Bitcoin Soars Toward $150K as Institutions Accumulate 160,000 BTC

Bitcoin is accelerating into the second half of 2025 with powerful tailwinds. As of August 10, the flagship cryptocurrency is trading in the $116,000–$119,000 range, showing no signs of slowing. Behind the surge is a growing wave of institutional accumulation, with companies like The Smarter Web Company significantly expanding their BTC treasuries.

This strategic buying is not isolated — it’s part of a broader trend of corporate balance sheet transformation, where digital assets are increasingly seen as a superior store of value. Analysts now estimate that over 160,000 BTC have been absorbed by institutional players in recent weeks, tightening supply and reinforcing confidence in a continued rally.

Institutional Wave Fuels Next-Leg Rally

The current rally is being driven less by retail FOMO and more by strategic, long-term capital deployment. Major firms are not just investing — they’re locking up supply, reducing liquidity on exchanges, and signaling deep conviction in Bitcoin’s role as digital gold.

One of the most active accumulators is The Smarter Web Company, which recently disclosed a substantial increase in its BTC holdings. While exact figures remain private, on-chain tracking suggests the move is part of a broader corporate treasury shift — mirroring the early strategies of MicroStrategy and Tesla.

This institutional embrace is happening alongside favorable macro conditions. With markets pricing in potential Federal Reserve rate cuts later in 2025, risk assets like Bitcoin are becoming increasingly attractive. Lower interest rates reduce the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets — and Bitcoin stands to benefit more than most.

Price Targets Climb: $150,000 and Beyond

While many analysts project a near-term target of $125,000–$150,000, one voice stands out for its fundamental rigor: Charles Edwards, founder of Capriole Investments.

On X, Edwards reiterated his energy value model, which ties Bitcoin’s fair price to its production cost — specifically, the electricity and hardware required to mine it. According to his latest calculations, Bitcoin’s true value is approximately 45% above current levels, placing it near $167,800.

"Bitcoin’s true value is around 45% higher than its current price, estimating that BTC should be around $167,800. This valuation is based on Bitcoin’s energy value, which refers to its production cost."
— Charles Edwards, Capriole Investments

This model, known as the Bitcoin Energy Value (BEV), has historically acted as a floor during bear markets and a target during bull runs. Its current divergence above price suggests significant upside potential remains.

Market Sentiment: Greed Mode Activated

Investor psychology is shifting rapidly. The Crypto Fear & Greed Index has climbed to 67 — "Greed" territory — reflecting growing optimism and reduced panic selling. While not yet at extreme levels, the trend is clear: confidence is returning.

Exchange liquidity remains tight, with Binance and Coinbase reporting reduced sell walls and increased bid depth at key levels. This suggests that holders are reluctant to part with their BTC, even at record prices.

Historically, such phases of treasury accumulation have preceded major price jumps — and 2025 may be no different.

What’s Next? The Path to $150,000

Key factors to watch:

• Federal Reserve policy: Any signal of rate cuts could ignite further inflows.
• Spot BTC ETF flows: Continued institutional demand through regulated products.
• Onchain supply dynamics: If exchanges keep losing BTC, upward pressure will intensify.
• Macro stability: Geopolitical risks and inflation trends will influence risk appetite.

If current trends hold, a move to $125,000 is likely in the next 60 days, with $150,000 achievable by year-end. And if the energy value thesis holds, $167,800 isn’t a stretch — it’s a forecast.