Fundstrat’s Tom Lee attracted attention at Korea Blockchain Week 2025 with a daring prediction: Bitcoin could soar to $250,000 by the year’s end, while Ethereum could approach $12,000.
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Reports indicate that Lee suggested a Bitcoin target range of $200,000 to $250,000 and predicted Ethereum might achieve $10,000 to $12,000, with potential growth up to $12,000 to $15,000 given favorable conditions.
His argument is based on macroeconomic factors and increasing institutional interest in cryptocurrency assets.
Market Drivers And Timeline
Reports have indicated Lee’s timing hinges on several elements. He highlighted a potential shift in US monetary policy from a hawkish approach to a more accommodating stance, which he believes would benefit risk assets.
BitMine Chairman and Fundstrat co-founder Tom Lee described Ethereum as a “truly neutral chain” set to become the preferred choice for Wall Street and the White House, predicting a decade-and-a-half “super cycle.” He forecasts Bitcoin to reach $200K–$250K and Ethereum $10K–$12K by year-end, with ETH…
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) September 24, 2025
He also pointed out that traditionally, Bitcoin performs well in the fourth quarter. Lee elaborated on Ethereum entering a “super cycle” of 10 to 15 years due to its role in tokenized systems and possible institutional and developer interest.
Lee’s View On Ethereum
Lee emphasized that Ethereum’s long-term appeal goes beyond short-term price fluctuations. He argued that the network’s neutrality and extensive developer community make it well-positioned for future applications in AI, finance, and tokenized assets.
This rationale underlies his higher price forecast for ETH, where consistent demand and adoption could drive the token towards the upper limit of his predictions.
Skeptics Point To Fees And Competition
Not all industry observers share this optimistic view. Some critics argue that Ethereum has not experienced the fee increases necessary to reach the scale Lee envisions, and that institutional interest is shifting to alternative chains and layer-2 solutions.
These voices caution that competition, scaling difficulties, and changes in developer focus could limit ETH’s short-term potential.
Macro Risks And What Could Break The Call
Lee’s forecasts rely on favorable market conditions. A sudden tightening of US policy, an unexpected economic event, or stringent regulatory measures could hinder a rapid ascent to $200,000 or beyond.
Liquidity is crucial here. For prices to reach Lee’s upper targets by year-end, widespread and consistent demand must be present across spot markets, exchanges, and institutional channels.
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What To Watch Next
Market coverage suggests tracking key indicators: guidance from the US Federal Reserve, trading volumes in spot Bitcoin products, significant on-chain movements, and institutional custody developments.
Each factor could either propel rapid gains or quickly dampen investor enthusiasm, analysts warn.
Featured image from BCB Group, chart from TradingView
