BitMine CEO Tom Lee believes the crypto market might be approaching a bottom. In a recent interview, he noted that widespread investor “rage quitting” often signals the end of a market downturn. Lee pointed to Ethereum’s recent struggles, with prices dropping below $2,000 after a 40% decline in just a few weeks.
🚨BitMine CEO Tom Lee says markets may be near a bottom as investors are “rage quitting” which is typically a good sign.
BitMine is now sitting on roughly $7B in unrealized losses on its $ETH position. pic.twitter.com/B6VvMQt0Kh
— DustyBC Crypto (@TheDustyBC) February 17, 2026
“Rage quitting” happens when investors sell in frustration during sharp declines. Historically, Lee says, these periods often precede strong market recoveries. Past Bitcoin and Ethereum cycles in 2018 and 2022 showed that mass capitulation could lead to rallies of over 1,000%.
BitMine Faces $7 Billion in Unrealized $ETH Losses
BitMine currently holds a significant Ethereum treasury, now facing roughly $7 billion in unrealized losses. Despite this, Lee remains confident in the long-term prospects of $ETH. On February 3, 2026, the firm added 41,788 $ETH to its holdings, signaling a strong conviction in the asset’s future performance.
This strategy highlights a focus on long-term gains rather than short-term volatility. Lee’s approach contrasts with panic-driven selling, which can push prices even lower. By buying during a downturn, BitMine positions itself to benefit if Ethereum follows historical recovery patterns.
Historical Patterns Support Capitulation Thesis
Tom Lee’s perspective draws from past market behavior. In both 2018 and 2022, investor capitulation marked the start of significant rallies. After sharp sell-offs, $ETH and BTC saw strong rebounds, often exceeding 1,000% over time.
Current on-chain metrics show elevated exchange inflows, which indicates that some selling pressure continues. However, Lee argues that these conditions can actually lay the foundation for a future recovery. According to him, periods of extreme fear in the market often create the best buying opportunities.
BitMine Focuses on Long-Term $ETH Vision
BitMine’s actions show a belief in Ethereum’s long-term potential. By increasing their $ETH position even during major losses, the firm is betting on the asset’s eventual recovery. Lee emphasizes that short-term market swings are less important than holding strong, high-conviction positions.
Investors watching these trends can learn from BitMine’s strategy. Market bottoms often coincide with maximum pessimism. By staying informed and observing capitulation signals, traders can better navigate volatile periods and identify potential opportunities for gains.
