XRP Investment Gains Traction as Early Bitcoin Buyer Urges Caution

XRP is drawing increasing attention from long-term crypto believers, as early Bitcoin investor Chad Steingraber recently compared its current market status to Bitcoin’s early days. Steingraber, a well-known pro-XRP game developer, sparked interest across crypto circles by reflecting on his decision to buy Bitcoin when the price hovered around $3,000—a bold move that ultimately led to an exponential return on investment.

According to Steingraber, he accumulated his Bitcoin holdings during the downturn in December 2018 and early 2019, when BTC averaged $3,000. Fast forward nearly seven years, and Bitcoin achieved an all-time high of $112,000—representing a staggering 3,633% climb. Even with market fluctuations, it has managed to hold most of those profits and currently stabilizes around $109,000.

The message Steingraber conveys through his post is straightforward: don’t overlook XRP in 2025 like many ignored Bitcoin in its infancy. He argues that if he had paid attention to the criticisms back then, he would have missed his 37x gains. This cautionary tale now serves as a warning to potential XRP investors who may be sitting on the sidelines due to prevailing skepticism.

Steingraber’s perspective aligns closely with sentiments echoed throughout the XRP community. Many adherents believe that XRP could one day achieve a comparable valuation to Bitcoin, especially given its foundational role in blockchain-based cross-border payments. Enthusiasts argue that true value often becomes visible only when the market favors other assets or when doubt is at its peak.

Despite its strong fundamentals, XRP continues to struggle to regain the heights it once reached. Over the last eight years, the coin has largely traded beneath its all-time highs, leading critics to label it a volatile short-term play instead of a sound long-term investment. However, proponents remain confident that the tides could soon change in XRP’s favor.

Supporters draw parallels to Bitcoin’s early days, suggesting that the skepticism today mirrors the uncertainty that once surrounded BTC. Although XRP was launched three years after Bitcoin, it has yet to deliver the kind of breakout that early XRP backers anticipate. Around the time Steingraber entered the crypto market, XRP was priced at roughly $0.28. Since then, it has seen an 11x gain—considerable, but still modest compared to Bitcoin’s 37x rally during the same period.

Much of XRP’s stalled performance has been attributed to its extended legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. While those issues have now been largely resolved, many are still waiting for XRP to have its breakout moment. As highlighted in a detailed analysis, the lawsuit may have significantly held back the coin’s growth potential.

Nevertheless, prominent analysts remain optimistic about XRP’s prospects. Edoardo Farina, a noted crypto educator, recently suggested that the window to buy XRP at current levels may soon close, particularly once Ripple announces its upcoming plans for the XRP escrow system. He predicts that once the company reveals its roadmap, investor FOMO (fear of missing out) will drive demand—and the price—significantly higher.

Similarly, financial coach and influencer Coach JV declared that XRP could be at the heart of the “greatest wealth transfer in history,” advising that the time to act is now. Those who dismiss the opportunity, he cautions, may look back with regret.

Yet, amid all these outlooks, one looming question remains for eager investors: when will XRP’s breakout finally occur? While early adopters of Bitcoin are now enjoying monumental returns, the XRP community continues to wait. The path to potential riches may still lie ahead, but for now, patience remains a crucial part of the journey.

Related: XRP Price: $12M Max Pain for Bears

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