Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, the identical twins who gained fame for their legal battle with Mark Zuckerberg over the creation of Facebook, have since emerged as prominent figures in the cryptocurrency world. As of mid-2025, their combined net worth is estimated at approximately $6 billion, primarily derived from their early investments in Bitcoin and the success of their cryptocurrency exchange, Gemini.
Early Ventures and the Facebook Lawsuit
The Winklevoss twins, both Harvard graduates and Olympic rowers, co-founded ConnectU, a social networking platform, in 2004. They alleged that Zuckerberg stole their idea to create Facebook. In 2008, they settled with Facebook for $65 million, which included cash and pre-IPO stock. This settlement provided the financial foundation for their subsequent ventures.
Bitcoin Investment: A Pioneering Move
In 2013, the twins invested $11 million to acquire 110,000 Bitcoins when the price was around $100 per coin. By 2021, as Bitcoin’s value soared to over $60,000, its holdings were worth over $6 billion. They have maintained a “HODL” strategy, holding onto their Bitcoin investments despite market fluctuations. Currently, they are estimated to own approximately 1% of all Bitcoin in existence, equating to around 180,000 Bitcoins.
Gemini: Building a Crypto Empire
In 2014, the Winklevoss twins founded Gemini, a regulated cryptocurrency exchange based in New York. Gemini has grown to become one of the largest crypto exchanges globally, processing about $30 million in trades daily. The platform offers trading and support for over 30 different cryptocurrencies. In 2023, Gemini was valued at $7 billion, significantly contributing to the twins’ net worth.
Expanding Investments: NFTs and Real Estate
Beyond Bitcoin and Gemini, the Winklevoss twins have diversified their investments:
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Nifty Gateway: In 2019, they acquired Nifty Gateway, an NFT platform that gained prominence after hosting a $69 million sale by digital artist Beeple.
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Real Estate: They purchased a penthouse in New York City for $14.5 million in 2014, which they later listed for $16.5 million in 2022.
Challenges and Legal Scrutiny
Despite their success, the Winklevoss twins have faced challenges:
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SEC Lawsuit: In 2023, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) sued Gemini and Genesis Global Capital over the unregistered offering of the Gemini Earn program. The lawsuit alleged that the program, which allowed retail investors to loan crypto assets to Genesis, was an unregistered securities offering. value punt.
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Market Volatility: The cryptocurrency market’s volatility has impacted the twins’ net worth. However, their long-term investment strategy has helped them maintain significant wealth.
Political Engagement
In 2024, the Winklevoss twins each donated $1 million in Bitcoin to Donald Trump’s campaign, expressing support for his pro-cryptocurrency stance. They criticized the Biden administration’s regulatory actions against the crypto industry, which they believed hindered innovation.
Conclusion
From their Harvard days to Olympic rowing and a high-profile lawsuit with Zuckerberg, the Winklevoss twins have navigated various challenges. Their strategic investments in Bitcoin and the establishment of Gemini have solidified their status as influential figures in the cryptocurrency realm. As the crypto landscape continues to evolve, the Winklevoss twins’ ventures and advocacy will likely remain pivotal in shaping its future. Mor