Strategy and Metaplanet acquire 15,000 BTC for about $1.5 billion amid Bitcoin surge.

Bitcoin’s gradual ascent, aided by a reduction in macroeconomic strain, is sparking renewed interest from major institutional players.

On May 12, Japan’s Metaplanet and the US company Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) both announced substantial Bitcoin acquisitions, indicating a growing institutional belief in the cryptocurrency.

These two organizations collectively increased their Bitcoin reserves by nearly 15,000 BTC, highlighting Bitcoin’s status as a safeguard in volatile economic conditions. This surge in institutional interest emphasizes the asset’s evolution into a commonly accepted store of value.

Metaplanet has now amassed a Bitcoin reserve exceeding that of El Salvador.

On May 12, Metaplanet revealed that it had acquired 1,241 BTC for roughly $126.7 million.

With this latest acquisition, the company’s total Bitcoin count stands at 6,796 BTC, purchased at an average price of about $102,119 per coin.

With Bitcoin currently trading above $104,000, the total value of the company’s holdings surpasses $708 million, resulting in an unrealized profit exceeding $100 million.

The Tokyo-based firm now holds more Bitcoin than the Central American country of El Salvador, which has official holdings of 6,174 BTC, as reported by its National Bitcoin Office.

Simon Gerovich, CEO of Metaplanet, highlighted the firm’s increasing faith in Bitcoin, noting a year-to-date BTC yield of 170%.

He also mentioned that the firm achieved a yield of 38% from April 1 to May 12, demonstrating ongoing value generation for its investors via its Bitcoin-oriented treasury strategy.

In addition, Strategy, led by Bitcoin supporter Michael Saylor, announced its acquisition of 13,390 BTC between May 5 and May 11 for $1.34 billion, according to a filing made on May 12.

This move brings the total Bitcoin holdings of the company to 568,840 BTC, purchased at an average price of $69,287 per coin. At current market values, this collection is close to $60 billion, with the firm enjoying paper profits exceeding $20 billion.

Moreover, these recent acquisitions were financed through the sale of 3.2 million MSTR shares, generating $1.31 billion, along with an additional $25.1 million from selling STRK preferred stock.

As of May 11, Strategy reported the ability to generate over $40 billion through these initiatives to facilitate further Bitcoin acquisitions.