Ethereum News Today: ETHZilla Raises $156M to Boost Ethereum Holdings Backed by Peter Thiel

ETHZilla, a company previously known as 180 Life Sciences Corp., has completed a $156 million fundraising through senior secured convertible notes due in 2028, with the proceeds set to significantly expand its Ethereum (ETH) holdings [1]. The company announced the strategic shift on August 11, 2025, as part of a broader plan to leverage Ethereum as a corporate asset. McAndrew Rudisill, the Executive Chairman, stated that the funds would strengthen the firm’s financial position while increasing its ETH position. The move is seen as a strategic investment in the future of blockchain-based assets within traditional financial structures.

The fundraising has drawn attention from institutional investors, including Peter Thiel, who holds a 7.5% stake in ETHZilla, signaling strong institutional support for the initiative [1]. This development aligns with a broader trend of public companies exploring alternative asset classes, particularly in the digital asset space. ETHZilla’s commitment to transparency includes regular updates on its Ethereum holdings, a move intended to build trust with investors and highlight the company’s strategic vision.

The capital raise follows a significant increase in Ethereum adoption, including a record $1 billion in net inflows into U.S. spot Ethereum ETFs on the same day, marking the highest single-day inflow since these products began trading [2]. BlackRock and Fidelity were the top performers, capturing the majority of the institutional capital. This shift in investor behavior highlights growing confidence in Ethereum as a core digital asset, particularly as it outperformed Bitcoin in ETF activity with Ethereum ETFs absorbing over five times the inflow of Bitcoin ETFs, which recorded $178 million. Ethereum’s price rose to $4,366, its highest in over two years, reflecting strong market sentiment.

Analysts note that Ethereum’s expanding utility beyond a store of value is a key driver of its institutional appeal. The 2022 Merge upgrade improved the network’s energy efficiency by over 99%, while advancements in Layer-2 scaling solutions have enhanced transaction throughput and reduced costs [2]. These improvements make Ethereum a more scalable and sustainable asset for long-term investment. The staking ecosystem, which has locked billions in value, further supports Ethereum’s viability as a yield-generating asset, offering predictable returns.

The trend of institutional capital flowing into Ethereum is underscored by a parallel $156 million convertible notes offering by 180 Life Sciences, the parent company of ETHZilla, which had previously announced a $425 million private placement to expand its Ethereum holdings [3]. These actions reflect a broader reallocation of capital toward structured investment vehicles focused on digital assets. The growth of Ethereum-based investment products, including ETFs and corporate treasuries, indicates a maturing market where digital assets are increasingly treated as regulated and strategic assets.

ETHZilla’s move is part of a growing trend where public companies adopt Ethereum as part of their corporate treasury strategies. This shift is expected to influence investor sentiment and potentially drive further institutional adoption. The company’s strategic approach, combined with Ethereum’s technological advancements and regulatory progress, positions the cryptocurrency as a foundational asset in the evolving financial landscape.

Source:

[1] ETHZilla Raises $156M to Boost Ethereum Holdings https://coinfomania.com/ethzilla-raises-156m-for-ethereum-backed-by-peter-thiel/

[2] US Spot Ethereum ETFs Log Record $1B Inflows https://coinfomania.com/us-spot-ethereum-etf-1b-inflows/

[3] 180 Life Sciences (ATNF) has executed a remarkable $156 million convertible notes offering, following a previously announced $425 million private placement https://www.stocktitan.net/news/ATNF/180-life-sciences-announces-closing-of-private-offering-of-hj6n6d2hzge7.html