Metaplanet has emerged as a major Bitcoin accumulator, mirroring the playbook of Michael Saylor’s Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy). The company’s aggressive Bitcoin acquisition strategy has driven its stock price up an astonishing 4,800% over the past 12 months, according to Bloomberg data as of February 10.
The Tokyo-based investment firm first announced its Bitcoin treasury strategy in April 2024, marking a significant shift in its financial approach. Since then, Metaplanet has amassed 1,762 BTC, valued at approximately $171 million as of January 28. The company aims to acquire up to 21,000 BTC by the end of 2026, positioning itself as a notable corporate Bitcoin holder.
Metaplanet’s Stock Surge and First Profit in Seven Years
Metaplanet’s BTC-driven approach has not only fueled its stock surge but also helped it achieve its first operating profit in seven years. This strategy closely follows that of MicroStrategy, which has been accumulating Bitcoin since August 2020. Over the years, Strategy’s stock has skyrocketed from $13.49 to $332.60, showcasing the market enthusiasm surrounding corporate Bitcoin adoption.
Other companies, such as Semler Scientific, have also experimented with adding BTC to their balance sheets, sometimes seeing sharp stock gains and, at times, more muted responses.
Metaplanet’s embrace of Bitcoin has attracted a surge of investors. According to a corporate presentation, the number of Metaplanet shareholders increased by 500% in 2024, with over 50,000 investors now holding its stock. During the same period, its market capitalization skyrocketed by more than 6,300%, according to Stock Analysis data.
This trend reflects the growing sentiment that Bitcoin serves as a viable alternative to holding cash on corporate balance sheets, offering a hedge against inflation.
Bitcoin Adoption Expands Across Public Companies and Governments
Bitcoin adoption is gaining traction not only among corporations but also within governments. At least 16 U.S. states have introduced legislation to establish Bitcoin reserves, while countries like the U.S. and Czechoslovakia are reportedly exploring BTC as a reserve asset.
Data from CoinGecko shows that at least 32 publicly traded companies now hold Bitcoin on their balance sheets, ranging from crypto-native firms like mining companies to more traditional businesses.
Bitcoin itself has benefited from this corporate momentum, rising 133% over the past 52 weeks. According to CoinMarketCap, BTC’s market dominance now stands at 60.5%, continuing an upward trend since hitting a low of 38% in December 2022.
