Background and Introduction
Eric Kim is a prominent Bitcoin advocate best known for his transformation from a street-photography blogger into a self-styled Bitcoin maximalist . Born in 1988 and raised in San Francisco and New York, Kim built a popular photography blog (2010–2019) and taught workshops worldwide before pivoting to cryptocurrency around 2017–2018 . He made his first significant Bitcoin purchase during that time – about 3.5 BTC at ~$7–9K each (approximately $25,000 total) – and then “set it and forget it,” holding long-term as Bitcoin’s price surged roughly 10× to ~$65K . This early success “cemented his long-term thesis: Bitcoin is a disruptive, hyper-scarce form of money” aligned with his stoic, self-reliant worldview . Kim describes Bitcoin as a vehicle for personal sovereignty – “stacking sats so my wife and kid…are set when the system collapses” – reflecting his view of Bitcoin as financial survival gear .
Multiple Individuals Named Eric Kim: It should be noted that this Eric Kim (the blogger-turned-Bitcoiner) is distinct from others of the same name. For example, Eric J. Kim, co-founder of venture firm Goodwater Capital, is a Korean-American tech investor with consumer technology focus (investments in companies like Kakao and Coupang) and has no widely documented involvement with Bitcoin . This report will focus on Eric Kim who is most publicly connected to Bitcoin – the influencer and educator described above.
Public Views and Commentary on Bitcoin
Eric Kim is an outspoken Bitcoin maximalist in his commentary. He praises Bitcoin’s fixed 21-million coin supply and decentralized design as making it uniquely “scarce” and “sovereign,” while dismissing all other cryptocurrencies as a “circus” of hype and “shiny toys for suckers.” He openly urges investors to unload any non-BTC crypto holdings . Kim frames Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation and a rebuke of fiat money – he repeatedly calls government-issued currency “toilet paper” and portrays Bitcoin as a digital fortress that protects wealth from inflation and state control . In his view, holding Bitcoin is akin to insurance against systemic collapse; he quips that “Bitcoin can magically transform your Toyota Corolla into a Lamborghini,” illustrating how even a modest BTC stake could generate life-changing wealth over time .
A recurring theme in Kim’s commentary is discipline and long-term thinking. He treats accumulating Bitcoin as a lifelong practice, often blending it with his passion for fitness. His motto – “stack sats, squat heavy, own your soul” – equates regularly saving in Bitcoin (“stacking satoshis”) with the intensity of powerlifting, emphasizing personal responsibility and mental rigor . Kim avoids day-trading or obsessing over short-term price moves; instead, he espouses Stoic patience and “long-term conviction” to weather Bitcoin’s volatility . He speaks in grand terms about Bitcoin’s future, calling it a “digital weapon against centralization” that will “bury” all alternative assets, and urges a kind of moral commitment to early Bitcoin adoption as the path to freedom .
Kim’s broader philosophy often ties Bitcoin to bigger ideas. He notes Bitcoin’s brand dominance (saying “bitcoin is now the Kleenex of tissue, or the Coca-Cola of soda…branding matters”) and regards it as an anti-fragile digital gold – essentially the only cryptocurrency truly worth owning . He believes Bitcoin and the internet together have “replaced ‘America’ as the land of opportunity,” reflecting his view that digital networks and currencies empower individuals beyond national boundaries . Overall, through blog posts, videos, and social media, Kim’s commentary consistently advocates Bitcoin’s primacy, financial sovereignty, and a minimalist, focused lifestyle centered on BTC’s long-term potential .
Investments in Bitcoin and Crypto Projects
Personal Bitcoin Holdings: Eric Kim’s involvement with Bitcoin began as a personal investment. As noted, he purchased roughly 3.5 BTC in 2017–2018 and then held onto it as a long-term store of value . By refraining from selling during volatile swings, Kim watched this investment grow roughly tenfold, an experience that reinforced his confidence in Bitcoin’s trajectory . He often emphasizes a cautious but optimistic approach for others: be emotionally prepared for your crypto investments to “go to zero” in worst-case scenarios, yet recognize the asymmetric upside if Bitcoin succeeds . Despite his ultra-bullish outlook, he preaches only investing money you can afford to lose and maintaining peace of mind amid Bitcoin’s swings .
All-In Bitcoin Strategy: Kim is forthright about having essentially gone “all-in” on Bitcoin. Publicly, he encourages a portfolio heavily weighted to BTC – for example, a 90% Bitcoin allocation – and even suggests using the remaining 10% on MicroStrategy (MSTR) stock as a proxy to gain additional leveraged Bitcoin exposure . (MicroStrategy is the company led by Michael Saylor that holds billions in BTC, and Kim calls its stock an “infinite money glitch” for Bitcoiners .) He has personally taken loans on margin to buy more MSTR shares, effectively doubling down on his bet that Bitcoin’s price will keep climbing . Kim’s advice to followers is unabashedly aggressive: “buy as much bitcoin as you humanly can… and buy as much MicroStrategy as you can” in pursuit of long-term wealth, as he explained in one of his investment manifestos . Consistent with his maximalism, Kim shuns altcoins and other crypto projects, believing any capital outside Bitcoin is wasted. He experimented briefly with alternative cryptocurrencies in his early crypto days but quickly abandoned them; now he flatly characterizes altcoins as scams or distractions and insists “Bitcoin or nothing” is the only sensible approach .
