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Coin Geek
3 days ago
- Business
- Coin Geek
Japan's bold move: Reclassification for safer digital economy
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Japan's decision to reclassify digital currencies as financial products is a transformative move that has the potential to revolutionize the country's digital finance landscape. By recognizing digital assets as financial products under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act (FIEA), the Financial Services Agency (FSA) is taking a bold step toward enhancing investor protection, increasing transparency, and fostering a more robust digital asset ecosystem. At the heart of this reclassification is a commitment to investor protection. For too long, the digital asset market has been a Wild West, with bad actors exploiting regulatory gaps to engage in market manipulation, insider trading, and other fraudulent activities. By bringing cryptocurrencies under the FIEA, the FSA aims to ensure that digital assets are subject to the same stringent rules as traditional financial instruments like stocks and bonds. This means greater oversight, stricter disclosure requirements, and tougher penalties for misconduct. One of the most significant benefits of this move is the enhanced regulation of digital currency exchanges. These platforms are the primary gateways through which investors access digital assets, but they have historically been prone to security breaches, mismanagement, and fraud. Japan has experienced this firsthand with high-profile incidents like the Mt. Gox collapse and the Coincheck hack, where investors lost millions due to poor security and oversight. By subjecting exchanges to stricter regulatory standards, the FSA is creating a safer environment for investors. Exchanges will be required to maintain robust security protocols, conduct regular audits, and ensure compliance with know-your-customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) regulations. This will not only protect investors but also help restore confidence in the market, attracting more institutional participants who were previously wary of the industry's lack of safeguards. Moreover, the reclassification could lead to significant tax reforms that benefit investors. Currently, digital currency gains in Japan are taxed as miscellaneous income, with rates reaching as high as 55%. By recognizing digital assets as financial products, the FSA could pave the way for treating digital asset gains as capital gains, which are subject to a flat tax rate of 20%. This would make digital asset investments more attractive, encouraging broader participation in the market. Another positive aspect of this shift is that it could drive the industry toward greater utility and usability. For too long, the focus of many digital currency projects has been on speculation rather than real-world value. With stricter regulations in place, exchanges and digital asset firms will be encouraged to prioritize security, transparency, and practical use cases over mere hype. This could lead to a new wave of innovation as companies strive to develop blockchain applications that deliver tangible benefits to consumers and businesses. The increased oversight could also help Japan establish itself as a leader in blockchain innovation. As exchanges and other digital asset platforms are forced to adhere to global best practices, they will become more competitive on the international stage. Japanese firms that survive the regulatory shakeout will be those that can demonstrate real-world value, offering services that go beyond simple trading. This could include blockchain solutions for payments, digital identity verification, supply chain tracking, and even decentralized finance (DeFi). Yet, this transformation will not be without challenges. Smaller digital asset firms, which have thrived in a relatively unregulated environment, may struggle to comply with the new rules. Legal fees, licensing requirements, and ongoing reporting obligations will increase their operational costs, potentially driving some startups out of the market. However, this is not necessarily a negative outcome because it signifies market maturation. Just as with traditional finance (TradFi), only the strongest, most reliable firms will thrive under stricter oversight, creating a safer environment for investors. Critics may argue that increased regulation will stifle innovation, but this perspective ignores the reality that sustainable innovation requires a secure and trustworthy foundation. A market-driven purely by speculation is a bubble waiting to burst, but one grounded in transparency, investor protection, and real-world utility is far more resilient. Japan's regulatory shift is an opportunity to transition from the Wild West of crypto speculation to a mature, well-regulated industry that can support long-term growth and adoption. Ultimately, Japan's decision to reclassify cryptocurrencies as financial products is a recognition of the growing importance of digital assets in the global financial system. It is a move that will protect investors, enhance market integrity, and drive the industry toward greater usability and innovation. While the transition may be challenging for some firms, it is a necessary step in the evolution of the digital currency market. By leading the way in regulatory innovation, Japan has the opportunity to become a global hub for blockchain technology and digital finance. Watch: It's time for regulation to enable blockchain growth title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="">
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Strive Closes $750M Investment Deal to Power 'Alpha-Generating' Bitcoin Strategy
