Strategy – Earlybirds Invest https://earlybirdsinvest.com Latest Crypto News Sun, 14 Sep 2025 17:33:51 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.7 https://i0.wp.com/earlybirdsinvest.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cropped-New-Project-2024-12-17T235703.455.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Strategy – Earlybirds Invest https://earlybirdsinvest.com 32 32 240146708 Institutions like Strategy and Metaplanet now hold 12.3% of the total Bitcoin supply https://earlybirdsinvest.com/institutions-like-strategy-and-metaplanet-now-hold-12-3-of-the-total-bitcoin-supply/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/institutions-like-strategy-and-metaplanet-now-hold-12-3-of-the-total-bitcoin-supply/#respond Sun, 14 Sep 2025 17:33:50 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/institutions-like-strategy-and-metaplanet-now-hold-12-3-of-the-total-bitcoin-supply/

Institutional money, funds, and public companies continue to increase their BTC holdings and currently control 12.3% of all Bitcoin supply.

According to Bitcoin analytics platform Ecoinometrics, this figure has dramatically increased over the past 12 months. Institutional money added 5% to their combined holdings in the past year alone, helping propel Bitcoin’s price by over 80% in the last 12 months.

Institutions now hold 12.3% of the total Bitcoin supply (Source: Ecoinometrics)
Institutions now hold 12.3% of the total Bitcoin supply (Source: Ecoinometrics)

Entities such as ETFs, sovereign funds, and corporate treasuries now collectively hold billions of dollars worth of BTC, well over one million coins.

The rise of Bitcoin treasuries

The market’s structural transformation is captured by the rise in Bitcoin treasury companies like Strategy and Metaplanet. Strategy alone now holds over 638,400 BTC, more than 3% of the total circulating supply. At the same time, Japan’s Metaplanet has surpassed 20,000 BTC, rapidly climbing the ranks among corporate Bitcoin treasuries.

Their strategies revolve around aggressive accumulation of the Bitcoin supply, equity issuance policies tailored to buy more Bitcoin, and innovative balance sheet management to maximize exposure to BTC as a reserve asset.

Wall Street’s biggest names are also scrambling to accommodate the new wave. JPMorgan began accepting shares of Bitcoin ETFs as collateral for loans in June 2025 and partnered with Coinbase to let Chase credit card holders fund crypto purchases directly.

This continuing integration through lending, wealth management, and direct purchasing shows the level of normalization of Bitcoin in traditional finance, spelling deeper liquidity for the entire ecosystem.

And with $7.5 trillion parked in money market funds right now, just looking for a new home, institutional accumulation of the Bitcoin supply will likely go up and to the right.

Bitcoin supply shift from retail to institutions

Perhaps most striking, the concentration of Bitcoin supply is shifting away from early holders and retail investors toward funds and corporations.

Recent on-chain data reveals a dramatic change in address distribution and exchange outflows over the past two years, highlighting how large players are consolidating their share of the finite supply. As Strategy’s founder and chairman, Michael Saylor famously warned:

“The digital gold rush ends ~January 7, 2035. Get your Bitcoin before there is no Bitcoin left for you.”

The accelerating institutional adoption is tightening liquidity, making available Bitcoin increasingly scarce and supporting higher prices during each influx.

Innovative treasury strategies from firms like Strategy and Metaplanet are setting new standards, while banking giants like JPMorgan endorse the asset more actively than ever.

This ongoing consolidation could fundamentally change Bitcoin’s narrative, as Bitcoin supply shifts from retail hands to institutional wallets.

Institutional appetite is now among the most powerful forces shaping both short-term volatility and the long-term destiny of the world’s largest crypto coin.

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Bitcoin Strategy Revives GameStop as Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) Explodes https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-strategy-revives-gamestop-as-bitcoin-hyper-hyper-explodes/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-strategy-revives-gamestop-as-bitcoin-hyper-hyper-explodes/#respond Wed, 10 Sep 2025 10:32:29 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-strategy-revives-gamestop-as-bitcoin-hyper-hyper-explodes/

GameStop is making big moves. The video game retailer reported a narrower loss for Q2, and it’s all thanks to a bold new Bitcoin strategy.

While revenue still dipped a bit, the company’s holdings of 4710 $BTC gave its balance sheet a massive boost with a valuation of over half a billion dollars. This is a shift in how GameStop operates.

GameStop's Bitcoin holdings

Under Chairman Ryan Cohen, the company is reshaping its entire financial playbook. They’ve sold off international units and raised cash through a big bond sale, and now they’re joining a small yet growing club of publicly traded companies that have diversified into digital assets.

To reward investors and strengthen its position, GameStop announced a unique dividend in the form of warrants. For every 10 shares of GME stock, an investor will receive one warrant. Each warrant allows the holder to purchase one share of common stock for $32 at any time until the warrants expire on October 30, 2026.

