News
12 Aug 2025, 13:18
ALT5 Deal Puts First Valuation on Trump-Backed WLFI Token at $0.20
World Liberty Financial’s deal with ALT5 Sigma Corporation has set the first market value for WLFI, the Trump-backed DeFi project’s token, at $0.20, marking its debut valuation since the token’s sale last year. Key Takeaways: ALT5’s share swap with World Liberty Financial set WLFI’s first valuation at $0.20. Several institutional investors and venture capital firms participated in the $1.5B share sale to buy WLFI. ALT5’s board additions include WLFI holders, raising potential conflict of interest concerns. On Monday, ALT5 said it will pivot to operate as a crypto treasury company, selling 200,000 new shares and using the proceeds to purchase $1.5 billion worth of WLFI. Half of the newly issued shares will be swapped directly for WLFI held by World Liberty Financial, according to ALT5 chief investment officer Matt Morgan . ALT5 Says Institutional and VC Investors Joined WLFI Share Sale ALT5 did not confirm whether other WLFI holders are participating in the swap, though it said several unnamed institutional investors and venture capital firms took part in the share sale. This is the first time WLFI has been priced since World Liberty Financial sold $550 million worth of tokens to investors between October and March. Pricing during that sale varied depending on purchase timing. Notable backers include Tron founder Justin Sun, who acquired $75 million worth of WLFI . Initially, the token was non-tradable, preventing any open market valuation. The transaction also underscores the rise of crypto treasury companies, public firms that raise capital via debt or equity to buy cryptocurrencies. Michael Saylor’s Strategy pioneered the model in 2020 with Bitcoin purchases funded by share and debt issuance, a move that has since driven its stock up more than 3,500%. Breaking: ALT5 Sigma SEC filings confirm $WLFI purchase at $0.20 per token. The estimated value might exceed all expectations! https://t.co/wVAyaPcGiT pic.twitter.com/nzR8SbI5ud — WLFI (@WLIF47) August 12, 2025 Favorable U.S. crypto policies under the Trump administration have spurred similar strategies from other companies, often formed through reverse mergers with struggling public firms. Conflicts of interest have emerged in some cases. For example, Tron Inc, which aims to accumulate TRX tokens, lists Weike Sun, father of Justin Sun, on its board. ALT5’s pivot comes with its own potential conflicts: the company has added World Liberty Financial CEO Zach Witkoff, COO Zak Folkman, and Eric Trump to its board. All three hold WLFI and thus stand to benefit from the token’s appreciation. WLFI Grants Governance Rights Without Being a DAO WLFI serves as a governance token for World Liberty Financial, granting holders voting rights on protocol changes. The project has emphasized it is not a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO). In July, WLFI holders voted to make the token tradable , with World Liberty Financial indicating trading could begin by the end of August. Just recently, it was reported that World Liberty Financial is seeking to raise $1.5 billion to launch a publicly traded treasury company holding both its proprietary WLFI token and cash reserves. If completed, the venture would mark another expansion of the Trump family’s growing presence in the digital asset sector. Notably, the crypto industry has donated over $26 million to Donald Trump this year, according to newly released campaign finance filings. Campaign finance records show that contributions to the pro-Trump super PAC, MAGA Inc., came from some of the biggest names in crypto. The post ALT5 Deal Puts First Valuation on Trump-Backed WLFI Token at $0.20 appeared first on Cryptonews .
