Brown University Adds Bitcoin to Its Endowment Portfolio by Purchasing Shares of BlackRock's Spot Bitcoin ETF, IBIT

According to a new SEC filing today, Brown University, a private university based in Providence, Rhode Island, revealed a large position in BlackRock's spot Bitcoin ETF, IBIT

A recent SEC filing disclosed that Brown University, a private institution in Providence, Rhode Island, had acquired a significant stake in BlackRock's debut Bitcoin ETF, IBIT (notice: IBIT is an ETF, not a bitcoin trust).

According to a report by MacroScope, Brown's 13F filing showed an ownership of 105,000 shares in the IBIT ETF as of March 31, valued at $4,915,050. This is a new position for Brown, which means it was acquired in January, February or March. The total value of all 14 positions in the filing is $216 million.

“This is a new position, which means it was acquired in January, February or March. The total value of all 14 positions in the filing is $216 million. This is an important one.”

A growing number of U.S. universities are signaling confidence in Bitcoin's long-term potential by adding the digital asset to their endowment portfolios or academic programs. Previously, Emory & University of Austin (UATX) have each disclosed Bitcoin-related initiatives, showcasing the cryptocurrency's institutional appeal.

Emory University was the first to disclose its Bitcoin holdings, revealed in an October 25 SEC filing, that it owned nearly 2.7 million shares of the Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust ETF, initially purchased for $15.1 million.

With Bitcoin reaching all-time highs since the purchase, Emory's holdings may now exceed $21 million. Emory Investment Management (EIM) Chief Investment Officer Srinivas Pulavarti explained that the ETF conversion, recently approved by the SEC, will lead to the public disclosure of their position.

In May 2024, the University of Austin also announced a partnership with Unchained to raise $5 million in Bitcoin for its endowment. The university is aiming to expand its programs and facilities, while also forging new partnerships and collaborations.

Unchained CEO Joseph Kelly, who previously donated 2 BTC to the university, stated, "I’ve seen the values the organization places on free speech and on building a modern academic institution… and I’m thrilled to play a role in helping the university make bitcoin a part of its long term strategy."

Highlighting the importance of the university's mission, Thomas Hogan, incoming Associate Professor at UATX, added, “University endowments are about serving students. And bitcoin provides a unique opportunity for advancing UATX’s commitment to cultivating future generations of leaders and innovators.”

According to a new SEC filing today, Brown University, a private university based in Providence, Rhode Island, disclosed a large position in BlackRock’s spot Bitcoin ETF, IBIT, as first reported by market analyst MacroScope. The position showed Brown held $4,915,050 in IBIT as of March 31, 2025, which sees the school become the third U.S. university to publicly announce a Bitcoin purchase after Emory & University of Austin (UATX), according to VanEck’s Matthew Siegel.

“In a 13F filing this morning, Brown University reported owning 105,000 shares of the IBIT Bitcoin ETF as of March 31, valued at $4.9 million,” MacroScope posted to X. “This is a new position, which means it was acquired in January, February or March. The total value of all 14 positions in the filing is $216 million. This is an important one.”

A growing number of U.S. universities are signaling confidence in Bitcoin's long-term potential by adding the digital asset to their endowment portfolios or academic programs. Previously, Emory University, and the University of Austin (UATX) have each disclosed Bitcoin-related initiatives, further validating the cryptocurrency's institutional appeal.

Emory University was the first to disclose its Bitcoin holdings, revealed in an October 25 SEC filing, that it owned nearly 2.7 million shares of the Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust ETF, initially worth $15.1 million.

With Bitcoin reaching all-time highs since purchasing, Emory’s holdings may now exceed $21 million. Emory Investment Management (EIM) CIO Srinivas Pulavarti noted that the ETF conversion led to the public disclosure of their position.

“There are some risks with doing it yourself,” said Emory’s Associate Professor of Accounting Matthew Lyle on buying the Bitcoin ETFs vs purchasing and holding the Bitcoin themselves. “Whereas if you use a company like Grayscale or BlackRock to do it for you… it’s unlikely that they’re going to steal your money because they’re well known.”

In May 2024, the University of Austin also gained exposure to Bitcoin, by partnering with Bitcoin financial services firm Unchained to raise $5 million in Bitcoin for its endowment. “I’