Japan’s Metaplanet has clearly moved beyond just stacking Bitcoin. Now, it’s ready to put it to work.
The Tokyo-listed company, once known for running hotels, has taken a sharp turn in recent years, becoming one of the world’s most aggressive corporate Bitcoin holders. And now, it’s entering what CEO Simon Gerovich calls “phase two” of its strategy: using Bitcoin as collateral to finance acquisitions of profitable businesses.
From Holding to Building
Metaplanet added 2,205 BTC this week, bringing its total to 15,555 BTC, currently worth around $1.7 billion. That makes it the largest corporate Bitcoin holder outside of North America.
But Gerovich wants to turn Bitcoin into a financial engine.
“Then we have phase two… when bitcoin, like securities or government bonds, can be deposited with banks and then they’ll provide very attractive financing against that asset,” he told the Financial Times.
With that financing, Metaplanet plans to buy cash-flowing businesses and grow beyond just being a BTC-heavy balance sheet.
The Bigger Target: 210,000 BTC by 2027
Yes, you read that right. Metaplanet has set its sights on 210,000 BTC by the end of 2027.
“We need to accumulate as much bitcoin as we can… to get to a point where we’ve reached escape velocity and it just makes it very difficult for others to catch up,” Gerovich said.
Phase one is all about accumulation. Phase two is about turning that position into real-world power and scale.
Bitcoin as Collateral? Still Uncommon, But That’s the Point
While crypto-backed lending is common in crypto circles, it’s still rare in traditional finance. But that’s exactly where Metaplanet sees the opportunity. By using BTC like bonds or stocks, the company believes it can unlock capital that others can’t.
It has already raised funds through bond sales and stock rights, and now it wants to move faster than the competition while Bitcoin is still available in meaningful volumes.
Gerovich expects phase one to last four to six more years, but once availability tightens, it could get harder for others to catch up.
We’ll keep a watch on the updates!
