Against All Odds: $1K Bitcoin Bet Made Him $88M

A Bitcoin investment success transformed Jackson Zeng from a struggling university student into an $88 million crypto mogul, actually. The Caleb and Brown CEO made his fortune through a $1,000 Bitcoin bet back in 2013 that his parents initially called “horrifying.” Right now, with Bitcoin price 2025 reaching around $190,000 and the recent Swyftx acquisition worth $200 million, Zeng’s story shows how early crypto adoption can generate extraordinary wealth, even when family members don’t support the decision.

Bitcoin Investment Success Led Jackson Zeng to Swyftx Acquisition Fame

Jackson Zeng alongside Caleb and Brown leadership team members – Source: DailyMail### The $1,000 Bet That Changed Everything

Jackson Zeng’s Bitcoin investment success began at university when he poured his savings into Bitcoin at $100 per coin. His parents were horrified by the decision, viewing digital currency as a dangerous gamble and a waste of money. The 28-year-old Sydney resident held through every crash and rally, which demonstrated the patience that was required for Bitcoin investment success to actually materialize.

Zeng stated:

“My parents were horrified by my decision to invest in Bitcoin. They thought I was throwing my money away.”

“My parents were horrified by my decision to invest in Bitcoin. They thought I was throwing my money away.”

Also Read: Strategy Earns $12 Billion on Bitcoin Holdings in 2025

Also Read: Strategy Earns $12 Billion on Bitcoin Holdings in 2025### From Swyftx Founder to Caleb and Brown CEO

His early Bitcoin investment success enabled Zeng to co-found Swyftx back in 2017, along with some partners, which became one of Australia’s leading crypto exchanges. The Swyftx acquisition by Caleb and Brown in 2024 was valued at approximately $200 million, and Zeng was appointed CEO right after.

Reflecting on his journey, Zeng had this to say:

“I’m now one of Australia’s richest people under 30.”

“I’m now one of Australia’s richest people under 30.”

Jackson Zeng portrait in professional setting – DailyMailAlso Read: SpaceX Moves $31M in Bitcoin as Tesla Holds $2B

Also Read:****SpaceX Moves $31M in Bitcoin as Tesla Holds $2BThe timing proved perfect as Bitcoin price 2025 surged to $190,000, multiplying his holdings by over 1,900 times. His net worth now sits at an estimated $88 million. The Swyftx acquisition deal was structured to expand Caleb and Brown’s retail presence while keeping the brand recognition intact.

What His Parents Think Now

The relationship with his family has been transformed completely. What started as tension over a risky investment has become pride, actually. Jackson Zeng’s journey with Caleb and Brown and the Swyftx acquisition demonstrates that early adoption can yield life-changing returns.