12 Aug 2025, 12:50
180 Life Sciences ETH: A Bold $349 Million Plunge into Ethereum
BitcoinWorld 180 Life Sciences ETH: A Bold $349 Million Plunge into Ethereum In a significant development that underscores the growing intersection of traditional industries and digital assets, Nasdaq-listed biotech firm 180 Life Sciences has made headlines. Operating under the name ETHZilla for its crypto ventures, the company recently revealed substantial 180 Life Sciences ETH holdings, signaling a remarkable move into the cryptocurrency space. This bold step highlights a fascinating trend where established companies are exploring the potential of decentralized finance. What Are 180 Life Sciences’ Massive ETH Holdings? The core of this exciting news comes from a recent PR Newswire press release. It confirms that 180 Life Sciences, through its ETHZilla initiative, now holds an impressive 82,186 ETH. This significant amount of Ethereum is valued at approximately $349 million. The company’s average purchase price for these assets stands at $3,806.71, demonstrating a strategic entry into the market. Substantial Portfolio: 82,186 ETH, valued at $349 million. Strategic Entry: Average purchase price of $3,806.71 per ETH. Additional Liquidity: The company also maintains a strong financial position with $238 million in cash equivalents. This revelation positions 180 Life Sciences as a notable player among companies with significant Ethereum corporate investment . It suggests a growing confidence in digital assets as legitimate components of corporate treasuries, extending beyond the typical tech or financial sectors. Why Is a Biotech Firm Embracing This Biotech Crypto Strategy? The decision by 180 Life Sciences, a firm primarily focused on developing treatments for inflammatory diseases, to dive into Ethereum might seem unconventional at first glance. However, their strategy reveals a forward-thinking approach to asset management. The company explicitly plans to stake its Ethereum holdings. This move is designed for yield generation, aiming to create additional revenue streams from their digital assets. Staking involves locking up cryptocurrency to support the operations of a blockchain network, in return for rewards. For Ethereum, this process helps secure the network and validates transactions. The rewards generated can offer a compelling alternative or supplement to traditional investment returns. This innovative biotech crypto strategy showcases a shift. Companies are not just holding crypto; they are actively engaging with its ecosystem to maximize returns and diversify their financial portfolios. It reflects a broader trend of institutional curiosity and adoption within the crypto space. What Are the ETH Staking Benefits for Companies? For a company like 180 Life Sciences, the advantages of staking Ethereum are multifaceted. Primarily, it offers a pathway to generate passive income from their substantial crypto reserves. Unlike simply holding assets, staking provides a dynamic mechanism for growth. This approach can enhance overall financial stability and provide capital for future research and development. Key benefits of their planned ETH staking benefits include: Yield Generation: Earning rewards in ETH, which can be reinvested or converted. Diversification: Adding a new asset class and revenue stream distinct from their core biotech operations. Inflation Hedging: Potentially protecting against inflation, as crypto assets can sometimes act as a hedge. Ecosystem Participation: Becoming an active participant in the Ethereum network, which aligns with innovation. This proactive management of digital assets sets a precedent. It demonstrates how a Nasdaq company crypto involvement can evolve beyond mere speculation into a sophisticated financial strategy. What Does This Mean for Corporate Crypto Adoption? 180 Life Sciences’ significant 180 Life Sciences ETH investment and staking plans serve as a powerful case study for broader corporate crypto adoption. When a Nasdaq-listed biotech firm, rather than a tech giant, commits such substantial capital to Ethereum, it sends a clear message. It suggests that the perception of cryptocurrencies is maturing from volatile speculative assets to legitimate components of corporate finance. The move could encourage other companies to explore similar strategies. It highlights the potential for cryptocurrencies to become integrated into treasury management, not just as a speculative play but as a source of stable, long-term yield. This shift signifies a growing mainstream acceptance and understanding of blockchain technology’s financial applications. Challenges remain, including regulatory uncertainties and market volatility. However, the actions of companies like 180 Life Sciences provide valuable insights and pave the way for a future where digital assets play a more central role in corporate financial planning. 