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Bitwise Expands Bitcoin ETF, Adds Fold and Bitdeer, Now Holds 3.2% of BTC Supply

Bitwise Expands Bitcoin ETF, Adds Fold and Bitdeer, Now Holds 3.2% of BTC Supply

Bitwise Expands Bitcoin Corporations ETF with Fold and Bitdeer

Bitwise Investments has broadened its Bitcoin Standard Corporations ETF, now including Fold Holdings and Bitdeer Technologies. This move not only brings the total number of companies in the fund to 22 but also underscores the growing corporate embrace of Bitcoin as a strategic asset.

On March 25, 2025, Bitwise made the announcement on X, adding Phoenix-based Fold Holdings, a Bitcoin financial services firm founded in 2019, and Bitdeer Technologies, a Nasdaq-listed Bitcoin miner with operations in the United States, Norway, and Bhutan. These additions join a roster of companies that hold significant amounts of Bitcoin, with the ETF now managing over 648,000 BTC, accounting for about 3.2% of the total Bitcoin supply.

The Bitcoin Standard Corporations ETF, which trades under the ticker OWNB, focuses on companies that hold at least 1,000 BTC in their corporate reserves. An ETF, or Exchange Traded Fund, is a type of investment fund traded on stock exchanges, much like stocks. The fund does not invest directly in Bitcoin or indirectly through derivatives, which are financial instruments whose value is derived from underlying assets. Bitwise emphasized:

The fund does not invest directly in bitcoin or indirectly through derivatives that reference bitcoin.

The top 10 companies in the ETF by weight include Riot Platforms, Metaplanet, and Semler Scientific. MicroStrategy holds the highest weight at 22.64%, followed by MARA at 10.67% and Riot at 10.04%. Metaplanet, known for its aggressive Bitcoin buying, holds 3,350 BTC and is weighted at 5%. Meanwhile, Fold holds 1,485 BTC worth approximately $130 million, and Bitdeer holds 1,039 BTC valued at about $92 million.

New Additions to the ETF

Fold Holdings, founded in 2019, is a Bitcoin financial services firm based in Phoenix. It focuses on integrating Bitcoin into everyday financial experiences, offering products like the Fold Card, which allows users to spend Bitcoin at major retailers. Bitdeer Technologies, on the other hand, is a Nasdaq-listed Bitcoin miner with a global footprint. It operates mining facilities in the United States, Norway, and Bhutan, showcasing the diverse ways in which Bitcoin is being leveraged by corporations.

Corporate Adoption of Bitcoin

The addition of Fold and Bitdeer to the ETF reflects a growing trend where companies see Bitcoin not just as an investment but as a treasury asset. This strategy, popularized by firms like MicroStrategy and Tesla, highlights Bitcoin’s role as a hedge against inflation and a store of value. Imagine a world where your favorite tech company’s financial stability is buoyed by Bitcoin. It’s not just for tech bros and crypto whales anymore; it’s going corporate!

Bitdeer’s global expansion plans and Fold’s focus on integrating Bitcoin into everyday financial experiences further illustrate the diverse roles Bitcoin can play in the financial ecosystem. From mining to financial services, these companies showcase Bitcoin’s utility beyond mere speculation.

Risks and Challenges

Despite the optimism, it’s crucial to acknowledge the risks involved. The ETF’s exposure to Bitcoin Standard Corporations, Bitcoin itself, and the volatility of the digital asset market can present challenges. While the ETF’s expansion is a testament to Bitcoin’s growing acceptance, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The volatility of Bitcoin remains a significant concern, and investors should be aware of the potential for both significant gains and losses.

Broader Implications

As Bitcoin continues to disrupt the traditional financial landscape, the Bitwise Bitcoin Standard Corporations ETF serves as a testament to its growing acceptance among corporations. This fund not only provides investors with a way to gain exposure to Bitcoin without directly holding the asset but also highlights the innovative firms at the forefront of this financial revolution.

The ETF’s expansion might also influence the broader cryptocurrency market, potentially affecting Bitcoin’s price and market sentiment. As more companies add Bitcoin to their corporate reserves, it could signal a shift in how businesses view and utilize cryptocurrencies.

Key Questions and Takeaways

  • What is the purpose of the Bitwise Bitcoin Standard Corporations ETF?

    The purpose is to provide investors with exposure to companies that hold significant amounts of Bitcoin in their corporate reserves, without directly investing in Bitcoin or its derivatives.

  • Which companies were recently added to the Bitwise ETF?

    Fold Holdings and Bitdeer Technologies were recently added to the Bitwise Bitcoin Standard Corporations ETF.

  • How many companies are now included in the Bitwise ETF?

    The ETF now includes 22 companies.

  • What is the total Bitcoin holding of the companies in the Bitwise ETF?

    The companies in the ETF collectively hold over 648,000 BTC.

  • What percentage of the total Bitcoin supply does the Bitwise ETF represent?

    The ETF represents about 3.2% of the total Bitcoin supply.

  • Which company has the highest weight in the Bitwise ETF?

    MicroStrategy has the highest weight in the Bitwise ETF at 22.64%.

  • What is the significance of companies like Metaplanet in the Bitwise ETF?

    Companies like Metaplanet are significant because they have aggressively bought Bitcoin, holding 3,350 BTC, which reflects a strategy similar to that of MicroStrategy.