On September 17, 2025, New York City hosted the inaugural Bitcoin Treasuries Unconference, a unique gathering focused on corporate Bitcoin adoption and treasury strategies. The full-day event at Lavan Midtown was intentionally kept intimate (capped around 350 attendees) to encourage high-quality interaction . Below is a comprehensive overview of the key highlights, announcements, discussions, and takeaways from this unconference.
Keynote Speakers & Notable Participants
- Michael Saylor – Executive Chairman of Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) and renowned Bitcoin advocate, headlined the event . Saylor’s presence drew significant attention as he shared insights from leading the world’s largest corporate Bitcoin treasury (over 638,000 BTC) .
- Mark Moss – Investor and commentator known for macro analysis, participated as a thought leader on stage , offering perspectives on the economic trends driving Bitcoin adoption.
- Pierre Rochard – Bitcoin strategist (and VP at Riot Platforms) joined as a speaker, notably appearing on a “Proof of Reserves” panel to discuss transparency in Bitcoin holdings . Organizers announced Rochard’s participation shortly before the event, underscoring its high-caliber lineup .
- Strive Asset Management Team – Several executives from Strive, a firm pursuing a bold Bitcoin treasury strategy, featured prominently. This included Matt Cole (Head of Bitcoin Strategy), Jeff Walton and Ben Werkman (VPs of Bitcoin Strategy) . They shared expertise on integrating Bitcoin into corporate balance sheets and capital markets.
- Industry Pioneers – Other notable participants included Andrew Webley (CEO of The Smarter Web Company, a UK firm holding 2,470 BTC ), Adrian Morris (Bitcoin treasury analyst and MicroStrategy alum), and Tyler Evans (CIO of Nakamoto/KindlyMD) among “many more” experts . Event hosts Tim Kotzman and Ed Juline – co-founders of BitcoinTreasuries.net – facilitated sessions and town-hall style Q&As.
Major Announcements & Launches
- Saylor’s Bold Prediction: Michael Saylor made headlines by predicting an oncoming wave of corporate Bitcoin adoption. He stated “there will be thousands and thousands of Bitcoin treasury companies” as demand for BTC as a reserve asset is “exploding” . This bullish forecast set an optimistic tone, implying that many firms worldwide will follow Strategy’s playbook of holding Bitcoin on their balance sheets. (As context, Saylor’s own company Strategy Inc. recently disclosed 638,985 BTC (~$73 billion) in its treasury as of mid-September .)
- Strive’s $950 Million Treasury Initiative: On the eve of the conference, Strive announced an aggressive expansion of its Bitcoin treasury strategy. The firm unveiled a $450 million at-the-market equity offering alongside a $500 million stock buyback program – a combined $950 million initiative to accumulate BTC . This dual raise-and-repurchase plan (enabled by a recent merger) was highlighted at the event as a novel approach to boost Bitcoin holdings while managing shareholder value. The addition of veteran Bitcoin investors to Strive’s board was also noted, reinforcing its commitment to Bitcoin-centric corporate finance .
- New Treasury Entrants: Speakers celebrated the growing roster of public companies adding Bitcoin. For example, Andrew Webley’s The Smarter Web Company PLC (UK) was cited for holding 2,470 BTC on its books . Such developments – alongside news of other firms (including a Nasdaq-listed company buying 7,500 BTC that week) – underscored a trend of enterprises making bold Bitcoin treasury moves. While no single product launch dominated the unconference, the “Bitcoin Treasuries” concept itself is becoming an industry, with new entrants and capital flowing in.
Primary Topics & Trends Discussed
- Bitcoin as “Yield-Generating” Digital Capital: A recurring theme was treating Bitcoin not just as a static reserve asset, but as productive capital. In his keynote, Saylor emphasized the notion of Bitcoin as “yield-generating” and “digital” capital . He argued that holding BTC can unlock new financial strategies – from collateralized loans to Lightning Network yields – effectively rewriting the corporate capital playbook. This narrative of Bitcoin as “perfected, programmable” money resonated strongly, encouraging firms to put their BTC to work rather than merely sit on it.
- Surging Corporate Adoption: Participants noted that Bitcoin is rapidly shifting from a speculative investment to a core balance-sheet asset for companies . Discussion highlighted the maturation of corporate Bitcoin strategies: more CFOs and treasurers now view BTC as a hedge against fiat debasement and a long-term store of value akin to digital gold. Panelists shared data on 2025’s boom in corporate BTC holdings and predicted the trend would accelerate (echoing Saylor’s forecast of “thousands” of Bitcoin-holding companies worldwide ). Overall sentiment was that institutional FOMO is on the rise, yet we are still early in this adoption curve.
- Bitcoin-Backed Credit & Financialization: A hot topic was the emergence of Bitcoin-backed credit markets. In one panel, Strive’s team and Saylor explored how companies can use Bitcoin as high-quality collateral to issue debt or structured products. They argued that BTC-backed loans and bonds could “change global fixed income markets,” opening a new paradigm where Bitcoin underpins corporate borrowing . This concept – effectively leveraging BTC’s liquidity and appreciating nature – was presented as a win-win: firms unlock capital without selling their bitcoin, while lenders get ultra-sound collateral. Attendees were intrigued by the idea that Bitcoin might eventually integrate into traditional corporate finance (e.g. bond markets, commercial paper) as a form of digital reserve backing.
- Transparency: Proof-of-Reserves & Reporting: Given the focus on balance-sheet BTC, accountability and disclosure were critical themes. A dedicated “Proof of Reserves” panel (11:50am session) featured Pierre Rochard and others, delving into best practices for verifying and reporting corporate Bitcoin holdings . They discussed on-chain proof-of-reserve techniques, audits, and the need for standardizing how companies disclose their Bitcoin positions. The panel underscored that as more firms adopt BTC, investor confidence will rely on transparent attestations of those assets. Regulators and accounting standards were touched on, but the overall message was that self-regulation via cryptographic proofs can enhance trust in Bitcoin treasuries.
