2024’s Richest Crypto and Bitcoin Billionaires

Bitcoin’s value has soared over the last year, more than doubling and reaching a new peak of $73,000 in March following the U.S. authorisation of bitcoin-pegged exchange-traded funds.

The entire cryptocurrency market has surged, increasing by 170% and adding approximately $1.6 trillion in market value over the last 12 months, as reported by CoinGecko.

This surge has expanded the ranks of crypto billionaires. According to Forbes’ 2024 World’s Billionaires list, there are now 17 crypto billionaires, up from nine the previous year. 

These individuals, a mix of investors and entrepreneurs, have a combined wealth estimated at $93 billion, a leap from last year’s total of $37 billion.

Meet the richest crypto and bitcoin billionaires:

1. Changpeng Zhao (CZ)

Founder and former CEO of Binance, Zhao has an estimated net worth of $33 billion. Despite legal issues including a guilty plea to money laundering charges, his substantial ownership in Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange by volume, maintains his position as the wealthiest person in crypto

2. Michael Saylor

As the CEO of MicroStrategy, Saylor’s net worth is now approximately $4.4 billion. The company has transitioned into a significant holder of Bitcoin under his leadership, contributing to a massive increase in his wealth due to the rising value of Bitcoin.

3. Brian Armstrong

The CEO of Coinbase, Armstrong’s wealth has increased to an estimated $11.2 billion. The boost in Coinbase’s stock value over the past year contributed to his wealth.

4. Giancarlo Devasini

Serving as the CFO of Tether, Devasini is noted for his substantial stake in the company. With Tether’s growth in the stablecoin market, his net worth has reached about $9.2 billion.

5. Paolo Ardoino

Ardoino works as Tether’s CEO and has an estimated 20% ownership in the company. His proactive role in Tether has helped elevate his net worth to $3.9 billion.

6. Jean-Louis van der Velde

The former CEO of Tether, van der Velde has an estimated net worth of $3.9 billion. His significant stake and high-level involvement with Tether’s operations have amassed him considerable wealth.

7. Stuart Hoegner

As the general counsel for Tether, Hoegner’s career began at Ernst & Young, eventually leading him to significant roles in the crypto and online gambling sectors. His net worth is estimated at $2.5 billion.

8. Mike Novogratz

A former Wall Street figure, Novogratz leads Galaxy Digital Holdings, a major player in crypto investments, with his net worth at approximately $2.5 billion.

9. Tyler Winklevoss and Cameron Winklevoss

The Winklevoss twins are known both for their legal battle with Mark Zuckerberg and their early investments in Bitcoin. Each has a net worth estimated at $2.7 billion, with substantial holdings in Bitcoin and their crypto exchange, Gemini.

10. Jed McCaleb

An early pioneer in the cryptocurrency space, McCaleb founded the first major Bitcoin exchange, Mt. Gox, and later co-founded Ripple. His wealth, primarily from selling XRP, is estimated at $2.9 billion.

11. Matthew Roszak

Roszak’s investments in Bitcoin and Ethereum have grown, placing his net worth at $3.1 billion. He also leads Bloq, a blockchain startup.

12. Fred Ehrsam

Co-founder of Coinbase and Paradigm, Ehrsam remains influential in the crypto space with a net worth of $3.2 billion.

13. Chris Larsen

A co-founder of Ripple, Larsen has a net worth of $3.2 billion, with his wealth stemming from his stake in Ripple and holdings in XRP.

14. Tim Drape

Known for his venture capital investments and early purchase of Bitcoin, Draper’s net worth has surged to $2 billion due to the increase in Bitcoin’s value.

15. Joe Lau and Nikil Viswanathan

These co-founders of Alchemy, a Web3 infrastructure provider, each have a net worth of $1.5 billion, reflecting the high valuation of their company in the burgeoning field of blockchain and cryptocurrency.