 |
| Image source: The Economic Times |
The crypto world just had one of its most exciting days in years. On August 13, 2025, Bullish, a cryptocurrency exchange backed by billionaire investor Peter Thiel, stormed into the New York Stock Exchange—and it didn’t just walk in quietly, it kicked the doors wide open.
The company had set its IPO price at $37 per share, already above its original target range. But the real drama came once trading began. Within minutes, the stock opened at $90, more than doubling the IPO price, and later touched an eye-popping $118 before settling between $68 and $80 by the end of the day. The debut was so wild that trading was temporarily halted to cool things down.
That first day of trading catapulted Bullish’s market value from around $5.4 billion to roughly $13 billion—in just hours. In a year when many tech companies have been cautious about going public, this was a bold reminder that crypto isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving.
Why Investors Are So… Well, Bullish
Several big factors explain the frenzy:
-
Heavyweight Backers
Bullish isn’t your average crypto startup. It’s backed by a dream team of investors, including Peter Thiel, BlackRock, and ARK Invest—names that carry serious weight on Wall Street. This kind of support signals to everyday investors that the company has both financial muscle and credibility. -
Experienced Leadership
The CEO, Tom Farley, is no stranger to big markets—he’s a former president of the NYSE. That’s the kind of leadership that makes institutional investors feel comfortable betting on a young company. -
Favorable Climate for Crypto
2025 has been kinder to the industry than past years. New regulations, like the Genius Act for stablecoins, have given the market a more secure framework. Instead of fearing crackdowns, companies now see opportunities to grow in a regulated, investor-friendly environment. -
Timing the Market Right
With Bitcoin hitting record highs and Ethereum rallying, confidence in crypto is at its strongest in years. Bullish’s debut rode that wave perfectly.
More Than Just an Exchange
Bullish isn’t only about trading Bitcoin or Ethereum. It’s positioning itself as a full-service platform for institutions, offering spot trading, futures, and derivatives. Plus, it owns CoinDesk, one of the biggest names in crypto news, giving it both influence and reach in the industry.
And soon, it’s expected to get its New York BitLicense—a major step in operating fully within one of the toughest regulatory environments.
What This Means for the Future
This isn’t just a win for Bullish. It’s a sign that crypto companies can find mainstream acceptance, especially when they combine strong leadership, solid regulation, and big-league investors. The success of this IPO might encourage other players—like Gemini or Grayscale—to follow suit.
For now, one thing is certain: Bullish’s debut wasn’t just a good day for the company. It was a milestone moment for the entire crypto industry, proving that the sector is ready to play in the big leagues.
0 Comments