A new CoinGecko survey suggests that Bitcoin is no longer the automatic first step for new investors entering the crypto market.
Out of 2,549 respondents, just 55% said they began their portfolios with Bitcoin, while 37% admitted they entered through altcoins. Surprisingly, 10% reported never owning Bitcoin at all.
Analysts view the shift as evidence of a maturing ecosystem. Kraken’s Jonathon Miller pointed out that newcomers are increasingly drawn to sectors like DeFi and memecoins, where access is simple and communities are highly active. Kronos Research CEO Hank Huang added that the low cost of entry and vibrant social dynamics make altcoins particularly appealing to first-time buyers.
This doesn’t mean Bitcoin’s influence is waning entirely. Many experts believe investors will eventually gravitate back to it, especially in times of uncertainty. With ongoing geopolitical tensions and monetary pressures, Bitcoin’s role as “digital sound money” is expected to remain central. “Speculative trends may pull people in,” said Miller, “but long-term portfolios tend to circle back to Bitcoin.”
Other observers argue the trend is partly psychological. Stocktwits’ Tom Bruni suggested that Bitcoin’s six-figure price tag makes latecomers feel like they’ve “missed the boat,” leading them to seek cheaper alternatives. However, he noted that Bitcoin still anchors most portfolios, especially during market downturns when stability becomes more attractive.
Looking ahead, venture investor Qin En Looi believes Bitcoin will continue evolving into a benchmark asset, much like gold in traditional finance. He expects fewer “zero Bitcoiners” over time as infrastructure matures and access through banks, wealth managers, and retirement products expands.
Rather than losing relevance, analysts say Bitcoin is now sharing the spotlight with stablecoins, tokenized assets, and application-layer projects. The trend reflects not the decline of Bitcoin, but the broadening of the crypto landscape.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Coindoo.com does not endorse or recommend any specific investment strategy or cryptocurrency. Always conduct your own research and consult with a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
Source: https://coindoo.com/survey-shows-growing-number-of-newcomers-start-with-altcoins-not-bitcoin/