With the current price being around $23.59, the dividend is a discount coupon for long-term investors, offering a big incentive if the stock price rises to above $32. It’s a clever strategy to incentivize long-term holding.

The market loves it too, as GameStop shares saw a nice little bump after the news broke. The strategy change is just the injection to bring GameStop into the modern world, just like Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) plans to do for $BTC by addressing its long-standing flaws.

The Wild West of Crypto Stock

The impact of corporate crypto holdings extends beyond established companies like GameStop. The market saw an even more dramatic example with QMMM Holdings, a Hong Kong-based media company.

They announced a pivot to blockchain and AI, revealing a plan to build a $100M crypto treasury, and its stock went wild. Shares surged an unbelievable 2300% in one day.

QMMM's stock price

But as quickly as it rose, it came crashing back down, dropping nearly 50% in after-hours trading. This shows the high-risk, high-reward nature of these investments.

While QMMM’s stock eventually settled, its volatility shows that for some companies, a crypto announcement is less about a steady strategy and more about a speculative gamble.

And if you like something that’s a bit more steadfast, you should check out Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER), which is aiming to revolutionize $BTC.

The Missing Link: Bitcoin’s Hyperdrive

It’s safe to say the corporate world has finally woken up to $BTC, but if we’re being real, Bitcoin isn’t really built for speed. That’s where Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) comes in. It’s a revolutionary Layer-2 solution designed by developers to address $BTC’s biggest challenges: speed and a lack of smart contract functionality.

Bitcoin is the main power grid, secure and reliable, but developers didn’t design it to power every appliance in the house. Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) is the smart power strip that plugs into the grid but allows you to run everything without overloading the main circuit.

By leveraging the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM), $HYPER promises to bring blazing-fast transactions and dirt-cheap fees to the Bitcoin ecosystem. It’s unlocking new potential, enabling $BTC to be used for DeFi, NFTs, and dApps without the frustrating delays and high costs.

Bitcoin Layer-2 explanation

$HYPER’s taking Bitcoin from a static store to a dynamic usable asset.

Grab Your Ticket to the Future

Beyond the core tech, holding the $HYPER token offers tangible benefits. The Layer-2 network will use it as the native currency for gas fees, giving it essential utility from day one.

Also, if you’re an early supporter, you can take advantage of a dynamic staking program, earning impressive rewards (currently 75%) just by locking up your tokens. We see the potential in the project, and in our ‘Bitcoin Hyper Price Prediction’, we think it could reach $0.02595 by the end of 2025, which is a 101% ROI.

Bitcoin Hyper has already raised over $14.8M in its presale, clearly showing investors see its potential.

$HYPER presale amount raised so far

$HYPER has a buzzing community on X and Telegram with over 19K combined followers/subscribers. This will help maintain the hype, promote the positive, and see the project succeed.

Beyond the Bitcoin Bet

GameStop’s move is proof that things are changing and that companies see the value in digital money. From GameStop’s long-term play to the crazy ride for QMMM, it’s a world where a crypto announcement can send a stock to the moon.

The new reality is a gold rush but also a minefield. The market is running on vibes and speculation, not just the usual financial numbers. This is where cool projects like Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) will stand out from the noise.

But before you throw your money into an investment, don’t let the buzz blind you. Do your own research, and remember we don’t intend this as financial advice.

Authored by Aaron Walker, NewsBTC — https://www.newsbtc.com/news/gamestop-revival-thanks-to-bitcoin-hyper-explodes/ 

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Electric Car Maker Taps RLUSD For Payments As XRP Strategy Unfolds https://earlybirdsinvest.com/electric-car-maker-taps-rlusd-for-payments-as-xrp-strategy-unfolds/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/electric-car-maker-taps-rlusd-for-payments-as-xrp-strategy-unfolds/#respond Tue, 09 Sep 2025 16:14:01 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/electric-car-maker-taps-rlusd-for-payments-as-xrp-strategy-unfolds/

Trusted Editorial content, reviewed by leading industry experts and seasoned editors. Ad Disclosure

VivoPower International’s electric-vehicle arm, Tembo, will start accepting Ripple USD (RLUSD) for payments, a move that could change how the company handles cross-border deals, a press release confirmed.

According to the company, the stablecoin will be used to speed up payments and cut the fees usually tied to bank wires.

Tembo Adopts RLUSD For Global Payments

Tembo serves clients in mining, agriculture, military, construction and humanitarian work. Many of those customers are in developing regions where bank transfers are slow and costly.

Based on reports, RLUSD can move value near-instantly across borders and at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods. That is the main reason VivoPower gave for the change.

The Vehicles And The Services Around Them

Tembo builds electric utility vehicles designed for both on-road and tough off-road tasks. The fleet is aimed at jobs where reliability matters more than style.

