Ethereum News Today: BitMine Immersion Targets 5% Ethereum Stake as Holdings Surpass $2.1 Billion Becoming Largest Corporate Holder

BitMine Immersion Technologies has announced plans to acquire and stake up to 5% of Ethereum’s total supply, marking a significant escalation in corporate participation within the crypto asset space. The company disclosed that it has already accumulated over $2.1 billion worth of Ether, positioning it as the largest corporate holder of the asset. This move surpasses existing major players like SharpLink Gaming and the Ethereum Foundation, reflecting a strategic pivot toward Ethereum as a core component of institutional treasury management [1]. BitMine’s chairman, Tom Lee, emphasized the company’s progress toward its goal, stating they are “well on our way” to achieving the target stake [1].

The acquisition, which includes over 566,776 Ether (ETH) purchased in just 16 days, represents a bold bet on Ethereum’s network dynamics. At current valuations, owning 5% of the 6 million ETH target would translate to a $22 billion stake, significantly influencing liquidity and network security. Unlike Bitcoin’s fixed supply, Ethereum’s circulating supply is subject to fluctuations due to mechanisms like EIP-1559’s burn rate, potentially creating a deflationary environment if burning outpaces issuance. BitMine’s staking strategy could amplify these effects, reinforcing Ethereum’s appeal as a corporate reserve asset [1].

The company’s rapid accumulation has outpaced other institutional investors. For instance, Michael Saylor’s Strategy company holds 2.9% of Bitcoin’s total supply, while SharpLink Gaming’s recent Ether holdings amount to 360,807 ETH ($1.3 billion). BitMine’s scale underscores the growing institutional appetite for Ether, particularly as staking yields and network participation become more attractive. This trend is reflected in market reactions: BitMine’s stock (BMNR) surged over 3,000% in late 2024 after announcing its Ether strategy, while SharpLink’s shares (SBET) rose 171% following a similar move [1].

Ethereum’s corporate treasury landscape is expanding. Strategic Ether Reserves data shows 61 entities collectively hold 2.31 million ETH (1.91% of total supply, valued at $8.46 billion). BitMine’s holdings now constitute a major portion of this figure, highlighting its leadership role. In contrast, Bitcoin’s corporate treasury is more established, with 3.4 million BTC held by 206 firms, representing 16.5% of its fixed supply. BitMine’s focus on Ethereum reflects a broader diversification trend, as institutional investors seek exposure to dynamic crypto assets with yield-generating potential [1].

BitMine’s strategy also aligns with broader Ethereum developments. Nearly half of validators currently support proposals to raise Ethereum’s gas limit to 45 million units, which could impact transaction throughput and network economics. While the firm has not publicly commented on this specific proposal, its staking ambitions may intersect with ongoing debates about Ethereum’s scalability and governance. Analysts note that large-scale staking could enhance network security but also raise concerns about supply concentration [1].

The company’s recent financial moves further reinforce its strategic direction. After securing a $250 million funding round, BitMine disclosed ETH holdings exceeding $1 billion in July 2025. It has also entered options trading on the New York Stock Exchange, reflecting a diversified approach to digital asset management. However, market volatility persists: while Ether prices rose 4% on July 24, 2025, BitMine’s stock declined 12% the same day, influenced by broader macroeconomic uncertainties ahead of the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision [6].

BitMine’s actions highlight the evolving role of corporations in crypto markets. By leveraging Ethereum’s staking mechanism and expanding its treasury, the firm positions itself as a key player in shaping the asset’s future. As it moves closer to its 5% target, the implications for Ethereum’s supply dynamics and institutional adoption remain significant, with potential ripple effects across the broader crypto ecosystem [1].

Sources:

[1] [BitMine Immersion Aims to Stake 5% of Ethereum's Supply](https://cryptoslate.com/bitmine-immersion-aims-to-stake-5-of-ethereums-supply-as-holdings-exceed-2-billion/)

[2] [BitMine Begins Options Trading on NYSE as It Targets 5% of Ethereum Supply](https://defi-planet.com/2025/07/bitmine-begins-options-trading-on-nyse-as-it-targets-5-of-ethereum-supply/)

[3] [The Protocol: Ethereum Validator Exit Queue Backs Up](https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/protocol-ethereum-validator-exit-queue-182336889.html)

[6] [Ether Surges 4% as ETH Treasury Firm BitMine Steps Up Bid](https://www.coinbase.com/en-in/price/ethereum)