Just-In: Bitcoin Critic Norwegian Billionaire Øystein Stray Spetalen Buys Bitcoin

Prashant Jha
March 27, 2021
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Øystein Stray Spetalen, a Norwegian Billionaire investor has reportedly bought bitcoin as well as invested in the country’s largest Bitcoin exchange just weeks after deeming Bitcoin as “nonsense currency.” Spetalen during the DNB Invest conference on 18th March has criticized Bitcoin for its excessive use of energy and even called it hostile.

However, during a recent interview with a local media house, Spetalen’s tone on Bitcoin changed drastically especially after investing in the Norwegian crypto exchange Miraiex. The billionaire investor claimed during the interview that his stance changed on Bitcoin after he met with the founders of the crypto exchange he has invested in. He added,

when I also read that Kjell Inge Røkke had gone into bitcoin, it was quite obvious. Can’t bear to see that Røkke makes money and not me, says Spetalen to Finansavisen.

Miraiex Crypto Exchange claimed that it did not need any capital at the moment for its operations and the primary reason for their association was to aggressively expand its growth.

We did not really need money. We just wanted to grow faster

Prior to Spetalen’s investment in Bitcoin exchange Miraiex, another industrialist Kjell Inge Røkke launched the crypto company Seetee, which had also bought bitcoin for NOK 500 million recently.

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Bitcoin’s Impressive Returns Lure Strongest Critics

Bitcoin this bull season has tripled its 2017 high of near $20K and is currently moving above $55K. After registering a 50% drop in a single day last year in March, many critics called it the end of the bubble and discarded it again. However, Bitcoin’s mammoth rise starting in the last quarter of 2020 has changed the mind of even the strongest critic today.

Most of the traditional banks including the likes of Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs which once deemed Bitcoin too volatile to be part of the financial system are now offering Bitcoin services to their clients

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Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
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Why Trust CoinGape

CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights Read more…to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.

About Author
About Author
An engineering graduate, Prashant focuses on UK and Indian markets. As a crypto-journalist, his interests lie in blockchain technology adoption across emerging economies.
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.