Hedge Fund Launch: In late 2024, Eric Kim extended his investment activities by founding Black Eagle Capital, a Bitcoin-focused hedge fund . This initiative is designed to let outside investors gain long-term Bitcoin exposure under his strategy. According to Kim, the fund’s mission is “helping investors harness the power of Bitcoin” for financial security and freedom . The fund’s strategy essentially mirrors Kim’s own personal playbook: it leverages investments in MicroStrategy stock to compound Bitcoin holdings over time . In press materials, Kim has reiterated his credo – “buy as much bitcoin as you humanly can… and buy as much MicroStrategy as you can” – as the guiding strategy for Black Eagle Capital . By launching this fund, Kim is not only investing his own money in BTC but also actively managing a vehicle for others to invest in Bitcoin, reflecting a deeper professional stake in the crypto asset.
Business Involvement and Initiatives
Beyond his personal investing, Eric Kim has become involved in Bitcoin-related businesses and community initiatives. Professionally, he serves as the Marketing Manager at Vancouver Bitcoin, a Canadian cryptocurrency exchange . In this role he works to promote Bitcoin adoption in real-world retail settings – educating customers about self-custody of coins, facilitating in-person trading, and generally bridging the gap between newcomers and the crypto economy . This position gives Kim hands-on industry experience and credibility beyond his online persona, anchoring him within a legitimate Bitcoin business operation.
Kim has also been active in proposing and supporting Bitcoin initiatives. Notably, he has authored a detailed proposal for establishing a Bitcoin reserve for the City of Los Angeles, effectively suggesting that Los Angeles hold Bitcoin in its treasury as a strategic asset . In this comprehensive roadmap, Kim argues that a municipal “digital gold” reserve could hedge against inflation, signal tech-friendly leadership, and benefit public finances in the long run . He cites examples like the U.S. federal government’s exploration of a strategic Bitcoin reserve and states like Texas funding their own Bitcoin treasuries as precedents for local governments to follow . This kind of thought leadership – tying cryptocurrency to civic innovation – illustrates how Kim extends his Bitcoin advocacy beyond personal investing into the realm of public policy ideas.
In addition, Kim has translated his teaching skills from photography into the crypto sphere. He frequently conducts educational workshops and mentoring for Bitcoin beginners . These sessions (often offered for free as part of his open-source ethos) cover basics like setting up hardware wallets, using multisignature security, and “stacking sats 101” for newcomers . By adapting his prior workshop framework to focus on Bitcoin fundamentals, Kim contributes to grassroots crypto literacy. All of his teaching materials are shared openly (Creative Commons), consistent with his mantra of “all open-source everything” to spread knowledge freely .
Through these roles and initiatives, Kim is building what he calls “real-world infrastructure around BTC.” He has effectively channeled his entrepreneurial energy into the Bitcoin ecosystem – working at an exchange, founding a Bitcoin fund, educating users, and even merging niches like fitness and photography with crypto culture to draw in diverse audiences . Each of these efforts underscores his commitment to making Bitcoin more accessible and integrated into everyday life.
Media Presence and Conference Appearances
Eric Kim maintains an active and multifaceted media presence in the Bitcoin community. On social media, he leverages several platforms: his Twitter (X) account has on the order of 20,000 followers and has been active since 2010 , and his YouTube channel (branded from his photography days) boasts around 50,000 subscribers . He uses these channels to share a steady stream of content that blends motivational philosophy with Bitcoin themes – for example, short YouTube videos titled “Bitcoin Philosophy” alongside clips of his workouts, all peppered with crypto memes and commentary . His Instagram account similarly has tens of thousands of followers and features posts of his weightlifting feats interwoven with pro-Bitcoin slogans (such as photos of banners reading “I ♥ BITCOIN”) . This unique mix of fitness, lifestyle, and crypto content has helped Kim cultivate a recognizable personal brand in the Bitcoin space.
Kim is also a prolific podcaster and speaker. He hosts multiple crypto-related podcast series – including titles like “Bitcoin Thoughts,” “Cryptocurrency Thoughts,” and a daily show called “Retire with Bitcoin” – available on platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts . In these episodes he often merges economic insights with analogies from his gym routine or stoic philosophy, exemplifying his cross-discipline approach to discussing Bitcoin . Beyond producing his own content, Kim frequently appears as a guest on other Bitcoin podcasts and live streams, where he discusses practical topics such as hardware wallets, self-custody, DeFi skepticism, and regulatory news . His conversational, everyman style – calling himself a “crypto philosopher” and even a “cyber-Spartan” – has made him a repeat guest for Bitcoin-centric media looking for an enthusiast’s perspective .