Charging, financing, battery swaps and even microgrids are offered alongside the vehicles. Those services are now available to be paid for in RLUSD, which could make transactions simpler for local dealers and international buyers alike.

Ripple Partnerships And Market Moves

Reports have disclosed that RLUSD’s market capitalization rose roughly 10-fold since January. Ripple has been extending RLUSD’s reach through tie-ups with firms such as Chipper Cash, Yellow Card and VARL, and it recently rolled RLUSD into the Horizon RWA market owned by Aave.

Those moves are being watched closely by firms that handle cross-border trade. Adoption in Africa, parts of Southeast-Asia and the Middle East is reported to be growing.

Total crypto market cap at $3.87 trillion on the daily chart: TradingView

VivoPower’s Broader XRP Strategy

VivoPower has been clear that this is more than a single payment option. The company said it is shaping itself into what it calls an XRP-focused digital asset enterprise.

Holdings in XRP and equity in Ripple Labs are being added to the corporate portfolio. Some of those assets are being held for treasury purposes.

Other parts are planned to support decentralized finance infrastructure and real-world blockchain use cases connected to Tembo’s business.

Implications For Treasury, Liquidity And Local Markets

Market observers have pointed to links with institutional sponsors like Doppler Finance, suggesting RLUSD could play roles beyond payments — for liquidity management and corporate treasury planning.

If that happens, the stablecoin may be used as a bridge between fiat rails and DeFi tools in places where traditional banking is weak.

Vendors and partners in regions where Tembo operates could see faster settlements and fewer conversion fees.

Featured image from Westend61/Getty Images, chart from TradingView

Editorial Process for bitcoinist is centered on delivering thoroughly researched, accurate, and unbiased content. We uphold strict sourcing standards, and each page undergoes diligent review by our team of top technology experts and seasoned editors. This process ensures the integrity, relevance, and value of our content for our readers.

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Strategy and Metaplanet scooped up 66% of newly mined Bitcoin last week https://earlybirdsinvest.com/strategy-and-metaplanet-scooped-up-66-of-newly-mined-bitcoin-last-week/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/strategy-and-metaplanet-scooped-up-66-of-newly-mined-bitcoin-last-week/#respond Mon, 08 Sep 2025 17:37:46 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/strategy-and-metaplanet-scooped-up-66-of-newly-mined-bitcoin-last-week/

Bitcoin’s supply–demand balance narrowed further last week as corporate treasuries captured a dominant share of new issuance.

Last week, two publicly traded firms, Strategy and Tokyo-listed Metaplanet, purchased more than $230 million worth of BTC.

According to their separate announcements, their combined acquisitions, totaling 2,091 BTC, represented about two-thirds, or 66%, of all coins produced by miners during the reporting period.

Strategy expands holdings despite S&P 500 snub

On Sept. 8, Strategy confirmed it had purchased 1,955 BTC for $217.4 million, translating into about 62% of all coins mined during the week.

Following this purchase, Strategy’s Bitcoin stash has climbed to 638,460 BTC, which is valued at $71.6 billion at current market prices. This equates to an unrealized profit of roughly 51.8% from the firm’s total investment of $47.17 billion.

The company disclosed in its Form 8-K filing that the latest purchase was funded through proceeds from its at-the-market equity program, which raised capital across Strife, Strike, and MSTR stock issuances. In 2025, Strategy has raised more than $19 billion for Bitcoin purchases.

Strategy Bitcoin Fundraise
Strategy Bitcoin Fundraise (Source: Strategy)

Meanwhile, famed short seller Jim Chanos pointed out that the firm’s Bitcoin fundraising is increasingly relying on its MSTR stock issuance rather than the preferred stock options to fund recent Bitcoin purchases.

For context, he noted that the firm raised 92% of its latest capital through common equity while selling just $16.8 million in preferred stock. The same trend was observed last week when the firm raised 90% of its Bitcoin purchase fund through MSTR.

Notably, the latest Bitcoin purchase comes days after Strategy failed to secure a place in the S&P 500 index. Instead, the index committee added Robinhood, AppLovin, and Emcor Group stocks to its list.

Metaplanet strengthens presence in Asia

While smaller in scale, Metaplanet’s latest buy reinforced its reputation as Asia’s counterpart to Strategy.

The Tokyo-listed firm acquired 136 BTC for $15.2 million at an average price of $111,666. That raised its year-to-date yield to 487% in 2025, emphasizing its aggressive accumulation strategy.

The company now holds 20,136 BTC, purchased for $2.08 billion at an average of $103,196. As of Sept. 8, that stash was worth roughly $2.26 billion, giving Metaplanet a 9.3% unrealized profit.