180 Life Sciences’ strategic foray into substantial Ethereum holdings and its intent to leverage ETH staking for yield generation mark a pivotal moment. This bold move by a Nasdaq-listed biotech firm underscores the increasing institutional confidence in digital assets. It showcases how companies are actively exploring innovative ways to manage their treasuries and generate revenue in the evolving financial landscape. As more traditional firms consider similar ventures, the line between conventional finance and the crypto world continues to blur, promising exciting developments ahead. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: What is 180 Life Sciences, and why is their ETH holding significant? A1: 180 Life Sciences is a Nasdaq-listed biotech firm focused on developing treatments for inflammatory diseases. Their significant holding of 82,186 ETH, valued at $349 million, is significant because it represents a substantial Ethereum corporate investment from a non-crypto-native, traditional industry company, highlighting growing mainstream adoption. Q2: What is “ETHZilla” in relation to 180 Life Sciences? A2: ETHZilla is the operational name 180 Life Sciences uses for its cryptocurrency-related ventures. It signifies their dedicated initiative and branding within the digital asset space, emphasizing their focus on Ethereum. Q3: What does 180 Life Sciences plan to do with its Ethereum holdings? A3: The company plans to stake its Ethereum holdings. This process involves locking up their ETH to support the Ethereum network, in return for earning yield or rewards. This is a key part of their biotech crypto strategy to generate additional revenue. Q4: What are the potential benefits of staking Ethereum for a company? A4: The potential ETH staking benefits for a company include generating passive income, diversifying financial portfolios, potentially hedging against inflation, and actively participating in the blockchain ecosystem. It transforms dormant assets into productive ones. Q5: How does this move impact the perception of crypto among traditional companies? A5: This move by a Nasdaq company crypto investment signals a growing maturity in how traditional firms view digital assets. It suggests that cryptocurrencies are increasingly seen as legitimate components of corporate finance and treasury management, not just speculative tools, paving the way for wider institutional adoption. Did you find this deep dive into 180 Life Sciences’ innovative crypto strategy insightful? Share this article with your network and spark a conversation about the future of corporate crypto adoption! Your engagement helps us bring more crucial insights to the forefront. To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping Ethereum institutional adoption. This post 180 Life Sciences ETH: A Bold $349 Million Plunge into Ethereum first appeared on BitcoinWorld and is written by Editorial Team
12 Aug 2025, 12:00
SharpLink Expands Ethereum Dominance Following $400M Partnership With Five Institutional Investors
SharpLink Gaming is solidifying its position as one of the world’s largest corporate holders of Ethereum, announcing a landmark of $400 million registered direct offering secured through partnerships with five major institutional investors. This move underscores the growing confidence institutional players have in ETH’s long-term potential and its aggressive accumulation strategy. Institutional Backing Pushes SharpLink Toward $3 Billion Milestone SharpLink Gaming has announced a $400 million registered direct offering agreement with five global institutional investors, which includes some of the largest in the world. The agreement marks one of the company’s most significant funding deals to date, bolstering its capital reserves and signaling strong institutional confidence in its growth strategy. Related Reading: Are Ethereum Treasury Companies A Threat To Bitcoin? Michael Saylor Reveals His Stance This capital injection adds to its unused $200 million at-the-market (ATM) facility, giving the company a powerful liquidity arsenal. In addition to these funding streams, SharpLink currently holds approximately 598,800 ETH in its treasury, and the company’s ETH holdings are expected to exceed an estimated $3 billion in value with the latest move. While SharpLink entered an agreement with investors to boost its ETH reserve, BitMine Immersion is also aggressively buying Ethereum. A recent report revealed that the company has become the largest ETH treasury in the world, holding more than 1,000,000 ETH in corporate reserves. The firm’s treasury now sits at a remarkable 1.15 million ETH, valued at approximately $4.96 billion at current market prices. Meanwhile, the scale and speed of this accumulation are unprecedented. In just over a month, the company has expanded its holdings from 163,000 ETH to more than a million, with a bold goal to stake 5% of the entire ETH supply. “In just a week, BitMine increased its ETH holdings by $2.0 billion to $4.96 billion (from 833,137 to 1.15 million tokens), lightning speed in the company’s pursuit of the ‘alchemy of 