Bitcoin Buying Frenzy of One Trillion: Global Giants Rush to Join, Cryptocurrency Assets to See "Enterprise-Grade Bull Market" in 2025

Original Article Title: "Bitcoin's Trillion-Dollar Buying Spree — These Companies Are Flocking to It"

Original Article Author: Luke, Mars Finance

Spring 2025, the global financial market is quietly brewing a revolution. Bitcoin, the cryptocurrency once ridiculed as a "geek fantasy," has now grandly entered the strategic core of corporate boardrooms. From Wall Street's financial giants to Silicon Valley's tech pioneers, from Tokyo's investment rising stars to English football clubs, public companies and institutions are rapidly incorporating Bitcoin into their balance sheets. This is not a frenzy of speculation but a thoughtful bet on value storage, brand reshaping, and the future of finance.

United States: Bitcoin's "Wall Street Moment"

As a beacon of global finance and technology, the United States is at the forefront of corporate Bitcoin investment. From April to May 2025, public companies embraced Bitcoin in a jaw-dropping scale and speed, driven by both inflation concerns and a desire for brand innovation.

MicroStrategy: Vanguard of Digital Gold

MicroStrategy, a business intelligence software company founded in 1989, is no longer a traditional tech company. Under the leadership of founder Michael Saylor, it has transformed into the world's largest "Bitcoin investment company." In April 2025, MicroStrategy's moves were epic: the company made three batches of purchases totaling 25,370 bitcoins, with a total expenditure of approximately $22.616 billion (April 7-13: 3,459 bitcoins, $2.858 billion; April 14-20: 6,556 bitcoins, $5.558 billion; April 21-27: 15,355 bitcoins, $14.2 billion). By the end of April, its holdings reached 553,555 bitcoins, with a cost of approximately $37.9 billion. Even more astonishingly, through a record-breaking $21 billion common stock ATM (At-The-Market) offering, it added 301,335 bitcoins, effectively reshaping the company's asset portfolio.

Saylor's logic is simple yet radical: the long-term devaluation of the U.S. dollar, with cash reserves melting like snow, and Bitcoin's fixed supply (21 million coins) make it a "cyber gold." He not only bet the company's fate on this but also, by becoming a Bitcoin evangelist on social media, attracted global attention. But little-known is that MicroStrategy's success was aided by an invisible hand: in 2023, the U.S. Financial Accounting Standards Board allowed companies to measure Bitcoin at fair value, greatly reducing accounting complexity. This policy windfall, like opening Pandora's Box, encouraged more companies to dare to follow suit.

Twenty One Capital: The Super Alliance of Finance and Crypto

Twenty One Capital (referred to as "21 Capital") is the "super nova" of Bitcoin investment in 2025. This new company plans to go public through a SPAC merger with Cantor Equity Partners, with four giants joining forces:

· Cantor Fitzgerald, the Wall Street investment bank founded in 1945, with annual revenue exceeding $2 billion, and partnering with Tether to manage its treasury assets.

· SoftBank, the Japanese tech investment giant, managing over $200 billion in assets, with a portfolio including Alibaba, Uber.

· Tether, the issuer of the world's largest stablecoin USDT, with a profit of around $13 billion in 2024.

· Bitfinex, a leading cryptocurrency exchange platform, with a daily trade volume exceeding $1 billion.

On April 23, 2025, 21 Capital announced a $360 million fundraising through a SPAC merger, initially holding 42,000 bitcoins (approximately $3.9 billion). Funding sources include $1.5 billion from Tether (later revised to $160 million), $900 million from SoftBank, $600 million from Bitfinex, and $585 million from debt and equity financing. The project is led by Cantor Fitzgerald Chairman Brendan Lunny and Jack Mallers, the founder of Strike, serving as CEO. 21 Capital introduced the "Bitcoin Per Share" (BPS) and "Bitcoin Return Rate" (BRR) metrics, aiming to maximize shareholders' Bitcoin exposure.

The birth of 21 Capital represents a historic handshake between the traditional financial sector and the crypto industry. Cantor Fitzgerald's endorsement brings Bitcoin into the heart of Wall Street; SoftBank's participation marks Masayoshi Son's strong comeback from the 2017 Bitcoin investment setback to 2025; and the financial strength of Tether and Bitfinex inject rocket fuel into the project. This is not just an investment but a declaration about the future of finance. However, Tether's regulatory controversies (the 2021 U.S. settlement case) may cast a shadow over the project, and the complexity of its SPAC listing adds uncertainty.

Semler Scientific: The Stealth Champion of the Healthcare Industry

Semler Scientific, a California-based medical technology company focusing on chronic disease management devices, with a market cap of only $300 million, may seem worlds apart from the cyber realm of Bitcoin. However, in April 2025, this small giant showed great ambition. On April 15, the company announced plans to issue $500 million in securities, explicitly stating that the funds would primarily be used to purchase Bitcoin. Subsequently, from April 25 to 29, it acquired 165 Bitcoins, spending approximately $15.7 million, bringing its total holdings to 3,467 Bitcoins valued at around $326 million.

