Ethereum News Today: 180 Life Sciences Rebrands as ETHZilla, Raises $425M for Ethereum Treasury

180 Life Sciences, a NASDAQ-listed company, has announced a strategic shift to position itself as a major player in the cryptocurrency sector. The biotech firm is transitioning from its traditional life sciences operations to an Ethereum treasury reserve model, having raised $425 million through an upsized private placement led by digital asset leaders such as Electric Capital, Polychain, and GSR. The funds will be used to purchase Ethereum (ETH), with the company planning to amass a substantial crypto reserve. This move aligns with a growing trend of corporations leveraging blockchain-based assets to hedge against macroeconomic uncertainties and diversify their treasuries [1].

The company, which will rebrand as ETHZilla, intends to utilize the net proceeds from the private placement (PIPE) transaction and subsequent debt issuance—up to $150 million in authorized debt securities—to establish a significant Ethereum reserve. The existing management team and board will remain in place, signaling continuity in leadership despite the strategic pivot. The rebranding underscores a calculated bet on Ethereum’s smart contract capabilities and network effects, aiming to attract a new investor base and capitalize on the crypto market’s volatility-driven opportunities [2].

The decision has drawn mixed reactions. While institutional support from prominent crypto firms suggests confidence in the execution of the new model, the company’s current stock price of $3.36 per share and market capitalization of $17.57 million raise questions about valuation. According to an InvestingPro analysis, the stock appears overvalued relative to its fair value metrics, highlighting potential risks tied to market sentiment versus long-term strategic benefits [3]. Analysts have emphasized the volatility of cryptocurrencies as a critical factor, noting that Ethereum’s price performance and ongoing network upgrades, such as Ethereum 2.0, will directly influence the success of 180 Life Sciences’ strategy [4].

The firm’s reliance on a concentrated Ethereum reserve diverges from diversified approaches adopted by some peers, amplifying exposure to sector-specific risks. Regulatory scrutiny remains another hurdle, as the crypto space continues to evolve under uncertain legal frameworks. However, the involvement of a “consortium of digital asset leaders” in the private placement indicates a degree of industry validation for the company’s aggressive capital raise [5].

The broader trend of traditional companies entering the crypto market reflects a strategic response to macroeconomic pressures and institutional interest in digital assets. 180 Life Sciences’ transition mirrors the path pioneered by MicroStrategy, which leveraged Bitcoin reserves to boost share value. As the firm navigates its new role, stakeholders will monitor its ability to balance its biotech origins with the demands of the crypto ecosystem. The outcome may set a precedent for how companies integrate blockchain technology into their financial strategies.

Sources:

[1] Investing.com, [https://za.investing.com/news/company-news/180-life-sciences-to-raise-425-million-for-ethereum-treasury-strategy-93CH-3809065](https://za.investing.com/news/company-news/180-life-sciences-to-raise-425-million-for-ethereum-treasury-strategy-93CH-3809065)

[2] MarketScreener, [https://www.marketscreener.com/news/180-life-sciences-announce-an-upsized-425-million-private-placement-to-establish-an-ether-treasury-ce7c5fded989f527](https://www.marketscreener.com/news/180-life-sciences-announce-an-upsized-425-million-private-placement-to-establish-an-ether-treasury-ce7c5fded989f527)

[3] Investing.com, [https://za.investing.com/news/company-news/180-life-sciences-to-raise-425-million-for-ethereum-treasury-strategy-93CH-3809065](https://za.investing.com/news/company-news/180-life-sciences-to-raise-425-million-for-ethereum-treasury-strategy-93CH-3809065)

[4] The Economic Times, [https://m.economictimes.com/crypto-news-today-live-29-jul-2025/liveblog/122959972.cms](https://m.economictimes.com/crypto-news-today-live-29-jul-2025/liveblog/122959972.cms)

[5] MarketScreener, [https://www.marketscreener.com/news/180-life-sciences-announce-an-upsized-425-million-private-placement-to-establish-an-ether-treasury-ce7c5fded989f527](https://www.marketscreener.com/news/180-life-sciences-announce-an-upsized-425-million-private-placement-to-establish-an-ether-treasury-ce7c5fded989f527)