Bitcoins can exist without exchanges, but would you support the argument that the existence of exchanges are among the factors facilitating the popularity and accessibility that people have to bitcoins?
The function and use of Bitcoin is not only limited to investment, in some cases Bitcoin is often used as a medium of exchange in buying and selling goods or services online. Bitcoin is not yet accepted in some countries as legal tender, but people living in those countries are very familiar with Bitcoin and often use it for online transactions. The presence of the Exchange as a facility that makes it easier for users to sell and buy Bitcoin. Indirectly, the presence of exchanges has attracted interest for business people to accept payments in the form of Bitcoin. This awareness is due to the Exchange as a place to exchange Bitcoin into Fiat.