Crypto Treasury SPAC Led by Former Tether and Blackstone Executives Raises $1 Billion

Former Tether co-founder Reeve Collins and ex-Blackstone executive Chinh Chu are leading a $1 billion initiative to establish a publicly traded crypto treasury that includes Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and other major digital assets. Their special-purpose acquisition company, M-3 Brigade Acquisition V Corp., aims to capitalize on the growing trend of corporate crypto treasuries amid a more favorable regulatory climate and rising asset valuations.

The formation of M-3 Brigade Acquisition V Corp. marks a significant development in the evolution of publicly traded crypto treasuries. This initiative aligns with the increasing appetite among institutional investors for direct exposure to cryptocurrencies beyond Bitcoin, incorporating Ethereum, Solana, and other leading tokens. By leveraging their combined expertise in stablecoins and private equity, Collins and Chu aim to create a transparent, regulated vehicle that offers public market investors access to a professionally managed crypto treasury. This approach builds on the precedent set by companies like MicroStrategy, which has demonstrated the potential for significant shareholder value appreciation through substantial Bitcoin holdings.

Corporate adoption of cryptocurrency treasuries has accelerated markedly, with over 250 entities, including 141 publicly traded firms, currently holding Bitcoin on their balance sheets. This represents a 13% increase in just the past month, underscoring the growing institutional confidence in digital assets as a store of value and hedge against inflation. Moreover, the diversification into other cryptocurrencies such as Ethereum and Solana reflects a broader strategic shift. For example, SharpLink Gaming’s recent $425 million private share sale to fund an Ethereum treasury illustrates the expanding scope of corporate crypto holdings. This diversification not only mitigates risk but also positions companies to benefit from the broader blockchain ecosystem’s growth.

The timing of M-3 Brigade’s SPAC launch coincides with a surge in special-purpose acquisition company activity across multiple sectors. In 2024 alone, 61 SPACs have raised approximately $12.3 billion, surpassing the total raised in the previous year. This robust SPAC market provides a fertile environment for crypto-focused ventures seeking public listings. Notably, crypto investor Anthony Pompliano’s announcement of a $750 million SPAC deal to take ProCap public further exemplifies the sector’s momentum. These developments indicate a maturing crypto investment landscape where traditional financial instruments and structures are increasingly integrated with digital asset strategies.

Reeve Collins brings invaluable experience from his tenure at Tether, where he helped pioneer the stablecoin market from 2013 to 2015 before selling the USDT issuer. His deep understanding of digital asset infrastructure complements Chinh Chu’s extensive background at Blackstone, where he held senior leadership roles and led the creation of five SPACs since 2016. Their combined expertise positions M-3 Brigade to navigate the complex regulatory and market environment effectively, aiming to deliver shareholder value through disciplined asset management and strategic acquisitions within the crypto space.

The launch of M-3 Brigade Acquisition V Corp. by former Tether and Blackstone executives represents a pivotal moment in the institutionalization of crypto treasuries. By targeting a diversified portfolio of leading digital assets and leveraging the SPAC vehicle, the initiative offers public investors a novel avenue for crypto exposure. As corporate adoption of cryptocurrencies continues to expand, this development underscores the growing legitimacy and integration of digital assets within mainstream financial markets.