Should You Buy the Dip During a Bitcoin Crash? Expert Insights

Bitcoin “crashes” are emotionally loud but good dip decisions are usually data-driven and rules-based. As of February 19, 2026 Bitcoin is trading around $67,131, down 1.17% in the last 24 hours with an intraday range of $65,907-$68,389.

What the Latest Sentiment and Flow Data Suggest

Sentiment gauges are deeply risk-off. Binance’s Fear & Greed Index shows “Extreme Fear” at 12. Extreme fear can signal capitulation risk, but it can also appear early in a prolonged downtrend.

On the institutional side, according to SoSoValue, BTC spot ETFs saw $133.27 million net outflows on Feb 18. Outflows don’t guarantee more downside, but they often reflect short-term de-risking.

Bitfury Co-Founder Val Vavilov Reflects on Crash

Val Vavilov, co-founder of Bitfury Group Ltd., views the downturn as a portfolio management opportunity rather than a crisis.

Bitcoin recently fell below $66,000, which represents a 50% decline from its peak value in October.

The sell-off disturbed market sentiment throughout the cryptocurrency sector while major investors such as Michael Burry issued warnings that Bitcoin might enter a self-reinforcing downward trend.

The data shows that large holders, commonly called "whales," have started to accumulate assets again despite existing concerns.

Rebalancing, Not Blind Accumulation

Vavilov describes the current downturn as an opportunity to rebalance rather than aggressively accumulate.

“For us, the fall in Bitcoin is an opportunity to rebalance our portfolio and purchase a certain amount of Bitcoin at a low price,” he said, without disclosing allocation size.

The investment strategy of Vavilov differs from Bitcoin maximalists such as Michael Saylor, whose firm Strategy Inc. has reportedly added over $7 billion worth of Bitcoin since the crash in October. He takes a diversified and risk-managed approach. 

He emphasizes that while he believes in Bitcoin’s long-term growth potential, it remains just one component of a broader investment strategy.

Diversification Into AI Infrastructure

Over recent years, Vavilov has strategically shifted Bitfury’s focus beyond cryptocurrency mining into data center infrastructure supporting artificial intelligence workloads. 

This transition reflects broader industry convergence between blockchain computing and AI-driven demand for high-performance infrastructure.

Bitfury’s ecosystem expansion includes its relationship with Cipher Mining Inc., a Nasdaq-listed entity in which Vavilov holds a 12% stake. 

Cipher’s shares have surged nearly 200% over the past year, bolstered by a reported $3 billion, 10-year infrastructure agreement with Fluidstack.

Also Read: Bitcoin Price Prediction 2026-2030: Can the Digital Gold Outpace Fiat Weakness

A Calculated Strategy in Volatile Markets

Bitcoin’s volatile start to 2026 underscores the importance of disciplined capital allocation. Vavilov’s approach highlights a broader institutional mindset: view drawdowns as tactical entry points, but within the context of diversified exposure.

Rather than relying solely on bullish conviction, his strategy reflects structured portfolio management combining belief in Bitcoin’s long-term thesis.