5%’ of ETH,” Thomas “Tom” Lee of Fundstrat, Chairman of BitMine’s Board of Directors, stated. How Ethereum Delivers Security And Alignment In an X post, BitDigital_BTBT emphasized that the company does not consider Ethereum a hedge, but the foundation of their entire investment strategy. The firm regards ETH as the most productive, secure, and aligned asset in the world, uniquely positioned to drive the future of finance. Related Reading: Ethereum Surpasses MasterCard In Asset Rankings, Bullish Targets Set Beyond its current role, BitDigital_BTBT sees ETH as a critical infrastructure layer that will fundamentally reshape how value is moved and settled in modern financial markets. With its robust technology and growing adoption, ETH holds the transformative power to rewrite the entire financial system, shaping the next generation of global economic interactions. Currently, Bit Digital holds over 120,00 ETH, but this is just the beginning. Specifically, their boldness is fueled by a deep conviction in ETH’s potential to transform the world of finance and beyond. The company believes that no other blockchain and technology platform comes close to matching ETH’s ability to reprogram finance. Featured image from iStock, chart from Tradingview.com
12 Aug 2025, 11:57
Following Metaplanet, a UK-Based Web Design Company Announced It Also Acquired Bitcoin! Here Are the Details
The Smarter Web Company, a UK-based web design and Bitcoin treasure company, continues to grow its Bitcoin investments. The company announced that it has purchased an additional 295 BTC, paying £26.3 million (about $35.2 million) for them. The purchases were made at an average price of £89,000 ($119,412) per Bitcoin. The purchase follows the company's £7.6 million share offering on Monday. SWC's total Bitcoin investment, which has already reached 2,395 BTC, has reached £197.3 million ($264.8 million). The company remains the UK's largest publicly traded institutional Bitcoin holder and ranks in the top 25 globally, according to Bitcoin Treasuries data. With Bitcoin currently at $118,917, SWC's assets are valued at approximately $284.8 million, meaning the company is currently making a profit of approximately $20 million on paper. Having purchased more than 1,500 BTC in the last month, SWC quickly rose from 36th place to 23rd in the global rankings. CEO Andrew Webley stated that they aim to enter the top 20 in the coming weeks. SWC, which has been accepting Bitcoin payments since 2023, adopted a Bitcoin treasury policy in April. The company believes this strategy will increase shareholder value in the long term. *This is not investment advice. Continue Reading: Following Metaplanet, a UK-Based Web Design Company Announced It Also Acquired Bitcoin! Here Are the Details
12 Aug 2025, 11:30
Fold Launches Bitcoin Gift Card on Major US Online Retailer, Holds Over 1,492 BTC in Treasury
Fold Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLD) has announced the launch of its Fold Bitcoin Gift Card on Giftcards.com, the largest digital gift card retailer in the U.S. This initiative aims to expand access to Bitcoin for millions of consumers in a familiar and user-friendly format. The Fold Bitcoin Gift Card is the only Bitcoin gift card
12 Aug 2025, 11:30
Massive 250 Million USDC Minted: What It Means for the Crypto Market
BitcoinWorld Massive 250 Million USDC Minted: What It Means for the Crypto Market Big news in the crypto world! Whale Alert, a well-known blockchain tracker, recently reported a significant transaction: 250 million USDC minted at the USDC Treasury. This kind of event always catches the eye of market participants, as it often signals shifts in liquidity and demand within the broader cryptocurrency market . But what exactly does this substantial minting of stablecoin USDC signify? What Does This Massive USDC Minting Mean? When we talk about stablecoins like USDC being ‘minted,’ it essentially means new units are created and put into circulation. Unlike volatile cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, USDC is a stablecoin designed to maintain a stable value, typically pegged 1:1 with the US dollar. Each USDC token is backed by reserves of cash and short-dated U.S. government obligations, held by Circle, the issuer. Increased Demand: A large minting event, like the 250 million USDC minted , usually indicates a surge in demand for the stablecoin. This demand can come from various sources, including institutional investors, decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols, or individual traders looking to enter or exit positions without converting back to fiat currency. Market Liquidity: More USDC in circulation means increased liquidity within the crypto ecosystem. This makes it easier and more efficient for traders to move funds between different assets and participate in DeFi activities. Potential Inflow: Often, a significant minting event suggests that new capital is flowing into the crypto space, as investors convert fiat currency into