- Macroeconomic Outlook & Bitcoin’s Role: Throughout the day, speakers like Mark Moss tied current macro trends to the Bitcoin treasury movement. Topics included central bank policies (the event coincided with a Fed meeting) and global economic uncertainties driving interest in hard assets. The consensus was that inflation and monetary easing in recent years have made Bitcoin an attractive treasury asset – a hedge and growth opportunity in one. Panels noted that even with Bitcoin hovering around all-time highs (~$115K–$120K during the conference), many corporates still see significant upside long-term. The sentiment was that Bitcoin has entered mainstream finance consciousness, increasingly viewed as a prudent allocation for cash-rich companies rather than an idle speculation.
Workshop & Panel Highlights
- “Proof of Reserves” Panel: In a late-morning session, Pierre Rochard and fellow experts led a deep dive on Bitcoin treasury transparency . They demonstrated methods for corporations to cryptographically prove their BTC holdings and discussed tools to periodically publish these proofs. This panel stressed that voluntary transparency can preempt regulatory concerns and build shareholder trust. Attendees heard case studies of public firms successfully conducting proof-of-reserve audits. The interactive Q&A covered how to balance disclosure with security, and many in the crowd welcomed the push for industry standards on proof-of-assets reporting.
- “Bitcoin-Backed Credit” Panel: A centerpiece afternoon panel brought Michael Saylor together with Strive’s Matt Cole, Jeff Walton, and others to discuss integrating Bitcoin into credit and debt markets. Seated side-by-side on stage, they outlined a vision where companies can borrow against their BTC holdings to fund expansion or share buybacks, effectively treating bitcoin as productive collateral. Saylor reframed the concept of risk management in this context, noting that using BTC loans can be preferable to equity dilution . The Strive team described their strategy of raising capital to buy bitcoin and simultaneously issuing notes secured by that bitcoin – a strategy they believe could eventually reshape corporate finance. The audience was energized by ideas of Bitcoin-backed bonds, structured notes, and yield-bearing treasury strategies, marking a notable evolution from the simple “buy and hold” approach.
- Interactive Workshops: True to the “unconference” format, several breakout workshops ran in parallel to the main stage talks. These small-group sessions (led by industry pioneers and CFOs of BTC-holding companies) allowed attendees to drill into niche topics. For example, one workshop focused on accounting and tax treatment for Bitcoin treasuries, while another explored Lightning Network applications for corporations (e.g. earning yield or facilitating fast international transfers). Attendees had direct access to ask questions and brainstorm with experts in these workshops, creating “candid conversations” in a high-signal environment as promised . This format – more informal and participatory than a typical conference – was widely praised for generating practical insights that participants could take back to their firms.
- Open Q&A Town Halls: Throughout the day, moderators (including hosts Tim Kotzman and Ed Juline) encouraged a town-hall style dialogue . After each panel, microphones were passed around for audience questions, sparking frank discussions. Notably, during the Q&A after Saylor’s talk, one audience member asked about volatility risk; Saylor responded by outlining Strategy’s long-term horizon and how “volatility is the price of growth”, which drew applause. In another open session, several public company CFOs in attendance shared why they felt compelled to add BTC to their balance sheets, citing shareholder demands and competitive advantage. These peer insights added real-world gravity to the more visionary talks.
General Takeaways, Sentiment & Crowd Response
Overall, the mood was overwhelmingly upbeat and optimistic. The unconference format succeeded in fostering a sense of community among Bitcoin-focused corporate leaders. Attendees noted that “people are taking this seriously now” – a marked change from just a couple years ago when holding Bitcoin as a company was rare or controversial. There was a palpable excitement that Bitcoin has entered a new phase of mainstream acceptance in corporate finance, with many referring to 2025 as a tipping point for institutional Bitcoin adoption.
Participants frequently cheered or nodded in agreement during sessions, especially when hearing bullish pronouncements or successful case studies. Saylor’s bold claims (predicting thousands of Bitcoin treasury companies) drew enthusiastic applause, reflecting the crowd’s shared belief in Bitcoin’s growth . The audience – composed of CFOs, fund managers, and industry executives – appeared highly engaged, often taking notes and tweeting quotes in real-time.
During networking breaks, the sentiment was described as “electric.” Attendees exchanged ideas on implementing strategies learned at the event, and many expressed gratitude for the intimate setting. Unlike a large expo, the curated crowd allowed for direct conversations with speakers; the crowd response was that this intimacy made the content far more actionable. “This feels like the start of something big,” one attendee remarked, capturing the general feeling that they were part of an emerging movement.
In conclusion, the Bitcoin Treasuries NYC Unconference 2025 was by all accounts a resounding success. It delivered valuable insights and announcements in an informal, interactive atmosphere. Key takeaways included Bitcoin’s evolution into a yield-bearing corporate asset, innovative financing models like BTC-backed credit, and the importance of transparency and strategy as the space matures. The event’s upbeat tone and strong community response underscored a growing confidence: corporate adoption of Bitcoin is not just a fad, but a lasting trend reshaping finance . As the day wrapped up – and attendees headed to the post-event networking reception – the message was clear: Bitcoin’s role in corporate treasuries is only getting started, and excitement for the “next chapter” is sky high.
Sources: Official event announcements, speaker social media updates, and live reporting from the conference have been cited throughout for accuracy and context. Key references include the Bitcoin Treasuries event site , Bitcoin Magazine and CoinDesk coverage , and real-time quotes shared by organizers and attendees on X/Twitter . These provide a verified, up-to-date account of the Unconference’s highlights and sentiment.