Strive closed a $750 million private investment in public equity (PIPE) round, with an option to increase the financing by another $750 million if the warrants are exercised. This capital will fund Strive's initial wave of bitcoin BTC buys as the firm builds its bitcoin treasury. The Vivek Ramaswamy-founded firm will deploy alpha-generating strategies aimed at outperforming bitcoin. CEO Matt Cole emphasized that Strive's approach demands a new valuation framework. This strategy is driven by acquisitions of undervalued biotech firms, distressed bitcoin claims—including Mt. Gox claims via a partnership with 117 Partners LLC—and discounted tranches of structured bitcoin credit. Last week, the firm said it is eyeing $7.9 billion worth of Mt. Gox bitcoin claims as it looks to build its bitcoin treasury and go public via a merger with Asset Entities (ASST).The PIPE was priced at $1.35 per share, a 121% premium over ASST's pre-announcement closing price, and carries no debt financing to preserve future leverage capacity. Cole is set to present these strategies at the bitcoin for Corporations Symposium in Las Vegas. Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. served as exclusive financial advisor and placement agent, with legal counsel provided by Davis Polk, DLA Piper, and Bevilacqua in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
STRIVE ASSET MANAGEMENT AND ASSET ENTITIES (NASDAQ: ASST) ANNOUNCE $750M PRIVATE INVESTMENT TO FUND FIRST WAVE OF BITCOIN ACCUMULATION
Transaction to raise up to $1.5 billion in total proceeds upon exercise of warrants, which would make Strive Asset Management one of the largest Bitcoin treasury companies, and the only one accumulating Bitcoin with alpha-generating strategies. The combined company will continue to have no outstanding debt for borrowed money after this financing. Strive CEO Matt Cole to discuss the company's alpha-generating Bitcoin strategies during his 11:54 AM PT keynote on May 27, 2025, at the Bitcoin for Corporations Symposium in Las Vegas, Nevada. Further details, including an investor presentation laying out Strive's alpha-seeking Bitcoin strategies and full transaction information, are available on the Strive website. DALLAS, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Strive Asset Management and Asset Entities (Nasdaq: ASST) today announced the signing of a $750 million private investment in public equity (PIPE), with an additional $750 million in potential financing available upon the exercise of warrants, which could increase total potential proceeds to $1.5 billion. Upon closing of the transactions, the proceeds are expected to support the company's first wave of Bitcoin acquisitions, with the goal of establishing Strive Asset Management as the first Bitcoin treasury company focused on long-term Bitcoin outperformance through the implementation of alpha-generating strategies, in addition to the company's plans to implement known beta strategies used by incumbent Bitcoin treasury corporations. A select group of leading institutional investors and Strive's management team, including CEO Matt Cole, participated in the financing, which is expected to close concurrently with the transaction under the merger agreement between Strive Asset Management and Asset Entities. "Most Bitcoin treasury companies are valued based on multiples to their Bitcoin holdings, which makes sense because their strategies are tied to leveraged beta to Bitcoin," said Matt Cole, CEO of Strive. "By contrast, our alpha-generating Bitcoin accumulation strategies are designed to drive sustained outperformance relative to Bitcoin itself, which requires a new valuation framework." Strive Asset Management's first wave of alpha-generating Bitcoin accumulation strategies include: Unlocking discounted cash through acquisitions of biotech companies trading below their net cash position, which Strive views as a multi-billion dollar opportunity, and one where Strive believes it has a distinctive competitive advantage due to its founding and management team. Acquiring distressed Bitcoin claims—such as Mt. Gox claims—at discounts to Bitcoin NAV, a market opportunity estimated to be over 75,000 BTC, through Strive's recently announced strategic partnership with 117 Partners LLC. Positioning itself to become a market leader in purchasing bottom tranches of structured Bitcoin credit vehicles, at discounted prices. The PIPE investment was priced at $1.35 per share of common stock, representing a 121% premium to the closing price of Asset Entities (NASDAQ: ASST) immediately before its merger announcement with Strive Asset Management. The exercise price for warrants in this PIPE transaction is $1.35 per share. Strive elected not to raise any debt financing in this transaction, to preserve maximal leverage capacity in the future to optimize returns for common equity. Strive will further discuss its alpha strategies during Matt Cole's 11:54 AM PT presentation today at Bitcoin for Corporations in Las Vegas, Nevada. The presentation is expected to be streamed by the conference later in the day. An investor presentation and full transaction summary are now available on the Strive website. The financing transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including approvals from the shareholders of both Strive and Asset Entities. Advisors Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. served as exclusive financial advisor to Strive. In addition, Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. served as exclusive placement agent for the PIPE financing. Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP is acting as legal advisor to Strive. DLA Piper LLP (US) acted as legal advisor to Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. Bevilacqua PLLC is acting as legal advisor to Asset Entities. About Strive Asset Management Strive Asset Management is an asset management firm with a mission to maximize value for clients through unapologetic capitalism. Strive Asset Management recently announced plans to become the first publicly traded asset management Bitcoin treasury company. The company is focused on outperforming Bitcoin over the long run by combining traditional Bitcoin treasury company leveraged beta strategies with novel alpha-generating strategies. After launching its first ETF in August 2022, the company has grown to manage ~$2 billion in assets. Learn more at About Asset Entities Inc. Asset Entities Inc. is a technology company providing social media marketing, management, and content delivery across Discord, TikTok, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and other social media platforms. Asset Entities is believed to be the first publicly traded Company based on the Discord platform, where it hosts some