They used some of their $65 million settlement to stockpile bitcoin & in 2014 they founded their own crypto-currency exchange
The Final Jeopardy clue for Friday, April 11, 2025, came from the category Siblings and read: “They used some of their $65 million settlement to stockpile bitcoin & in 2014 they founded their own cryptocurrency exchange.” This clue brought together a legal battle, early cryptocurrency adoption, and a pair of well-known twins who have remained prominent figures in the tech and financial worlds.
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Who are the Winklevoss twins?
The correct response was: Who are the Winklevoss twins? Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss rose to national attention due to their legal dispute with Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, which was eventually settled for $65 million. Years later, they transitioned from tech litigants to pioneers in the digital currency space, using part of their settlement to invest in bitcoin at a time when it was still largely under the radar.
From Lawsuit to Ledger: The Facebook Settlement
Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss initially made headlines as former Harvard classmates of Mark Zuckerberg. They claimed that Zuckerberg stole their idea for what would become Facebook. The case was settled in 2008, with the twins receiving a reported $65 million in cash and stock. Although they remained publicly connected to the legal battle, they soon turned their focus to emerging technologies.
After the lawsuit, the brothers began exploring new investment opportunities. By 2012, they had started to accumulate bitcoin, seeing potential in blockchain long before most institutional investors took it seriously. They reportedly acquired one percent of all bitcoin in circulation at the time, a move that would eventually earn them billionaire status as the cryptocurrency’s value skyrocketed.
Building Gemini: A Crypto Exchange from the Ground Up
In 2014, the Winklevoss twins launched Gemini, a cryptocurrency exchange designed to bring trust and regulatory oversight to digital asset trading. Based in New York, Gemini positioned itself as a secure and fully compliant platform—contrasting with other, often opaque, exchanges that were dominating the space. The timing aligned with growing public interest in bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, and the platform quickly gained traction among U.S. traders and institutions.
The launch of Gemini also marked a broader shift in the Winklevosses’ public image—from lawsuit plaintiffs to entrepreneurs and innovators. They pushed for regulatory clarity in the cryptocurrency market and became vocal advocates for responsible digital asset adoption. Today, Gemini is one of the most recognized names in the cryptocurrency exchange world, offering both retail and institutional services.
The Twins’ Ongoing Role in Crypto Innovation
Even beyond Gemini, the Winklevoss brothers have remained deeply involved in digital asset development and policy discussions. They have invested in numerous blockchain startups and frequently speak at conferences about the future of digital finance. Their early bet on bitcoin has paid off, both in financial return and in helping to shape the narrative around decentralized technology.
The Final Jeopardy clue brought attention not just to two high-profile individuals, but to a broader moment in financial history—when cryptocurrency went from fringe idea to mainstream asset class. Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, once known primarily for their legal fight with Facebook, now stand as central figures in the ongoing evolution of global finance.
