Metaplanet Raises $25.9M for Asia's Largest Bitcoin Expansion

Metaplanet Inc., a Japanese firm, has successfully raised $25.9 million (¥4 billion) through the issuance of zero-interest, unsecured bonds. The funds will be primarily used to expand the company's Bitcoin (BTC) holdings, marking 'Asia's Largest Ever' raise in this sector.

The Tokyo-based firm confirmed receiving funds from EVO FUND, the bondholder, with the primary goal of increasing its Bitcoin reserve to 21,000 BTC by 2026. Metaplanet is adjusting its previous financial plans to ensure that the raised funds go directly into increasing its Bitcoin reserves, aiming to hedge against economic uncertainties in Japan, including high debt and yen depreciation.

Metaplanet's Bitcoin pivot began in 2023, following the lead of U.S. software firm MicroStrategy (now rebranded as Strategy). As of January, Metaplanet holds 1,761.98 BTC, valued at approximately $186 million (¥27.9 billion), and plans to grow this amount to 10,000 BTC by the end of 2025. The company is reallocating funds, reducing its planned Bitcoin purchases from $723 million (¥111.3 billion) to $717 million (¥107.3 billion) through February 2027.

Metaplanet's Bitcoin income generation business is projected to run until December 2025. The company has seen remarkable success since adopting Bitcoin as a central part of its financial strategy, with its market capitalization rising by 7,000% and reporting an impressive 309.82% Bitcoin yield in Q4 of 2024, up 41.7% from the previous quarter.

In a significant development, Metaplanet will join the Morgan Stanley Capital International Japan Index (MSCI) effective February 28, 2025. This inclusion will give the company more exposure to institutional investors worldwide, potentially boosting demand for its stock. Simon Gerovich, CEO of Metaplanet, expressed excitement about this milestone, stating that it further solidifies the company's position as Asia's leading Bitcoin Treasury Company and expands its reach in global markets.