Michael Saylor Predicts MARA Holdings Will Be Next Bitcoin Firm in Nasdaq 100

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In a bold forecast that has captured the attention of crypto and stock market watchers alike, MicroStrategy co-founder and prominent Bitcoin advocate Michael Saylor has predicted that MARA Holdings will be the next major Bitcoin-focused company to join the prestigious Nasdaq-100 Index. This statement, made on December 14 via a post on X (formerly Twitter), signals growing institutional confidence in publicly traded Bitcoin mining firms and highlights the increasing convergence between digital assets and traditional finance.

Saylor’s comment came in response to a congratulatory message from Fred Thiel, CEO and chairman of MARA Holdings, celebrating MicroStrategy’s upcoming inclusion in the Nasdaq-100—a milestone set to take effect before trading begins on December 23, 2024. Known for its aggressive Bitcoin accumulation strategy, MicroStrategy now holds over 250,000 BTC, making it the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin.

"I expect $MARA will be the next,"
— Michael Saylor, December 14, 2024

This endorsement from one of the most influential voices in enterprise Bitcoin adoption carries significant weight, especially as MARA Holdings continues to scale its mining operations and strengthen its balance sheet with strategic BTC purchases.

MARA’s Strategic Push for Institutional Recognition

Fred Thiel responded to Saylor’s prediction with optimism, confirming that the company is actively working toward meeting the criteria for Nasdaq-100 inclusion.

"Thanks. We are working hard to get there."
— Fred Thiel, CEO of MARA Holdings

To back this ambition, MARA has made substantial moves in recent months. According to a December 2 SEC filing, the company invested more than $600 million in Bitcoin over just two months—underscoring its long-term conviction in BTC as both a reserve asset and foundational infrastructure for future financial systems.

This aggressive accumulation places MARA among the top-tier publicly traded companies embracing Bitcoin not just as a speculative asset, but as a core component of corporate treasury strategy—mirroring MicroStrategy’s playbook.

👉 Discover how leading firms are reshaping finance with Bitcoin

Stock Performance Reflects Growing Market Confidence

Market performance further supports the narrative of rising investor confidence. Over the past six months, MARA stock (NASDAQ: MARA) has surged more than 13%, closing the previous week at **$22.73**. While this growth is notable, it pales in comparison to MicroStrategy’s explosive rally—**MSTR shares soared over 173%** during the same period, finishing at $408.67.

These gains closely parallel Bitcoin’s own market momentum. With BTC posting a year-to-date increase of nearly 149%, the correlation between Bitcoin’s price action and the valuations of BTC-backed public companies has never been stronger. As Bitcoin solidifies its role as digital gold, firms like MARA and MicroStrategy are increasingly viewed as leveraged proxies for exposure to the flagship cryptocurrency.

MARA Advocates for U.S. Leadership in Bitcoin Mining

Beyond financial strategy, MARA Holdings is positioning itself as a policy influencer, calling on the United States to take a dominant role in the global Bitcoin mining landscape. The company frames this not just as an economic opportunity, but as a national security imperative.

In a November 26 tweet, MARA emphasized the importance of U.S. leadership in blockchain infrastructure:

"With @SenLummis' #Bitcoin Act in the pipeline, the US must lead in mining, blockspace, & hashrate so we can ensure that '…a sovereign can have sovereignty.'"
— MARA Holdings

This statement aligns with growing concerns about de-dollarization trends worldwide. As nations diversify away from U.S. dollar-denominated assets, MARA argues that America must secure strategic advantages in decentralized technologies—starting with control over Bitcoin’s hashrate and mining infrastructure.

The analogy is clear: just as the U.S. once stockpiled gold to back its currency and assert global financial dominance, it should now prioritize accumulating Bitcoin and leading in mining capacity to maintain monetary sovereignty in the digital age.

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👉 See how Bitcoin is transforming institutional investing

Why Nasdaq-100 Inclusion Matters

Inclusion in the Nasdaq-100 Index is more than symbolic—it brings real financial benefits. Companies added to the index typically experience:

For a crypto-native firm like MARA Holdings, joining the Nasdaq-100 would represent full validation by mainstream capital markets. It would also likely trigger passive fund inflows from ETFs tracking the index, such as the Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ), which manages over $200 billion in assets.

Historically, stocks see an average price bump of 2–4% in the days leading up to index inclusion due to rebalancing flows. For a company like MARA, this could translate into hundreds of millions in additional market capitalization.

FAQ: Understanding MARA’s Path to the Nasdaq-100

Q: What are the criteria for Nasdaq-100 inclusion?

The Nasdaq-100 evaluates companies based on factors including market capitalization (minimum ~$5 billion), trading volume, and financial viability. While there's no fixed formula, consistent profitability or strong revenue growth improves chances.

Q: How much Bitcoin does MARA Holdings own?

As of its latest SEC filings, MARA has acquired over $600 million worth of Bitcoin in recent months. Exact holdings are disclosed quarterly, but the company has signaled intent to continue accumulating.

Q: Is MARA profitable from mining operations?

While profitability fluctuates with BTC price and hash rate competition, MARA has improved operational efficiency through partnerships and access to low-cost energy sources. Its focus remains long-term value creation via BTC accumulation.

Q: Could other Bitcoin firms follow?

Yes. Companies like Riot Platforms (RIOT) and Bitfarms (BITF) are also expanding holdings and infrastructure, though MARA is currently best positioned due to scale and executive visibility.

Q: Does government regulation affect MARA’s chances?

Regulatory clarity—such as Wyoming Senator Cynthia Lummis’ proposed Bitcoin Act—could accelerate institutional adoption and support MARA’s legitimacy in traditional finance circles.

Q: What impact would Nasdaq-100 inclusion have on retail investors?

Retail investors would gain easier access via index-tracking funds. It could also stabilize MARA’s stock by reducing volatility associated with speculative trading.

The Bigger Picture: Bitcoin as National Infrastructure

MARA’s dual strategy—aggressive BTC acquisition and policy advocacy—reflects a broader shift. Bitcoin is no longer just an asset class; it's emerging as critical infrastructure for national economies.

By pushing for U.S. leadership in mining and blockspace, MARA is advocating for technological sovereignty. Control over hash rate ensures resilience against censorship and strengthens cryptographic trust—the same principles underpinning modern cybersecurity.

Just as nations once competed for oil reserves or semiconductor dominance, the next frontier may be decentralized consensus.

👉 Explore how nations are integrating Bitcoin into economic strategy

Final Thoughts

Michael Saylor’s prediction isn’t mere speculation—it’s a signal of where institutional capital is headed. With MicroStrategy already inside the Nasdaq-100, all eyes are now on MARA Holdings as the most likely successor.

Backed by massive Bitcoin investments, improving operations, and high-level policy engagement, MARA is building more than a mining company—it’s constructing a bridge between legacy finance and the decentralized future.

If history repeats itself, MARA’s journey from crypto upstart to blue-chip status may be accelerating faster than many expect.