What it is
Satoshi Nakamoto is the pseudonym used by the unknown person or group who developed Bitcoin and authored its whitepaper in 2008. The identity of Satoshi remains one of the greatest mysteries in the technology world. Beyond the creator, "satoshi" (lowercase) is also the smallest divisible unit of Bitcoin. There are 100,000,000 satoshis in one full Bitcoin, making it similar to cents in a dollar.
The mystery of Satoshi Nakamoto's identity frequently appears in news articles, with speculation about who they might be and whether they still hold significant amounts of Bitcoin. Discussions around Bitcoin's divisibility into satoshis are relevant for microtransactions and understanding the asset's potential for widespread adoption. As Bitcoin's price increases, transacting in satoshis becomes more practical for smaller purchases.
Why it matters
Knowing about Satoshi Nakamoto provides context for Bitcoin's origins, while understanding the satoshi unit is essential for comprehending Bitcoin's divisibility and potential for micro-payments.
Reviewed under editorial standardsUpdated September 26, 2026Not investment advice