Bitcoin News Today: Japan's Metaplanet Bets $1.2B to Build Bitcoin's Future

Japan-based Metaplanet Inc., a firm that has rapidly transformed into a major corporate Bitcoin holder, is set to raise up to $1.2 billion through an overseas share issuance, with approximately $835 million of the proceeds designated for Bitcoin purchases. The company disclosed this plan in a recent filing, stating that the newly issued shares—up to 555 million in total—could bring its total outstanding shares to around 1.27 billion from 722 million. The issue price will be determined between September 9 and 11, with settlement expected shortly after [1].

The capital raise is part of Metaplanet’s broader strategy to enhance its Bitcoin treasury holdings as a hedge against Japan’s weak yen and to mitigate inflationary pressures. The company already holds 18,991 BTC, valued at about $2.1 billion. These Bitcoin reserves will be further expanded through the new funding, aligning with its stated objective to hold more than 210,000 BTC by 2027—approximately 1% of the total supply [1]. An additional $440 million of the proceeds will be allocated to its “Bitcoin Income Business,” which generates revenue by selling covered call options on its BTC holdings. The business is already contributing to the company’s profitability, with Q2 revenue from this segment reaching 1.9 billion yen [2].

Metaplanet’s shift to a Bitcoin-focused treasury model has been rapid. In just a few months, it has transformed from a hotel management firm into one of the most prominent corporate Bitcoin holders in Asia. CEO Simon Gerovich, formerly of Goldman Sachs, has led this transition under a strategy known as the “555 Million Plan.” The name refers to the 555 million new shares to be issued in this round and also symbolizes the company’s goal of acquiring 210,000 BTC by 2027 [2]. The company’s aggressive accumulation began in April 2024 when it rebranded as a “Bitcoin treasury company.”

The financing is being conducted through overseas placements to institutional investors. It is not registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, and no public offering is being made in the United States. Gerovich noted in a statement that legal restrictions prevent further commentary on the offering while it remains active [1]. The share issuance is expected to significantly increase the company’s market visibility, as it has already been upgraded from a small-cap to a mid-cap stock in FTSE Russell’s September 2025 Semi-Annual Review. This change has led to its inclusion in the FTSE Japan Index and, by extension, the FTSE All-World Index [1].

In addition to its financial strategy, Metaplanet has been making strategic moves to enhance its corporate governance and investor base. The company’s shareholder base has grown substantially, and its recent inclusion in global indices signals growing recognition of its role in the corporate Bitcoin space. The firm’s approach mirrors that of U.S. companies like MicroStrategy, which have adopted Bitcoin as a treasury asset. Metaplanet is now being closely watched by investors and analysts for its potential to influence broader corporate adoption of cryptocurrencies in Asia [2].

Source:

[1] Metaplanet to Raise $1.2B, $835M for Bitcoin Buys (https://cointelegraph.com/news/metaplanet-raise-1-2b-bitcoin-purchases)

[2] Metaplanet Eyes $837M Raise to Buy More Bitcoin After ... (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/metaplanet-eyes-837m-raise-buy-152209245.html)