Nano Nuclear: A Hot Stock, a Political Firestorm, and the Future of Energy

Let’s cut to the chase: Andrew Cuomo’s $2.6 million in undisclosed stock options from nuclear startup nano nuclear is the kind of explosive news that makes investors sit up and take notice. This isn’t just a political scandal—it’s a window into one of the most promising (and controversial) plays in the energy sector today. Let’s dive in and figure out if Nano Nuclear is a buy, a sell, or a wild card.

First, the facts: Cuomo’s LLC received 125,000 stock options from Nano Nuclear in 2024 at a strike price of $3 per share. By the time of reporting, the stock had surged past $24, giving those options a paper value of over $2.6 million. The Cuomo campaign claims these holdings don’t need to be disclosed because they’re held through an LLC, not directly by Cuomo himself. Legal experts beg to differ, arguing that stock options are securities and should be disclosed. But here’s the thing for investors: this isn’t just a debate over ethics—it’s a signal about Nano’s potential and the risks tied to its political connections.

Nano Nuclear: The Company with a Nuclear Ambition
Nano Nuclear isn’t just another startup. It’s betting big on microreactors—small, modular nuclear reactors designed to power remote communities, industrial sites, or even cryptocurrency mining operations. These reactors are supposed to be safer, cheaper, and faster to deploy than traditional nuclear plants. The company’s vision aligns with a growing global push to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, especially in regions like upstate New York, where Cuomo’s LLC has already been advising Nano on partnerships with cryptocurrency miners.

The technology here is the real kicker. Microreactors could solve two problems at once: providing reliable, carbon-free energy while avoiding the massive scale and regulatory headaches of traditional nuclear plants. If Nano can deliver on its promises, this stock isn’t just a political story—it’s a play on the future of energy.

The Numbers: A Rocket Ride or a Bubble?
Let’s look at the data. Nano Nuclear’s stock has already seen a meteoric rise—from $3 to over $24 in less than a year. That’s a 700% jump, which is nothing short of insane. But here’s the rub: how much of this is due to Nano’s tech, and how much is hype fueled by Cuomo’s involvement?

If the stock is up that much, it suggests investors are betting big on Nano’s potential. But let’s not ignore the risks. Cuomo’s political entanglement could lead to scrutiny—maybe even investigations—that could derail Nano’s momentum. Then again, if the Conflict of Interest Board (COIB) sides with Cuomo, it could open the door to more political support for Nano’s projects.

The Cuomo Factor: A Blessing or a Curse?
Cuomo’s history is a double-edged sword. As governor, he shut down the Indian Point nuclear plant near NYC but funneled billions in subsidies to upstate nuclear plants. That inconsistency has already drawn criticism—but it also shows Cuomo understands the political calculus of energy policy. Now, as a mayoral candidate, his ties to Nano could help or hurt the company.

On one hand, Nano’s work with upstate crypto miners and state agencies suggests Cuomo’s influence has already opened doors. On the other hand, if the scandal forces stricter disclosure rules, it could complicate Nano’s ability to attract political allies in the future. Investors need to ask: Does Cuomo’s involvement give Nano a leg up, or is it a liability?

The Bigger Picture: Nuclear’s Comeback
Let’s not forget the broader trend here. Nuclear energy is making a comeback—not as the behemoth plants of the past, but as smaller, smarter solutions. The U.S. government has allocated billions for advanced nuclear projects, and companies like NuScale and Oklo are already in the game. Nano is playing in this same arena, and if it can deliver, it could carve out a niche.

But there’s competition. Traditional utilities are also investing in microreactors, and regulators are still figuring out how to handle them. Nano’s valuation needs to be measured against its progress: How many reactors are in testing? What partnerships are locked in? The $500,000 Cuomo’s LLC received for advisory work suggests Nano is moving fast—but without concrete milestones, this could be a high-risk bet.

The Verdict: A High-Stakes Gamble
Here’s the bottom line: Nano Nuclear is a high-risk, high-reward play. The stock’s meteoric rise shows investors believe in its tech, but the Cuomo scandal adds layers of uncertainty. If you’re a risk-taker, here’s why you might buy:

1. Market Potential: The global microreactor market is projected to hit $10 billion by 2030. Nano is positioned to grab a slice of that.
2. Political Momentum: Cuomo’s ties, while controversial, could fast-track partnerships in New York—a key market.
3. Valuation: Even at $24, Nano’s valuation is still small enough to see explosive growth if it delivers.

But here’s why you might hold off:

1. Regulatory Headwinds: The COIB’s ruling could force Cuomo to divest, removing a potential advantage.
2. Technical Risk: Microreactors are still unproven at scale. A single failure could sink the stock.
3. Overvaluation: A 700% jump in a year might mean the stock is ahead of itself.

Final Takeaway
Nano Nuclear is a stock that’s already rocketed higher, but its future hinges on two things: whether its microreactors work, and whether Cuomo’s scandal stays contained. If you’re all-in on nuclear’s comeback, this is a name to watch. But if you’re risk-averse, wait for clearer skies.

Investors: This isn’t just about Cuomo. It’s about whether Nano can turn hype into hard power—and if the world is ready to embrace nuclear energy in a new form. The stakes are high, but the payoff? It’s nuclear.