Why did Semler bet on Bitcoin? Chief Financial Officer Doug Murphy-Chutorian revealed during a shareholders' meeting that Bitcoin's decentralized nature and anti-inflationary properties aligned with the company's philosophy of pursuing long-term value. A deeper driving force comes from shareholders: some of Semler's investors are cryptocurrency-focused hedge funds looking to enhance their returns through Bitcoin. Semler's low-key execution—neither boasting about publicity nor causing dramatic stock price swings—demonstrates an emerging trend: small and medium-sized publicly traded companies are quietly integrating Bitcoin into their strategies rather than merely chasing market trends.

GameStop: From Meme Stock to Bitcoin Trailblazer

GameStop's story reads like a Hollywood script. This game retailer founded in 1984 gained widespread fame during the 2021 "meme stock" frenzy driven by a retail investor community. On March 27, 2025, GameStop announced a $1.3 billion zero-coupon convertible bond offering (maturing in 2030) with a $200 million overallotment option, raising approximately $1.48 billion in total, earmarked for Bitcoin purchases. This move shocked the market, with the retail investor community seeing it as the beginning of "GameStop 2.0."

Under the leadership of CEO Ryan Cohen, GameStop is breaking free from retail woes. Bitcoin is not only an asset hedge but also a branding tool aimed at attracting a younger, tech-savvy consumer base. The company also plans to launch crypto-related services such as an NFT marketplace or Bitcoin payment systems. However, the $1.5 billion massive investment has sparked controversy: Bitcoin's volatility could make financial statements a rollercoaster. Supporters see this as a victory for meme culture, while critics worry the company may repeat the mistakes of aggressive expansion. Nevertheless, GameStop's transformation is destined to be the focus of 2025.

Tesla: The Silent Giant of Hodlers

Tesla, the global electric vehicle giant with a market value exceeding $1 trillion, led by Elon Musk, has been making waves in the cryptocurrency space. In April 2025, Tesla disclosed holding 11,509 bitcoins, valued at around $951 million, on par with the previous quarter. Since purchasing bitcoin in 2021, Tesla briefly accepted bitcoin payments (later suspended due to environmental controversies) but has never sold its holdings.

Tesla's subtle moves are intriguing. Musk, as a cryptocurrency "thought leader," has repeatedly expressed support for bitcoin, calling it a "decentralized financial experiment." However, as a renewable energy giant, Tesla must balance environmental pressures with the returns on its crypto investments. The energy controversy surrounding bitcoin mining has made the company cautious, but its decision to hold shows confidence in long-term value. Tesla's silence, like the calm before a storm, hints at larger strategic possibilities.

SBC Medical Group: A Small Yet Mighty Test Ground

SBC Medical Group, a small medical company focusing on beauty and health services, only landed on the Nasdaq in 2024 with a market value of less than $100 million. On April 14, 2025, it purchased 5 bitcoins for $400,000, citing this move as a strategic "asset diversification, value preservation." Despite its small scale, this action reflects the diffusion of bitcoin investments: even fringe players are beginning to dip their toes into digital gold.

SBC's motivation may stem from executive crypto beliefs or shareholder drive. Although its attempt is not prominent, it is like a seed, suggesting that bitcoin may take root in more small and medium-sized enterprises. This ripple effect may hold more long-term significance than the bets of the giants.

Japan: Bitcoin's Playground in Asia

With its open crypto policy and tech DNA, Japan has become fertile ground for bitcoin investment in Asia. In April 2025, actions by two companies ignited market enthusiasm.

Metaplanet: Japan's "Cyber Samurai"

Metaplanet, a Tokyo-listed company founded in 2004, with businesses spanning hotels, real estate, and tech investments, announced a "bitcoin-first" strategy in 2024, dubbed the "Asia's MicroStrategy." In April 2025, Metaplanet increased its bitcoin holdings, with a total of 4,525 bitcoins (approximately $384 million), growing over tenfold from 400 bitcoins in September 2024. The company aims to hold 10,000 bitcoins by the end of 2025 and rebrand its hotels as "Bitcoin Hotels," seeking to attract the global crypto community.

Metaplanet CEO Simon Gerassi has called Bitcoin a "nuclear weapon" against the depreciation of the Yen (which hit a 34-year low in 2024) and global economic uncertainty. Japan's 2024 tax reform (exempting unrealized gains tax for businesses holding crypto assets) has paved the way for this strategy. More notably, Metaplanet's attempt to integrate Bitcoin with the real economy—the "Bitcoin Hotel"—is not only a marketing gimmick but also plans to accept Bitcoin payments. This brand innovation may inspire more Asian businesses to follow suit.

SoftBank (via 21 Capital): A Globalized Bitcoin Gamble

SoftBank, the behemoth of Japanese tech investment, invested $900 million in the 21 Capital project, representing 25% of the total investment. Founder Masayoshi Son is known for bold investments, with his sights always set on the future. In 2017, his personal investment in Bitcoin resulted in a $130 million loss, becoming a joke. However, SoftBank in 2025 is more seasoned, partnering with Cantor Fitzgerald and Tether to diversify risks. SoftBank not only provides funding but also promotes institutional adoption of Bitcoin through its global investment network. Its involvement indicates that Asian tech giants are now viewing Bitcoin as the new language of global capital through cross-border collaboration.

