363 BTC, acquired at a total cost basis of nearly $64.1 billion.