Novogratz Predicts Ethereum Will Surge Past Bitcoin—BTC Eyes $150K in 2025

Ethereum isn't just keeping pace—it's gearing up to leave Bitcoin in the dust. According to Mike Novogratz, the crypto heavyweight, ETH's momentum could eclipse BTC's rally, even as Bitcoin itself targets a staggering $150K.

Why Ethereum? The smart contract pioneer's ecosystem is exploding—DeFi, NFTs, and institutional adoption are firing on all cylinders. Meanwhile, Bitcoin's 'digital gold' narrative holds strong, but can it match ETH's utility-driven demand?

Wall Street's watching. As usual, traditional finance is scrambling to keep up—too busy counting their bond coupons to notice the revolution. By the time they do, Ethereum might already be lapping them.

In Brief

• Novogratz predicts Ethereum will outperform Bitcoin in the next 3 to 6 months.
• Institutional investors and big companies are increasing their Ethereum holdings.
• Novogratz forecasts Bitcoin could reach $150K this year amid rising inflation fears.

Institutional Investors Are Driving Ethereum’s Rise

Ethereum’s price has risen about 50% over the past month, hitting a 2025 high of $3,848 recently. Though momentum cooled briefly, ETH is up again, rising 2% in the past 24 hours. It’s still trading 25% below its all-time high of $4,891 from November 2021. But sentiment is turning positive, and many expect it to revisit that peak soon.

Novogratz explained in an interview with CNBC that growing interest from institutional investors could push Ethereum’s price higher. He noted that some publicly traded companies are shifting strategies, choosing to build up their ethereum holdings rather than following the usual Bitcoin-heavy approach seen with firms like Strategy.

Companies like BitMine Immersion, SharpLink Gaming, and Bit Digital, Inc. have been quietly accumulating large amounts of Ethereum lately. 

Heavy Buying Pushes Ethereum Toward Key Breakout

Supporting this shift, analysts at The Birb Nest noted that wallets holding between 10,000 and 100,000 ETH have been steadily increasing their balances since the start of 2025. This consistent accumulation highlights rising confidence among large investors and adds fuel to Ethereum’s recent momentum.

Similarly, on July 24, crypto analyst Ali Martinez reported that whales have bought more than 1.13 million Ethereum in the past two weeks, worth around $4.18 billion.

At the same time, U.S. investors are rapidly putting money into Ethereum ETFs. These funds saw record inflows of $726 million in one day last week, adding up to $2.1 billion over the week. This shows strong growing demand from institutional and retail investors alike.

Novogratz believes Ethereum is closing in on the $4,000 mark. If it breaks through, he expects it will MOVE into price discovery and could climb even higher. He stated:

Ether’s caught up a lot. It feels like if it takes out 4000, it goes into price discovery. And so we feel kind of destined to at least knock on the 4000 ceiling a few times.

Novogratz further added:

I think ETH probably has a chance to outperform Bitcoin in the next three to six months.

Novogratz Sees Bitcoin Climbing to $150K

While Novogratz is optimistic about Ethereum in the short term, he still sees a strong future for Bitcoin. He predicts BTC could hit $150,000 this year.

Novogratz explained that about $20 billion in new money has recently flowed into the crypto market. This fresh capital is helping bring retail investors back, alongside companies that are building Bitcoin-heavy balance sheets similar to Strategy.

He also pointed to the current macroeconomic environment under President Trump’s administration. With a push for rate cuts, business-friendly policies, and more capital investment, inflation could rise. In these conditions, Bitcoin, along with Gold and silver, tends to perform well.

Novogratz acknowledged Bitcoin’s price action isn’t a straight rally and that some selling has happened recently. Still, he believes the market is in price discovery mode, and $150,000 is a realistic upside target.

The only factor that might change his view is if Trump reverses course and argues the economy no longer needs lower rates. Until then, Novogratz remains bullish, seeing bitcoin as a strong hedge against inflation.

Maximize your Cointribune experience with our "Read to Earn" program! For every article you read, earn points and access exclusive rewards. Sign up now and start earning benefits.