A select group of mystery investors has handed Strive Asset Management $750 million to establish a Bitcoin treasury, with incentives beyond the digital currency's potential value surge. The New York City asset manager, owned by Vivek Ramaswamy, a Trump ally and former DOGE executive, announced this significant raise late last month.
Strive's CEO, Cole, declined to reveal the investors' names, only confirming that senior executives were among them. The firm first announced its Bitcoin pivot on May 7, detailing a strategy to accumulate Bitcoin aggressively, supported by a $750 million war chest from investors, pending a reverse merger with social media marketing company Asset Entities (ASST).
JD Vance, a notable figure and co-founder of Narya Capital, is on Strive's board, alongside other influential directors. Narya's backers include Peter Thiel and Marc Andreessen, highlighting the high-profile support for Strive's ambitious plan.
Strive's strategy involves using private investment in public equity (PIPE) to raise capital, offering investors a massive 500% discount on ASST's share price at the time of the deal. This approach has drawn comparisons to 1980s financial engineering, with some labeling it as either brilliant or pure insanity.
The firm also plans to leverage Section 351 of the IRS tax code to attract Bitcoin owners, allowing them to trade Bitcoin for Strive shares without triggering capital gains tax. Additionally, Strive is exploring the acquisition of distressed Bitcoin assets and targeting cash-rich biotechnology companies for arbitrage opportunities.
Despite the innovative strategies, Strive has avoided debt financing, waiting for terms similar to those obtained by rival Bitcoin treasury company, Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy). With 597,325 Bitcoin valued at over $64 billion, Strategy sets a high benchmark for corporate cryptocurrency investment.
Strive's pivot to Bitcoin may overshadow its traditional asset management and wealth management businesses, which include a 401(k) business, direct indexing, and an RIA with around $2.1 billion in AUM. The firm's focus on maximizing Bitcoin per share for common equity investors signals a significant shift in its business model.
Comments
Join Our Community
Sign up to share your thoughts, engage with others, and become part of our growing community.
No comments yet
Be the first to share your thoughts and start the conversation!