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Why was Michael Saylor’s Strategy snubbed by a S&P 500 secret committee? https://earlybirdsinvest.com/why-was-michael-saylors-strategy-snubbed-by-a-sp-500-secret-committee/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/why-was-michael-saylors-strategy-snubbed-by-a-sp-500-secret-committee/#respond Sun, 07 Sep 2025 08:24:11 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/why-was-michael-saylors-strategy-snubbed-by-a-sp-500-secret-committee/

Michael Saylor’s Strategy missed out on inclusion in the S&P 500 this Friday, sending MSTR tumbling almost 3% despite meeting every published criterion. Unexpectedly, commission-free trading app Robinhood was included, sending its stock soaring by 7%, and exposing how discretionary and secretive the selection process really is.

The SPX is run by a ‘secret committee’

The S&P 500 is often seen as the gold standard of U.S. corporate prestige, a club that companies fight hard to join.

Strategy comfortably checked all the boxes: strong market cap, liquidity, and four consecutive quarters of positive earnings. Many investors expected the company’s Bitcoin-heavy balance sheet (now over 636,000 BTC) would finally land it a coveted spot.

But as Boomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas pointed out on X, meeting the criteria isn’t enough:

“Why wasn’t $MSTR allowed into the S&P 500 Index despite meeting all the criteria? Because the ‘Committee’ said no. You have to realize SPX is essentially an active fund run by a secret committee.”

This “Committee” is not public. Its members are senior analysts from S&P Dow Jones Indices, but their identities are withheld to avoid lobbying and outside influence. The reality is that even after meeting strict metrics, final entry is a matter of human discretion, not a rules-based process. The Bitcoin Therapist said it best:

“Reminder that a company that literally sells a shitcoin called ‘Fartcoin’ with a treasury of 11,776 BTC was included in the S&P 500 but Strategy, a Bitcoin only company with a treasury of 636,505 BTC and the largest fixed income IPOs of the year was not included.”

Strategy is the largest corporate Bitcoin holder and has become a proxy for BTC exposure on U.S. financial markets. Its omission has sparked frustration among crypto advocates and traditional investors alike, who believe old-guard prejudice is still alive and well inside the committee room.

Why was Strategy blocked?

There is no published reasoning for S&P 500 exclusions, just as Tesla saw unexplained delays years before its own eventual inclusion. As Eric Balchunas posted:

“Would be interesting to see a list of all the stocks that were delayed entrance to SPX by The Committee, I know it would include some real studs, eg Microsoft, Tesla. Would be interesting to see a basket of those stocks vs SPX itself historically.’

Strategy’s unique reliance on Bitcoin for corporate treasury and market value is unprecedented. Traditional committee members may be wary of this new type of public equity.

Moreover, volatility concerns persist. MSTR moves with Bitcoin, which exposes the index to greater swings than most conventional stocks.

Strategy’s exclusion means S&P 500 index funds won’t be forced to buy its shares, limiting automatic passive flows and keeping BTC exposure out of the default retirement portfolios of millions.

The case lifts the veil on the S&P 500’s true nature, which is more actively curated than most investors realize, and far less transparent than its reputation suggests.

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Robinhood Soars on S&P 500 Inclusion as Strategy Gets Snubbed https://earlybirdsinvest.com/robinhood-soars-on-sp-500-inclusion-as-strategy-gets-snubbed/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/robinhood-soars-on-sp-500-inclusion-as-strategy-gets-snubbed/#respond Sat, 06 Sep 2025 14:08:52 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/robinhood-soars-on-sp-500-inclusion-as-strategy-gets-snubbed/

Crypto Journalist

Amin Ayan

Crypto Journalist

Amin Ayan

About Author

Amin Ayan is a crypto journalist with over four years of experience in the industry. He has contributed to leading publications such as Cryptonews, Investing.com, 99Bitcoins, and 24/7 Wall St. He has…

Last updated: 

Shares of Robinhood jumped 7% in after-hours trading Friday after the retail brokerage was named to the S&P 500.

Key Takeaways:

  • Robinhood shares jumped 7% after being added to the S&P 500, joining the index on September 22.
  • Strategy, despite a $95B valuation and $70B in Bitcoin holdings, was left out of the reshuffle.
  • Robinhood posted strong Q2 earnings, with $989M in revenue and $386M in profit.

Robinhood (HOOD) closed just above $101 and soared past $108 in extended trading following the announcement.

The company’s share price has climbed over 150% year-to-date, driven by strong earnings and growing retail interest in stocks and crypto.

Robinhood to Join S&P 500 on September 22

Robinhood will officially join the index on September 22, alongside ad-tech firm AppLovin, according to S&P Dow Jones Indices.

While Robinhood celebrates its inclusion, Strategy, the Bitcoin treasury firm formerly known as MicroStrategy, was left off the list, despite meeting S&P’s $20 billion market cap requirement.

