Metaplanet Inc., has issued ¥4.5 billion ($30 million) in zero-interest bonds to accelerate its Bitcoin acquisition, strengthening its position as Asia’s largest corporate Bitcoin holder and increasing investors with plans for future bond issuances and Bitcoin-based shareholder rewards.
Metaplanet Inc., often referred to as the “Japanese MicroStrategy,” has announced the issuance of ¥4.5 billion (approximately $30 million) in zero-interest bonds to fund its Bitcoin acquisition strategy.
The firm is positioning itself as Asia’s largest corporate Bitcoin holder. The announcement marks Metaplanet’s fourth series of bonds, with a maturity date set for June 16, 2025. The zero-interest bonds will be released in tranches which will allow the company to raise funds for Bitcoin purchases.
Metaplanet plans to redeem these bonds through the previously issued warrants, according to reports.
Metaplanet’s strategic Bitcoin acquisition plan
Since April 2024, Metaplanet has made Bitcoin its treasury reserve asset and has already acquired over 1,150 BTC, worth about $122.67 million. This approach is similar to MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin reserve.
Metaplanet’s new bond issuance is to speed up its Bitcoin buying strategy specifically to purchase more Bitcoin. By issuing zero-interest bonds, Metaplanet avoids short-term financial stress while using the funds to grow its assets. Investors benefit because these bonds are sold at a discount but pay the full value at maturity.
The bond issuance news resulted in a 51% surge in Metaplanet’s stock price over the past five trading sessions. Shares reached an all-time high of 4,270 JPY, increasing the company’s market capitalization beyond the $1 billion mark.
Over 27.8 billion yen (~$180 million) worth of Metaplanet shares was traded, showing the company’s ability to capitalize on its Bitcoin-centric approach. Even Simon Gerovich, CEO of Metaplanet, acknowledged the market’s overwhelming response.
Metaplanet plans to issue additional private placement bonds worth up to ¥5 billion to expand its Bitcoin reserves. These bonds are to be issued in partnership with EVO FUND. The proceeds from the bond issuances will also be allocated exclusively for Bitcoin purchases, reinforcing Metaplanet’s long-term vision.
Shareholder rewards program in Bitcoin
In addition to its bold investment moves, the company also announced a Bitcoin rewards program. The company announced a 30-million-yen ($199,500) prize pool, which will reward shareholders who own at least 100 shares as of December 31, 2024.
Through a lottery system, 2,350 selected shareholders will receive varying amounts of Bitcoin.
Metaplanet issued ¥4.5 billion in zero-interest bonds to increase its Bitcoin holdings, strengthening its position as Asia’s largest corporate Bitcoin holder. It plans further bond issuances and Bitcoin rewards for shareholders.
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