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Twins Who Sued Zuckerberg Now Bitcoin Billionaires
Image: Getty / Stefanie Keenan
The Unbelievable Journey of the First Bitcoin Billionaires
One pair of twins ventured into uncharted territory, believing in the potential of Bitcoin long before it captured the public’s imagination. Meet Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, known not just for their bold foray into cryptocurrency, but also for their pivotal roles in the cinematic drama “The Social Network.” Their story is as compelling as Hollywood itself.
Twins with a Claim
Cameron and Tyler, often referred to as the Winklevii, are no strangers to controversy. They allege that the young Mark Zuckerberg stole their idea for Facebook, leading them to file a lawsuit that would change their fortunes forever. In an interesting twist, their movie representation saw Armie Hammer captivatingly portray both brothers, highlighting their rivalry with Zuckerberg.
The outcome of their lawsuit was nothing short of lucrative; they settled for a staggering $65 million in Facebook stock. Many would have used this windfall to invest in traditional ventures or secure a comfortable life, but the Winklevoss twins had something else in mind.
An Investment into the Future
In 2013, with a hefty bag of cash from their legal battle, the twins made a bold choice. They decided to pour around $11 million into Bitcoin when it was still in a nascent stage. At that time, the price was approximately $120 per coin, landing them around 100,000 Bitcoins—a decision that would soon prove prophetic.
Initially, their investment was met with mockery. The cryptocurrency scene was rife with skepticism, and many believed Bitcoin would fade into obscurity. However, the Winklevoss twins persevered through the ridicule, embodying a mantra that has become synonymous with successful investing: trust your instincts.
The Bitcoin Boom
Fast forward to the meteoric rise of Bitcoin. Recently, Bitcoin surged to an impressive milestone, surpassing $100,000 following events tied to Donald Trump’s electoral success. For the Winklevoss twins, their investment has matured beautifully, potentially elevating their cash value to beyond $1 billion.
Should they have held onto every Bitcoin, their fortune could have ballooned to over $9 billion. However, they reportedly still hold around $1.18 billion in Bitcoin, making them trailblazers in the cryptocurrency world, alongside Satoshi Nakamoto, the mysterious creator of Bitcoin.
Staying Power and Future Plans
Despite being significantly wealthier than most, the Winklevoss twins continue to expand their digital currency empire. They launched Gemini, a cryptocurrency exchange, to further their influence in this burgeoning market. However, the path hasn’t always been smooth. In March 2024, they faced a significant setback, agreeing to pay a $37 million fine for misleading investors regarding one of their programs.
Nevertheless, their entrepreneurial spirit remains undeterred. They still refrain from liquidating their extensive crypto holdings, signaling their desire to take part in the ever-evolving financial landscape. Furthermore, they even invested in a seat on Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic shuttle, showcasing their ambition transcends just cryptocurrency.
Even with their fortunes soaring, the Winklevoss twins have not lost sight of their story’s roots—a saga interwoven with the very fabric of the digital revolution, propelled into greatness by their legal confrontation with Zuckerberg.
Throughout it all, the Winklevoss twins exemplify a fundamental truth: from adversity, opportunity can arise, and sometimes, even the loudest critics fall silent as fortunes change.