Strategy, which now holds more than $70 billion in Bitcoin, saw its shares fall 3% in after-hours trading following the announcement.

The omission surprised some observers, given Strategy’s $95 billion valuation and its pioneering role in bringing Bitcoin to public balance sheets.

Based in Tysons Corner, Virginia, the company has become synonymous with corporate crypto adoption.

The S&P reshuffle comes amid rising institutional interest in digital assets and a more favorable political environment.

Earlier this year, Coinbase was added to the S&P index, signaling growing recognition of crypto-native companies in traditional financial markets.

Robinhood’s strong fundamentals further fueled its rally. In Q2, the company posted $989 million in revenue, up 45% year-over-year, beating Wall Street estimates.

Net income hit $386 million, with earnings per share of $0.42, well above analyst forecasts.

Crypto trading revenue came in at $160 million, nearly doubling year-over-year but down from the previous quarter’s $252 million.

Meanwhile, income from options trading and equities reached $265 million and $66 million, respectively, making options Robinhood’s top revenue stream once again.

Robinhood Sues Nevada, New Jersey Regulators Over Event Contracts

Last month, Robinhood Derivatives took legal action against regulators in Nevada and New Jersey, accusing the states of unfairly blocking its entry into the sports event contracts market, despite recent federal court rulings in favor of rival platform Kalshi.

The firm said it began offering event contracts in both states after federal judges ruled earlier this year that Nevada and New Jersey gaming regulators could not enforce their bans against Kalshi, which offers contracts regulated by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

Robinhood argued that regulators have ignored those rulings and continued to threaten enforcement action, creating an uneven playing field.

“If state regulators are permitted to act against Robinhood but not Kalshi, then Robinhood will lose out in the sports event contracts space,” the company said in its filings.

Meanwhile, Robinhood has come under regulatory fire in the EU after launching tokenized stock products linked to private companies like OpenAI and SpaceX.

The Bank of Lithuania confirmed it is investigating the legality and investor disclosures related to these blockchain-based “Stock Tokens,” which launched on June 30.

OpenAI publicly disavowed any connection, stating it never approved the tokens and warning investors to be cautious.


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MEXC’s Zero-Fee Futures Strategy Fuels Record Q2 Growth as Traders Pivot to Stablecoins and DeFi https://earlybirdsinvest.com/mexcs-zero-fee-futures-strategy-fuels-record-q2-growth-as-traders-pivot-to-stablecoins-and-defi/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/mexcs-zero-fee-futures-strategy-fuels-record-q2-growth-as-traders-pivot-to-stablecoins-and-defi/#respond Wed, 03 Sep 2025 16:22:30 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/mexcs-zero-fee-futures-strategy-fuels-record-q2-growth-as-traders-pivot-to-stablecoins-and-defi/

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MEXC, one of the world’s fastest-growing cryptocurrency exchanges, reported record growth in the second quarter of 2025 after rolling out a zero-fee campaign on high-demand futures pairs.

The bold strategy, designed to reduce barriers to entry and capture market momentum, comes as the broader digital asset market continues to embrace stablecoins amid broader crypto adoption.

Zero-Fee Push Aligns with Market Focus

According to the CoinGecko Q2 2025 Crypto Industry Report, the total cryptocurrency market capitalization rose 24% quarter-on-quarter, while the stablecoin market hit an all-time high of $243.1B. $USDC expanded by $1.4B in circulation, highlighting investor appetite for compliant, dollar-backed assets.

zero trading fee highlights

MEXC seized on the trend by eliminating trading fees on selected $USDC-margined futures pairs. The initiative gave traders cost-free access to fast-growing markets while positioning the exchange at the center of the industry’s shifting narrative.

By zeroing in on where the liquidity was flowing and removing cost friction, MEXC amplified user participation and market depth across key pairs.

Winners Among Trading Pairs

The exchange’s campaign produced notable winners across both mainstream and emerging assets:

  • $TON/$USDC captured 42% market share in its category.
  • $ETH/$USDT, the flagship mainstream trading pair, secured a 33% share.
  • $ONDO/$USDC and $POPCAT/$USDC each posted more than 5% market share gains.

The results underscored how MEXC’s mix of blue-chip tokens, infrastructure plays, and high-risk meme coins allowed the platform to serve a broad spectrum of trading appetites.

$ETH and $TON attracted institutional-minded investors, while $POPCAT drew in speculative retail traders and meme coin degens chasing volatility.

zero fee winners

From Meme Frenzy to Mainstream Focus

The strong quarterly performance also reflected a broader pivot in market psychology. In the first quarter, the meme coin market profited from tokens like Dogwifhat, Brett, and Book of Meme surging in popularity.

