Bitcoin News Today: Metaplanet Surpasses $2 Billion in Bitcoin Holdings as SharpLink Stakes $1.7 Billion Ethereum

Metaplanet, a Tokyo-listed firm, has surpassed $2 billion in Bitcoin holdings after adding 780 BTC to its treasury, bringing its total reserve to 17,132 BTC [1]. This move aligns with the company’s revised “555 Million Plan,” which aims to accumulate 100,000 BTC by the end of 2024 and scale to 210,000 BTC by 2027. The strategy, first announced in April 2024, has yielded a year-to-date (YTD) Bitcoin return of 449.7% for 2025, according to CEO Simon Gerovich. The firm’s Bitcoin-centric approach has already driven a 42.4% year-over-year revenue increase in the second quarter, reaching ¥1.1 billion ($7.6 million) [1].

Meanwhile, Nasdaq-listed SharpLink Gaming has bolstered its Ethereum (ETH) holdings, acquiring 77,210 ETH valued at approximately $295 million. The purchase elevates its total ETH reserves to 438,000 tokens, worth over $1.7 billion, positioning it as the second-largest corporate ETH holder after Bitmine Immersion Tech [1]. Notably, most of the newly acquired ETH has been staked, signaling a strategic bet on Ethereum’s post-merge ecosystem. This expansion follows a leadership transition, with former BlackRock executive Joseph Chalom assuming a co-CEO role.

The contrasting strategies highlight divergent risk profiles in the crypto market. Metaplanet’s Bitcoin focus mirrors MicroStrategy’s approach, leveraging Bitcoin’s store-of-value narrative and limited supply. Its aggressive accumulation has already translated into tangible revenue gains, reflecting the asset’s growing acceptance among traditional firms. Conversely, SharpLink’s Ethereum stake underscores confidence in the protocol’s utility-driven model, particularly with staking rewards and network upgrades. The decision to stake a significant portion of its ETH may further cement Ethereum’s role as a high-yield corporate asset.

The timing of these moves is significant. Metaplanet’s Bitcoin purchases coincide with institutional adoption trends, while SharpLink’s Ethereum acquisition follows a leadership overhaul aimed at revitalizing its market position. Both firms are betting on crypto’s long-term potential, though their choices reflect differing technical and strategic priorities. Metaplanet’s revised roadmap—targeting 100,000 BTC by 2024—exceeds its original 21,000 BTC goal for 2026, indicating a heightened conviction in Bitcoin’s appreciation. SharpLink, by contrast, has prioritized Ethereum’s ecosystem, aligning with ongoing developments like the Shanghai upgrade and rising institutional staking demand.

Market reactions have been mixed. SharpLink’s stock closed at $21.99 on July 25, down 5.7% from the previous day, though pre-market trading showed a 7% rebound to $23.53 [1]. The volatility contrasts with Metaplanet’s revenue growth, which suggests its Bitcoin strategy is already yielding financial benefits.

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