Draper Says Bitcoin Could Hit $250K in 18 Months on Macro Shift

• Draper maintains a $250,000 Bitcoin target within an 18-month window despite past delays.
• He secured around 30,000 BTC at $632 each via a US Marshals auction, spending about $19 million.
• Draper sees Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation and weakening fiat currencies.

Billionaire investor Tim Draper has renewed his call for Bitcoin to reach $250,000 within 18 months, despite multiple missed timelines in the past.

In his latest statement, he pointed to macro pressure on the US dollar and rising real-world usage as key drivers. At the time of writing, Bitcoin is trading near $74,200, roughly 40% below its all-time high of above $126,000 recorded in October 2025.

Draper’s target implies more than a 3x move from current levels within a tight timeframe.

Early Losses Shaped Conviction

Draper’s initial attempt to buy Bitcoin at $4 failed due to delays from mining hardware provider Butterfly Labs. By the time the setup was ready, Bitcoin had already moved above $30.

He later lost his entire holdings in the Mt. Gox collapse in 2014. Instead of exiting, he studied usage trends and found Bitcoin was actively used for remittances, payroll, and in emerging markets.

This led to his defining trade. Draper bought nearly 30,000 BTC at $632 per coin through a US Marshals auction, spending about $19 million. He took all nine available lots, paying above market price at the time.

In 2014, Draper predicted Bitcoin would reach $10,000 within three years. The target was met almost exactly in 2017.

Since then, his $250,000 call has been repeated several times, but with changing timelines. He previously expected the level by 2025, then pushed it further out.

The latest forecast resets the clock to an 18-month window, placing the potential move into late 2027.

Macro Bet: Dollar Weakness Drives Bitcoin

Draper’s sees Bitcoin as a hedge against fiat currency decline. He argues that inflation and the continued weakening of the US dollar will push capital into Bitcoin.

As adoption grows, he expects Bitcoin to become a primary medium for payments, potentially replacing traditional currency in retail use. This view aligns with his long-standing stance that not owning Bitcoin carries risk as global finance transitions toward digital assets.

Related: Bitcoin Price Prediction: BTC Consolidates as Market Eyes $75K Breakout Zone