stablecoins to prepare for future investments in other digital assets. Understanding the USDC Treasury and Stablecoin Dynamics The USDC Treasury acts as the central hub for the creation and redemption of USDC tokens. When new USDC is minted, it’s a direct response to a verified deposit of fiat currency into the reserves. Conversely, when USDC is redeemed for fiat, those tokens are ‘burned’ or taken out of circulation. This mechanism is crucial for maintaining the stablecoin’s peg to the dollar. This transparent process is fundamental to the trustworthiness of stablecoins. For instance, the recent 250 million USDC minted means that an equivalent amount of US dollars (or highly liquid equivalents) has been added to Circle’s reserves, reinforcing the backing of the existing and newly issued USDC supply. Implications for the Broader Cryptocurrency Market The influx of 250 million USDC minted has several potential implications for the wider cryptocurrency market . Historically, large stablecoin mints have often preceded periods of increased market activity or even upward price movements for other cryptocurrencies. Fueling DeFi Growth: USDC is a cornerstone of the DeFi ecosystem. More USDC means more capital available for lending, borrowing, and yield farming protocols, potentially driving innovation and growth in decentralized applications. Trading Activity: Traders often use stablecoins as a safe haven during market volatility or as a convenient medium for arbitrage opportunities. An increased USDC supply can facilitate more active trading across various exchanges. Institutional Interest: Large mints can sometimes be linked to significant institutional players entering the market, as they often prefer the stability of USDC for their large-volume transactions. What’s Next for USDC Supply and Stability? The continuous monitoring of USDC supply provides valuable insights into market sentiment and liquidity trends. While a minting event is generally seen as positive, indicating demand, it is essential to consider the broader economic landscape and regulatory developments that might influence stablecoins. Circle and other stablecoin issuers face ongoing scrutiny regarding their reserves and transparency. This focus ensures the integrity and reliability of stablecoins, which are becoming increasingly integrated into the global financial system. The 250 million USDC minted is a testament to the growing utility and adoption of stablecoins as a critical bridge between traditional finance and the digital asset world. In conclusion, the minting of 250 million USDC minted at the USDC Treasury is more than just a number; it’s a clear signal of robust demand and increasing liquidity within the cryptocurrency market . This event highlights the growing role of stablecoins like USDC as essential infrastructure, facilitating seamless transactions and fostering growth across various segments of the digital economy. As the crypto landscape continues to evolve, keeping an eye on these fundamental movements provides crucial insights for investors and enthusiasts alike. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What does it mean when USDC is ‘minted’? When USDC is ‘minted,’ it means new tokens are created and added to the circulating supply. This happens when an equivalent amount of fiat currency (like USD) is deposited into the reserves backing USDC, ensuring a 1:1 peg. Why is the minting of 250 million USDC significant? The minting of such a large amount, 250 million USDC, is significant because it typically indicates high demand for the stablecoin, increased liquidity entering the cryptocurrency market, and potential for more trading and DeFi activity. How does USDC maintain its 1:1 peg to the US dollar? USDC maintains its 1:1 peg through a system where each token is fully backed by an equivalent amount of reserves, primarily cash and short-dated U.S. government obligations. These reserves are held by Circle and are regularly audited for transparency. Does a large USDC minting event always lead to a crypto bull run? While large USDC minting events often precede increased market activity or even upward price movements, they do not guarantee a bull run. They indicate increased liquidity and potential capital inflow, but broader market sentiment, economic factors, and other news also play a crucial role. Who is Whale Alert? Whale Alert is a popular blockchain transaction tracking service that reports large cryptocurrency movements, often associated with significant market participants like exchanges, large investors (whales), or treasury accounts. Did you find this analysis helpful? Share this article with your friends and fellow crypto enthusiasts on social media to spread the word about the latest stablecoin movements! To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping USDC supply and its impact . This post Massive 250 Million USDC Minted: What It Means for the Crypto Market first appeared on BitcoinWorld and is written by Editorial Team