But as US regulators passed crypto-friendly rules and fostered a more welcoming blockchain framework, investors redirected their attention to infrastructure upgrades, DeFi applications, and regulatory-friendly assets in Q2.

MEXC’s zero-fee campaign mirrored this change in sentiment. By offering cost-free access to sectors aligned with the new narrative, the exchange effectively turned user preference into trading volume.

Building a Foundation for Long-Term Growth

The zero-fee initiative not only lowered trading costs but also created a feedback loop of higher participation, deeper liquidity, and growing market share.

The campaign laid the groundwork for the exchange’s next phase of expansion, particularly in futures markets where competition among global platforms remains fierce.

With over 40M users spanning 170 countries, MEXC has built a reputation as one of the industry’s most accessible exchanges. The platform frequently lists trending tokens, provides promotional airdrops, and maintains one of the lowest fee structures in the sector.

Zero fee trading pairs

Its focus on simplicity – under the motto ‘Your Easiest Way to Crypto’ – has helped it build a strong following among both retail traders and more seasoned investors.

Industry Context: Stablecoins and DeFi in the Spotlight

The emphasis on $USDC-margined pairs comes at a time when stablecoins are increasingly viewed as the backbone of the crypto economy. Beyond functioning as a liquidity layer, stablecoins are now integral to payment rails, cross-border settlement, and decentralized finance platforms.

The $243.1 billion stablecoin market cap milestone in Q2 reflects both resilience and evolution.

The sector is expanding not just in raw numbers but also in diversity, with compliant tokens like $USDC gaining traction alongside algorithmic and yield-bearing alternatives.

MEXC’s decision to highlight $ONDO/$USDC as part of its zero-fee campaign reflects how exchanges are now competing not just on volume but also on narrative alignment with emerging sectors.

DeFi has also continued to capture institutional interest, with projects like Ondo Finance ($ONDO) demonstrating new ways to bridge traditional financial instruments with blockchain technology.

MEXC Looks to the Future

The strong quarterly showing cements MEXC’s status as one of the most competitive exchanges in the futures market.

The zero-fee futures initiative may prove to be more than just a short-term promotional boost. By positioning itself as the go-to platform for traders chasing the most relevant narratives, the exchange has built a strategic foundation that could sustain growth well into 2026 and beyond.

As always, do your own research. This isn’t financial advice.

Authored by Bogdan Patru, Bitcoinist – https://bitcoinist.com/mexcs-zero-fee-futures-drive-q2-growth-stablecoins-defi

Editorial Process for bitcoinist is centered on delivering thoroughly researched, accurate, and unbiased content. We uphold strict sourcing standards, and each page undergoes diligent review by our team of top technology experts and seasoned editors. This process ensures the integrity, relevance, and value of our content for our readers.

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Japanese Nail Salon Announces $3 Billion Bitcoin Acquisition Strategy https://earlybirdsinvest.com/japanese-nail-salon-announces-3-billion-bitcoin-acquisition-strategy/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/japanese-nail-salon-announces-3-billion-bitcoin-acquisition-strategy/#respond Sun, 31 Aug 2025 01:10:07 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/japanese-nail-salon-announces-3-billion-bitcoin-acquisition-strategy/

Crypto Journalist

Anas Hassan

Crypto Journalist

Anas Hassan

About Author

Anas is a crypto native journalist and SEO writer with over five years of writing experience covering blockchain, crypto, DeFi, and emerging tech.

Last updated: 

Japanese nail salon operator Convano has officially launched its Bitcoin (BTC) acquisition strategy, following its ambitious plan to raise approximately ¥434 billion ($3 billion) to purchase 21,000 Bitcoin, equivalent to 0.1% of the total supply.

According to an August 30 Bloomberg report, the Tokyo-listed nail salon company plans to become one of the world’s largest corporate Bitcoin holders.

In response, Taiyo Azuma, Director of Convano’s BTC Holding Strategy Office, outlined a three-phase Bitcoin acquisition plan, with a target of 2,000 BTC by the end of 2025.

The portfolio is expected to reach 10,000 BTC by August 2026, as Azuma stated, “Our goal is clear. By March 2027, we aim to acquire 21,000 BTC and become one of the world’s leading Bitcoin-holding companies.

Convano Bitcoin Acquisition Strategy Is a Response to Japan’s Economic Pressures

Convano frames its BTC pivot as a strategic response to macroeconomic challenges.

A prolonged decline in the yen, approximately 21% weaker against the dollar over the past decade, has increased costs for wages and raw materials in its consumer services business.

We started to think about Bitcoin because of persistent yen depreciation and geopolitical risks,” Azuma told Bloomberg. “Bitcoin is a long-term store of value.”

Of the funds Convano has raised to date, ¥4.5 billion came from corporate bonds, and it has acquired 365 Bitcoin with it.