Other Regions: Global Ripples of Bitcoin

While the US and Japan are the main battlegrounds, actions in other regions are equally noteworthy.

Real Bedford F.C. (UK): Bitcoin Experiment in Sports

Real Bedford F.C., a UK non-professional football club, announced on April 30, 2025, that it would adopt Bitcoin as its primary reserve asset, with holdings estimated at 50-100 coins (approximately $4.7-9.4 million). Club Chairman Peter MacComack, a prominent crypto podcaster, drove this strategy. He believes that Bitcoin can break the geographical barriers in sports and attract a global fanbase. The club is exploring the "Bitcoin + Brand" model through innovations such as Bitcoin sponsorship and ticket payments. Despite its small scale, this experiment may provide a template for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Motivation Decoded: Why Are Big Companies Betting on Bitcoin?

The motivation behind large companies purchasing Bitcoin intertwines rationality and foresight:

1. Inflation Hedge: The depreciation of fiat currencies like the US Dollar and Yen (in 2024, the US CPI reached 3.5%, and the Yen fell to 160:1) has made Bitcoin's fixed supply an attractive hedge asset.

2. Asset Diversification: The low-interest-rate environment (2024 US 10-year Treasury bond yield of 2.5%) has made cash reserves unattractive, and Bitcoin provides a high-risk, high-return option.

3. Brand Innovation: GameStop, Metaplanet use Bitcoin to attract young consumers and reshape their brands.

4. Policy Dividend: New rules from the US FASB, Japanese tax reforms, and Trump's pro-encryption policy have lowered investment barriers.

5. Shareholder Pressure: The influence of crypto hedge funds and high-net-worth investors is driving actions in companies like Semler, SBC, and others.

Potential Buyer Demand: A Digital Gold Rush?

Disclosed Buyer Demand

Bitcoin purchase plans for April to May 2025:

· MicroStrategy: $22.616 billion (25,370 BTC) + $21 billion (301,335 BTC) = $232.616 billion (326,705 BTC).

· GameStop: $1.48 billion (approximately 15,745 BTC).

· Semler Scientific: $500 million (planned) + $15.7 million (165 BTC) = $5.157 billion (approximately 5,485 BTC).

· SBC Medical: $400,000 (5 BTC). 21 Capital: $3.6 billion (42,000 BTC).

· Metaplanet: Additional approximately 5,475 BTC (approximately $5.15 billion).

Total: Approximately $293.723 billion (approximately 395,435 BTC, representing 1.88% of total supply).

Projected Buyer Demand

· Undisclosed Public Companies: MicroStrategy's success may inspire 100-200 public companies (market cap over $1 billion) to each invest $1-5 billion, totaling $100-500 billion (approximately 106,380-531,900 BTC).

· Institutional ETF: The BlackRock iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) is attracting institutional funds. If more foundations join, an additional buying pressure of 50-100 billion USD (approximately 53,190-106,380 BTC) could be seen.

· National Reserves: If the United States were to convert 1% of its foreign exchange reserves (about 60 billion USD) to Bitcoin, it would be equivalent to 638,300 BTC. The potential policies of countries like China and Russia could contribute 20-30 billion USD.

· Crypto Industry: Companies like Tether may increase their holdings by 20-30 billion USD (approximately 21,280-31,920 BTC).

Short-term Forecast (2025 Q2-Q3): Disclosed buying pressure (293.723 billion USD) + Undisclosed corporate entities (50 billion USD) + ETF inflows (20 billion USD) = approximately 363.723 billion USD (approximately 387,025 BTC, representing 1.84% of the total supply).

Mid-term Forecast (2025 Q4-2026 Q1): If national reserve policies are implemented, buying pressure may reach 800-1200 billion USD (approximately 850,000-1,275,000 BTC, representing 4.05%-6.07% of the total supply).

Price Impact: With a circulating supply of about 19.7 million BTC, a 1% increase in demand could drive prices up by 15%-30%. The price by the end of 2025 could reach 115,000-130,000 USD.

Epilogue: Revolution or Fervor?

In 2025, Bitcoin transitions from a cyber utopia to a corporate reality. The bold moves of MicroStrategy, the transformation of GameStop, Semler's modest attempts, the multinational alliance of 21 Capital, and Metaplanet's brand innovation together paint a picture of a "digital gold" revolution. This is a resistance against inflation and fiat currencies, as well as a strategic bet on the future. However, beneath the storm, undercurrents are surging: price volatility, regulatory shadows, market fervor, all of which could veer this revolution off course.

For us, this is a window into the future. Will Bitcoin become the corporate "cyber safe-haven," or will it be another tulip mania frenzy? The answer may lie in the next financial report, the next board meeting, or the next market wave. Regardless of the outcome, this revolution has already rewritten the rules of finance.

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