Joe Burnett, portfolio manager at Strive, projects Bitcoin will reach $11 million by 2036, anchoring his case on the asset's immutable 21 million coin supply.

"No matter how smart, intelligent, or hardworking AI ever becomes, it's never going to be able to create more than 21 million Bitcoin," Burnett said. He frames this programmed scarcity as Bitcoin's core differentiation—a structural advantage that no technological advance can erode.

Burnett dismisses concerns that Federal Reserve rate hikes pose long-term headwinds. While monetary policy drives short-term volatility, he argues it does not alter Bitcoin's foundational supply mechanics or its role as the only truly scarce digital asset.

The 2028 Halving sits at the center of his thesis. The event will cut block rewards for miners in half, further restricting new supply issuance precisely when institutional demand is expected to accelerate. Burnett sees this convergence as a major catalyst.

On whether AI has disrupted Bitcoin's traditional four-year cycle, Burnett's outlook is direct: new technologies introduce variables, but Bitcoin's core economic model—scarcity meeting growing adoption—continues to drive behavior.

Institutional accumulation is the immediate demand driver Burnett points to. Large asset managers and corporations integrating Bitcoin into treasuries and balance sheets create demand pressure against shrinking supply. He specifically highlights Bitcoin Treasury Companies—firms holding material on-chain positions that effectively remove coins from active circulation and signal corporate conviction.

Strive itself runs a consistent accumulation strategy, reflecting conviction in Bitcoin's long-term role as a hedge against currency debasement and inflation. On custody, the firm implements robust security protocols designed to protect holdings against operational and counterparty risk.

Burnett advises investors to allocate a strategic percentage of diversified portfolios to Bitcoin, reflecting its unique risk-reward profile and potential for substantial returns over the next decade.