The Bitcoin acquisition announcement has driven Convano’s stock higher, with shares climbing 223.27% in the past month and surging 1,414.68% YTD.

Japanese Nail Salon Announces $3 Billion Bitcoin Acquisition Strategy

Japan has become an unexpected hub for Bitcoin accumulation through publicly listed companies.

Metaplanet Inc., a former hotel operator, now holds nearly 19,000 Bitcoin, ranking among the top 10 global holders.

According to Bitcoin Treasuries, seven Japanese companies now rank among the top 100 public firms holding BTC.

However, the sustainability of crypto treasury strategies remains a topic of debate.

Bitcoin acquisition leaders like StrategyB (formerly MicroStrategy) face challenges as MSTR stock has declined 15.35% over the past 30 days while Bitcoin trades 12.85% below its two-week high of $124,457.

If StrategyB could face this risk, a heavy drop in Convani stock means its financing model can collapse.

When asked about concerns regarding Bitcoin price volatility, Azuma believes the perceived risk is actually beneficial.

According to him, Convano welcomes Bitcoin price drops for four reasons.

First, lower prices allow the company to acquire more Bitcoin. Secondly, higher volatility increases the company’s revenue.

He added that the combination of “low rates and high volatility” creates optimal conditions for reaching the 21,000 BTC goal. Lastly, the company can effectively manage associated risks.

Experts Warn Bitcoin Acquisition Strategy Built on “Shaky Ground”

However, experts like VanEck’s head of digital assets research Matthew Sigel argue that Bitcoin treasury strategies adopted by public companies rest on “shaky ground”, with rising risks that could wipe away shareholder value.

According to Sigel, when stocks trade significantly above their Bitcoin net asset value (NAV), issuing new equity generates premiums.

Japanese Nail Salon Announces $3 Billion Bitcoin Acquisition Strategy

However, once stock prices approach parity with the value of Bitcoin holdings, dilution occurs.

That is not capital formation. It is erosion,” Sigel wrote.

He suggests that companies using Bitcoin as a treasury asset should implement safeguards, such as pausing ATM programs and prioritizing stock buybacks while premiums exist.

Glassnode lead analyst James Check shared similar concerns about the longevity of corporate Bitcoin treasury strategies.

My instinct is the Bitcoin treasury strategy has a far shorter lifespan than most expect,” Check posted on X in July.

Check argued that while early adopters, such as MicroStrategy, which holds nearly 600,000 BTC, have established their dominance, newer treasury firms face steeper challenges.

Nobody wants the 50th treasury company,” he noted, warning that investors increasingly demand clear differentiation rather than another firm simply adding Bitcoin to its balance sheet.


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Bitcoin Strategy Deepens As Metaplanet Plans $880 Million Raise https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-strategy-deepens-as-metaplanet-plans-880-million-raise/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-strategy-deepens-as-metaplanet-plans-880-million-raise/#respond Thu, 28 Aug 2025 03:20:03 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-strategy-deepens-as-metaplanet-plans-880-million-raise/

Trusted Editorial content, reviewed by leading industry experts and seasoned editors. Ad Disclosure

Japanese investment firm Metaplanet today announced plans to raise another 130 billion yen ($880 million) through an international share sale. Of that amount, the firm intends to allocate roughly $835 million toward purchasing additional Bitcoin (BTC).

Metaplanet Eyes More Bitcoin Purchases

According to a regulatory filing, Tokyo-based Metaplanet has approved a plan to raise as much as $880 million, with nearly $837 million set aside for fresh BTC acquisitions.

To generate the funds, the company will issue 555 million new shares. This issuance could increase the number of Metaplanet’s outstanding shares from 722 million to approximately 1.27 billion.

Often referred to as “Japan’s MicroStrategy,” Metaplanet has emerged as one of Asia’s most prominent corporate Bitcoin holders. Data from CoinGecko shows the firm currently ranks as the world’s 8th largest public company by BTC reserves, holding 18,991 BTC on its balance sheet.

The firm noted that proceeds from the offering will be used between September and October 2025 to accumulate Bitcoin. In addition, around $43.9 million will be reserved for other Bitcoin-related financial operations.

It is important to highlight that the share sale will take place exclusively on international markets. In the US, sales will be restricted to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A of the US Securities Act.

Metaplanet’s latest BTC purchase came earlier this week when the firm announced it had bought 103 BTC worth more than $11 million. At present, Metaplanet’s total BTC holdings are valued around $2 billion. The firm plans to hold 210,000 BTC by the end of 2027.

The firm’s strategy reflects a broader trend of corporations integrating Bitcoin into their treasuries. Healthcare company KindlyMD, recently announced a $5 billion stock sale to expand its BTC reserves.

