Get All Access for $5/mo

Crypto Market Value Exceeds $2 Trillion for First Time The cryptocurrency market's high value is largely attributed to two popular digital currencies.

By Justin Chan Edited by Jessica Thomas

Thanks largely to the surge of interest in Bitcoin and ether, the value of the cryptocurrency market exceeded $2 trillion for the first time earlier this week.

Bitcoin hit a benchmark of its own when it reached a $1 trillion market cap alone and held it for one week, Reuters reports. In mid-March, one Bitcoin was worth just over $61,000. As of this writing, it is now worth more than $56,000.

And as an increasing number of companies, including Visa and PayPal, move towards allowing customers to pay in digital currency, an equally growing number of investors are placing their bets on ether — the second-largest digital coin that supports the Ethereum blockchain, according to CNBC. While the Bitcoin blockchain facilitates crypto transactions, the Ethereum blockchain allows users to spend digital currency on apps.

Related: Visa, PayPal to Allow Customers to Pay With Cryptocurrency

Market value aside, Bitcoin and ether aren't the only cryptocurrencies that are attracting attention, one expert told Reuters. Other digital assets are also gaining steam. That, in turn, suggests that the value of the cryptocurrency market could be higher down the line.

"As the industry continues to mature, we expect more blockchain-based applications to be introduced to the world, and coinciding with that, a surge of interest around other alternative assets... as they become more market-ready," Paolo Ardoino, chief technology officer at crypto exchange Bitfinex, told the outlet.

Related: Tax Rules for Buying and Selling Bitcoin and Other Crypto

Justin Chan

Entrepreneur Staff

News Writer

Justin Chan is a news writer at Entrepreneur.com. Previously, he was a trending news editor at Verizon Media, where he covered entrepreneurship, lifestyle, pop culture, and tech. He was also an assistant web editor at Architectural Record, where he wrote on architecture, travel, and design. Chan has additionally written for Forbes, Reader's Digest, Time Out New YorkHuffPost, Complex, and Mic. He is a 2013 graduate of Columbia Journalism School, where he studied magazine journalism. Follow him on Twitter at @jchan1109.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Business News

These Companies Offer the Best Work-Life Balance, According to Employees

The ranking is based on Glassdoor ratings and reviews.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Science & Technology

Use This Framework to Successfully Integrate AI Into Your Business Operations

Here's how to ensure both innovation and compliance when using AI in your organization.

Leadership

Why Your AI Strategy Will Fail Without the Right Talent in Place

Using fractional AI experts through specialized platforms allows companies to access top talent cost-effectively, drive innovation and scale agile strategies for growth.

Growing a Business

5 Effective Strategies to Boost Your Business's Online Presence

Boosting your online presence in 2025 is the key to success for businesses looking to grow. Working on your branding and reputation management is important to drive more sales and improve conversion.