If you don't fully understand Bitcoin, don't worry — most people don't. But even without proper knowledge, thousands will still pile into a good investment mania when they see one!
Similar to the marijuana penny stocks, opportunist companies sprang up to provide all things Bitcoin-related. This included Bitcoin vending machines, exchanges, Bitcoin mining services, digital wallets, consulting services, and so much more.
There is a difference between a Bitcoin business and a business that accepts Bitcoin as one payment option. If the local grocery store or your nearest pub starts taking Bitcoin, it's still a grocery store or a pub. Bitcoin-related businesses are those companies that base their entire model on the Bitcoin concept. They provide a product or service to the Bitcoin industry.
Many Bitcoin enthusiasts spoke of the growing merchant numbers in the early days, as Bitcoin soared. However, starting from a base of zero, the first phase will include only an expanding base of Bitcoin-friendly merchants. Many of these businesses will eventually change their minds on accepting the alternative currency, and will stop taking Bitcoin altogether, for any of a number of reasons. The first casualty of this attrition rate was a pub in Ireland, but you'll see more over the coming years.
Like all manias, the Bitcoin craze played out exactly as you might expect. In addition, because the concept was so revolutionary and media worthy, the stampede was fueled further by endless broadcast coverage across almost every news outlet.- 2007: Satoshi Nakamoto began working on the Bitcoin concept. This may not be his real name.
- July 26, 2010: One Bitcoin is worth 6¢ in U.S. currency.
- June 8, 2011: Bitcoin value reaches $29.60 in terms of U.S. dollars.
- August 8, 2013: One Bitcoin is valued at $143.91. This is where the media started to take notice, and where the rampant gains started pulling people into the frenzy.
- December 4, 2013: Bitcoin hits its peak, trading for $1,147.25 for a single Bitcoin. By this point, anyone who was going to buy Bitcoin now had. The decline begins.
- December 18, 2013: Bitcoin prices cut in half, dropping to $522 within two weeks.
- January 14, 2015: Bitcoin trades at $177.