Commenting on the development, David Bailey, CEO, KindlyMD, said that the move to raise $5 billion is a natural next step following the firm’s initial purchase of 5,744 BTC earlier this month. On the CoinGecko list, KindlyMD currently ranks 16th in terms of total BTC held.

Is BTC On The Verge Of Supply Crunch?

BTC’s fixed supply of 21 million coins remains one of its most defining features. However, a significant portion of these coins has been lost in unrecoverable wallets, further reducing the effective circulating supply.

As a result, a quiet race has begun among corporations, institutional investors, and even nation-states to accumulate as much Bitcoin as possible before prices climb further. Recently, a congressman in the Philippines introduced a bill proposing the creation of a strategic Bitcoin reserve for the nation.

Meanwhile, Dutch crypto services company Amdax announced plans last week to launch a public Bitcoin treasury firm, while Nasdaq-listed Top Win International disclosed a $10 million raise for BTC purchases.

In similar news, Turkish mobility app Marti Technologies stated last month that it will hold 20% of its cash reserves in Bitcoin. At press time, BTC trades at $112,013, up 1.9% in the past 24 hours.

bitcoin
Bitcoin trades at $112,013 on the daily chart | Source: BTCUSDT on TradingView.com

Featured image from Unsplash.com, chart from and TradingView.com

Editorial Process for bitcoinist is centered on delivering thoroughly researched, accurate, and unbiased content. We uphold strict sourcing standards, and each page undergoes diligent review by our team of top technology experts and seasoned editors. This process ensures the integrity, relevance, and value of our content for our readers.

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Crypto staking ETF launch strategy prioritizes centralized partners over immediate DeFi adoption https://earlybirdsinvest.com/crypto-staking-etf-launch-strategy-prioritizes-centralized-partners-over-immediate-defi-adoption/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/crypto-staking-etf-launch-strategy-prioritizes-centralized-partners-over-immediate-defi-adoption/#respond Tue, 26 Aug 2025 06:50:29 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/crypto-staking-etf-launch-strategy-prioritizes-centralized-partners-over-immediate-defi-adoption/

Crypto exchange-traded fund (ETF) issuers are likely to partner with centralized staking providers following approval, but will eventually pivot to decentralized protocols as regulatory frameworks mature.

The Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Aug. 5 statement that liquid staking activities and staking receipt tokens do not constitute securities offerings removed the final regulatory hurdle for staking-enabled crypto ETFs.

As a result, VanEck and Jito filed for a Solana liquid staking ETF on Aug. 22, representing months of regulatory outreach that began with SEC meetings in February.

The partnership joins Canary Capital and Marinade among issuers partnering directly with liquid staking protocols, while Canary amended its Solana ETF filing in May to name Marinade Select as its staking provider. However, these two might be the exception.

Max Shannon, senior research associate at Bitwise, expects most issuers will start with centralized providers due to clearer compliance frameworks and legal accountability structures.

In a note, he said:

“DeFi partnerships are still possible, but probably through intermediaries that handle the regulatory layer while routing funds into protocols.”

However, Shannon anticipates a gradual shift toward hybrid or direct DeFi integrations as regulatory environments mature.

Sid Powell, CEO and co-founder at Maple Finance, echoed Shannon’s remarks. He predicted that ETF issuers would initially work with established custodians like Coinbase or Fidelity for operational simplicity, but he stressed that these custodians are building bridges into DeFi protocols.

Powell assessed via a note:

“The regulatory clarity creates a clear path that benefits the ecosystem across CeFi and DeFi: institutional capital flows to trusted custodians who then safely allocate into high-performing staking infrastructure.”

Misha Putiatin, co-founder of Symbiotic, views the distinction between centralized and decentralized as less critical than revenue diversification opportunities.

According to a note shared by Putiatin:

“The key is that each asset can now generate multiple revenue streams, and ETFs will diversify their offerings around these.”

He cited strong decentralized options that already compete effectively in compliance, traditional finance integration, and performance metrics.

Impact on DeFi

Powell expects institutional validation to transform liquid staking protocols from experimental DeFi infrastructure into core financial architecture:

“ETF and DAT [digital asset treasuries] structures will channel billions through qualified custodians into liquid staking protocols, potentially increasing current AUM by orders of magnitude.”

Yet, Shannon warns that concentration risk could emerge if flows concentrate in one or two protocols, potentially attracting closer regulatory oversight.

Nevertheless, he expects even small ETF allocations could massively boost total value locked, strengthening liquidity and utility of liquid staking tokens.

Lastly, Putiatin believes that the interaction between ETF issuers and DeFi protocols could reshape yield structures. He noted that this movement opens the door to more active strategies that demand crypto native expertise far beyond traditional capital allocation.

The regulatory clarity is positioning staking ETFs as a vehicle to capture institutional capital that has waited on the sidelines while preserving compliance requirements through established custodial relationships.

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