Adam Back Says Bitcoin Has Come a Long Way at LONGITUDE Paris
Blockstream CEO Adam Back said Bitcoin BTC +0.00% has matured significantly and continues to draw new participants, delivering the remarks at the 9th edition of LONGITUDE in Paris on April 15.
Back, widely recognized as the inventor of Hashcash, the proof-of-work system that influenced Bitcoin’s design, made the comments during a fireside chat at the Shangri-La Hotel. The event was announced by Cointelegraph on April 13, which confirmed Back would discuss Bitcoin’s future at the conference co-hosted by Cointelegraph and OKX.
Back frames Bitcoin’s growth as a long-term adoption story
According to an unconfirmed report circulating on social media, Back stated that Bitcoin “has come a long way and continues to attract more people.” The exact wording has not been independently verified through a published transcript or post-event article, but the sentiment aligns with Back’s long-standing public advocacy for Bitcoin’s expanding user base.
The focus on adoption rather than short-term price performance is notable. Bitcoin traded at $74,440 at the time of the event, up roughly 0.25% over the prior 24 hours, with a market capitalization near $1.49 trillion.
The Fear & Greed Index sat at 23, deep in “Extreme Fear” territory. Back’s comments about growing participation came against that cautious backdrop, drawing a contrast between sentiment indicators and longer-term adoption trends.
Why public statements from Bitcoin veterans matter in 2026
Back is not a casual commentator. As the creator of Hashcash, cited in Satoshi Nakamoto’s original Bitcoin whitepaper, his perspective on Bitcoin’s trajectory carries weight with both developers and institutional observers. His willingness to appear at a major industry event during a period of depressed sentiment signals continued confidence from Bitcoin’s earliest technical contributors.
The LONGITUDE conference series, now in its ninth edition, has positioned itself as a venue for substantive discussion rather than promotional announcements. The Paris edition’s guest list and fireside format suggest an emphasis on narrative and long-term vision over product launches.
Back’s framing of Bitcoin as a project that keeps widening its audience, rather than one defined by price cycles, reinforces a narrative that institutional and retail adoption metrics matter more than week-to-week volatility. Whether that message gains traction during a period of extreme fear in the market will depend on whether adoption data supports it in the months ahead.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Cryptocurrency and digital asset markets carry significant risk. Always do your own research before making decisions.
