What If Amazon Invested in Bitcoin? Shareholder Vote Looms

What if Amazon started investing in Bitcoin? That’s the big question being pitched by Amazon shareholders. They want the company to allocate 5% of its assets into the cryptocurrency. Why? They see it as a way to protect against inflation and, frankly, to make better use of Amazon’s huge cash reserves. But is this strategy as smart as it sounds, or does it risk backfiring?

Let’s break it down.

Why Bitcoin? Let’s Look at the Numbers

Bitcoin has been on an impressive upward trajectory recently. In 2024 alone, it grew by 131%. Over the past five years, it’s surged more than 1,200%. That’s growth that far outpaces traditional investments, like corporate bonds or cash—Amazon’s typical reserves. While those assets are safe, they don’t offer the same potential for growth.

That’s where the National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR) comes in. The group behind the proposal argues that even a small 5% Bitcoin allocation could make a huge difference for Amazon’s long-term value.

And they have a point. Companies like Tesla and MicroStrategy have already invested in Bitcoin, and both have seen strong gains. Microsoft shareholders will even vote on a similar proposal soon. Bitcoin is quickly becoming more than just a trend—it’s seen as a potential game-changer for corporate finances.

But not everyone is convinced just yet.

As institutions increasingly adopt Bitcoin, its market potential continues to grow—read our Bitcoin price prediction for expert insights on what’s next!

What If Amazon Goes for It?

If Amazon decides to go for it, it won’t happen overnight. First, the board has to approve a vote on the proposal in April 2025. Even then, Amazon would likely start small—it’s not about investing everything in Bitcoin. But if they do take action, it could be a major shift in corporate strategy.

Some, like Binance’s former CEO Changpeng Zhao, believe Amazon could go even further—by accepting Bitcoin as payment. Imagine using Bitcoin to buy your next Kindle or headphones. While that might sound futuristic, it’s not impossible.

However, there’s no guarantee Amazon will embrace this idea; so far, the company hasn’t made any public statements on it.

Here’s where it gets interesting: Amazon’s largest shareholders, including Vanguard and BlackRock, will play a crucial role in this decision. If they back the idea, Amazon could move forward with Bitcoin much sooner.

Bitcoin as a Corporate Finance Tool

Regardless of whether Amazon takes the plunge, this debate highlights a bigger shift in corporate finance. Inflation is making traditional investments less attractive, and companies are considering Bitcoin as an alternative—even with its risks.

It’s not a perfect solution, but it may be what some companies need to navigate today’s economic challenges.

The days of sitting on cash may soon be over—Bitcoin could be the key to a new era in corporate finance.