The Fastest Route to Wealth in Crypto

In practical terms, building a crypto-native business remains the most reliable path to achieving millionaire status in the digital asset space.

What Defines a Crypto Millionaire?

A crypto millionaire is anyone who has generated at least $1 million in net worth directly from crypto-related activities. This includes wealth earned through founding or scaling crypto businesses, early-stage investments, trading, token launches, or even substantial rewards such as airdrops.

Well-known figures such as Changpeng Zhao, Justin Sun, and even public figures like Donald Trump and Melania Trump fall into this category due to direct crypto exposure and earnings.

Importantly, individuals who earn significant income in other industries and later deploy that capital into crypto can still qualify-provided the crypto component alone exceeds the $1 million threshold. However, this definition excludes those whose primary wealth was created outside crypto and merely parked into digital assets later.

The Most Realistic Way to Become a Crypto Millionaire

Despite popular narratives, trading and passive investing rarely produce consistent millionaires due to high failure rates and market volatility. The highest-probability path is entrepreneurship.

Launching crypto-focused ventures-such as blockchain development companies, token-based protocols, NFT platforms, cross-chain bridges, liquidity infrastructure, or crypto investment vehicles-offers asymmetric upside and direct exposure to value creation. This approach aligns wealth generation with innovation rather than speculation.

How to Build a Viable Crypto Startup

A crypto startup should ideally be incorporated in a jurisdiction with regulatory clarity and low operational friction. Regions like the UAE provide a favorable environment due to progressive digital asset policies and reduced compliance uncertainty.

To scale quickly and move toward a seven-figure founder valuation, a startup must meet several strategic criteria:

  • It must address a real structural problem, such as scalability limitations, excessive centralization, capital inefficiency, or financial risk.

  • It should operate in a niche with limited direct competition.

  • Pricing must be competitive, as many crypto verticals are already dominated by well-funded incumbents.

  • The business model should remain resilient against foreseeable regulatory changes, including stricter KYC or compliance mandates.

  • It should not depend entirely on the success, survival, or narrative momentum of another protocol or company.

    What You Need to Launch Your Own Crypto Project

Regardless of geography, establishing a crypto company requires a foundational setup that investors expect:

  • Valid passports or national IDs of all co-founders.

  • Proper incorporation documents, including registration certificates and clarity on tax treatment-especially if equity or tokens are issued.

  • At least one co-founder with deep technical expertise in blockchain or crypto development.

  • At least one co-founder with hands-on crypto-native marketing and growth experience.

  • A functional, credible website.

  • A working Minimum Viable Product suitable for investor or partner demos.

A Shortcut Many Builders Overlook

One of the most efficient entry points into the crypto startup ecosystem is participating in well-funded hackathons. These events often provide direct access to grants, early-stage capital, ecosystem partnerships, and accelerated visibility-dramatically shortening the path to funding.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many crypto millionaires exist today?

CNBC estimates that there were approximately 241,700 crypto millionaires globally by late 2025.

Would investing $1,000 in Bitcoin five years ago make someone a crypto millionaire?

No. In 2020, Bitcoin traded near $9,250. A $1,000 investment would have yielded roughly 0.1 BTC, which would be worth around $45,000 in 2026. Reaching millionaire status would have required an initial investment closer to $22,000.

Which cryptocurrencies do major billionaires hold?

Elon Musk has publicly acknowledged holding Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin.

Disclaimer:

BFM Times provides information strictly for educational purposes and does not offer financial advice. Readers should consult a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.