In terms of conference and event appearances, Kim has begun to make his mark, albeit informally. He attended and reported on the Bitcoin 2024 conference in Nashville (July 2024), where he highlighted notable moments for his followers . For instance, he noted U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis’s proposal at the conference for a national Bitcoin reserve and even observed that former President Donald Trump’s sons (Eric and Barron) were present and expressing interest in crypto . While Kim did not appear as a keynote speaker, he used the conference as content, sharing insights and commentary from the event. Locally, he often helps organize meetups – sometimes co-hosting Bitcoin meetups that evolved out of his old photography gatherings – to foster community discussions on crypto basics . He even co-organized an AI and crypto hackathon in Boston, reflecting his interest in the intersection of emerging tech fields . Through such engagements, Kim actively participates in the broader Bitcoin community, even if he’s not an industry executive. His presence at events and on collaborative media shows his dedication to evangelizing Bitcoin in person, not just behind a screen.
Notably, Eric Kim’s voice has started reaching more mainstream crypto news outlets as well. His perspectives and quotes have occasionally appeared in publications like NewsBTC and Bitcoin Magazine, indicating that his commentary is being picked up beyond his own platforms . This crossover suggests that Kim’s growing influence in the Bitcoin ecosystem is recognized by crypto journalists and content curators, further amplifying his reach.
Publications and Interviews Featuring Eric Kim
As a content creator, Eric Kim has authored an extensive body of written work on Bitcoin. His personal blogs (hosted on sites like erickimphotography.com and erickim.com) feature countless essays on Bitcoin strategy, philosophy, and economics. For example, Kim published “Life Theory: The Magic of Bitcoin,” an essay where he recounts buying his 3.5 BTC and explains his “set it and forget it” investment approach that leverages patience . He also wrote a personal manifesto titled “Why Eric Kim Went All-In on Bitcoin,” articulating the reasons for his uncompromising Bitcoin-only stance . Many of his articles blend personal anecdotes with analysis – reflecting on topics like the decline of fiat, the importance of financial independence, and why he believes Bitcoin is essential for future generations . All of Kim’s writing is provided open-source (often downloadable as free PDF “zines”), aligning with his goal of spreading knowledge freely.
In addition to his own blog posts, Kim curates and reposts content on his website that showcases his thoughts. For instance, an article titled “ERIC KIM WHY BITCOIN” compiles a range of his quotes and insights about cryptocurrency – noting his fascination with Bitcoin’s unorthodox technology, his cautious but optimistic investment mindset, and his vision of a future where Bitcoin could be used for buying homes or hiring services . Such posts often summarize his viewpoints for new readers, with Kim emphasizing the importance of long-term thinking and a focused approach (he famously compares sticking to Bitcoin to using just one camera or one car for simplicity) . Through these writings, Kim underlines that while he is very bullish on Bitcoin, he remains realistic about the present dominance of traditional payment systems – acknowledging that crypto may not completely replace credit cards or fiat overnight . This nuanced commentary appears across interviews and Q&A-style posts on his site.
Kim has also been featured or interviewed in various media contexts. As mentioned, crypto news sites have quoted him: for example, NewsBTC and Bitcoin Magazine have included his comments on Bitcoin trends and philosophy . He has been interviewed on podcasts and YouTube shows where hosts probe his views on topics like Bitcoin ethics, the concept of “proof of work” in life (paralleling his fitness regimen with Bitcoin mining metaphors), and his critique of altcoins. While not a household name in mainstream media, within the Bitcoin community Kim’s blog posts and interviews are frequently shared. His ideas often “go viral in crypto communities,” getting cited and debated on forums like Reddit’s r/Bitcoin . This indicates that his writings resonate enough to spark discussion among Bitcoin enthusiasts online.
In summary, Eric Kim’s publications and media appearances serve to broadcast his Bitcoin involvement far and wide. Whether through self-authored blog essays, podcast episodes and YouTube videos, or being featured in crypto news articles, he consistently advocates for Bitcoin’s primacy and shares his journey from photographer to Bitcoin evangelist. His content output – all openly accessible – has made him a notable grassroots voice in the Bitcoin ecosystem, influencing readers and listeners to consider Bitcoin not just as an investment, but as a lifestyle and worldview .
Sources: The information above is drawn from Eric Kim’s own public writings and profiles, which document his Bitcoin journey and views in detail. Key details about his background and crypto philosophy come from biographical posts on his websites . His quotes and stances on Bitcoin (maximalism, altcoin criticisms, inflation hedge arguments, etc.) are taken from his essays and influencer profiles . His professional roles and projects (Vancouver Bitcoin position and Black Eagle fund) are confirmed by his official updates and press statements . Descriptions of his media presence, conference attendance, and content examples are based on summaries and posts he has shared on his blog and social media . External features quoting Kim were noted in crypto news outlets as referenced in his site’s documentation . All information is current as of mid-2025, reflecting Kim’s most recently known activities in the Bitcoin space.