of Discord's largest social community-based education and entertainment servers. The Company's suite of services is believed to be the first of its kind for the Design, Development, and Management of Discord community servers. Asset Entities' initial customers have included businesses and celebrities. The Company also has its Ternary payment platform that is a Stripe-verified partner and CRM for Discord communities. The Company's Social Influencer Network (SiN) service offers white-label marketing, content creation, content management, TikTok promotions, and TikTok consulting to clients in all industries and markets. The Company's SiN influencers can increase the social media reach of client Discord servers and drive traffic to their businesses. Learn more at and follow the Company on X at $ASST and @assetentities. To learn about the Ternary payment platform, please go to To learn about Asset Entities 360 suite of discord services, go to and Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements herein and the documents incorporated herein by reference may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Rule 175 promulgated thereunder, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and Rule 3b-6 promulgated thereunder, which statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the outlook and expectations of Strive and Asset Entities, Inc. ("ASST"), respectively, with respect to the proposed transaction, the strategic benefits and financial benefits of the proposed transaction, including the expected impact of the proposed transaction on the combined company's future financial performance (including anticipated accretion to earnings per share, the tangible book value earn-back period and other operating and return metrics), the timing of the closing of the proposed transaction, and the ability to successfully integrate the combined businesses. Such statements are often characterized by the use of qualified words (and their derivatives) such as "may," "will," "anticipate," "could," "should," "would," "believe," "contemplate," "expect," "estimate," "continue," "plan," "project," "predict," "potential," "assume," "forecast," "target," "budget," "outlook," "trend," "guidance," "objective," "goal," "strategy," "opportunity," and "intend," as well as words of similar meaning or other statements concerning opinions or judgment of Strive, ASST or their respective management about future events. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as of the time they are made and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that are difficult to predict with regard to timing, extent, likelihood and degree of occurrence, which could cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and assumptions, include, among others, the following: the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the right of one or both of the parties to terminate the Merger Agreement; the possibility that the proposed transaction does not close when expected or at all because the conditions to closing are not received or satisfied on a timely basis or at all; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Strive or ASST or the combined company; the possibility that the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction, including anticipated cost savings and strategic gains, are not realized when expected or at all, including as a result of changes in, or problems arising from, general economic and market conditions, interest and exchange rates, monetary policy, laws and regulations and their enforcement, and the degree of competition in the geographic and business areas in which Strive or ASST operate; the possibility that the integration of the two companies may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected; the possibility that the proposed transaction may be more expensive or take longer to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected factors or events; the diversion of management's attention from ongoing business operations and opportunities; potential adverse reactions of Strive's or ASST's customers or changes to business or employee relationships, including those resulting from the announcement or completion of the proposed transaction; changes in ASST's share price before closing; and other factors that may affect future results of Strive, ASST or the combined company. These factors are not necessarily all of the factors that could cause Strive's, ASST's or the combined company's actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by any of the forward-looking statements. Other factors, including unknown or unpredictable factors, also could harm Strive's, ASST's or the combined company's results. Although each of Strive and ASST believes that its expectations with respect to forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions within the bounds of its existing knowledge of its business and operations, there can be no assurance that actual results of Strive or ASST will not differ materially from any projected future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described above can be found in ASST's most recent annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and other documents subsequently filed by ASST with the Securities Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The actual results anticipated may not be realized or, even if substantially realized, they may not have the expected consequences to or effects on Strive, ASST or their respective businesses or operations. Investors are cautioned not to rely too heavily on any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and Strive and ASST undertake no obligation to update or clarify these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law. Additional Information and Where to Find It In connection with the proposed transaction, ASST intends to file with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the "Registration Statement") to register the common stock to be issued by ASST in connection with the proposed transaction and that will include a proxy statement of ASST and a prospectus of ASST (the "Proxy Statement/Prospectus"), and each of Strive and ASST may file with the SEC other relevant documents concerning the proposed transaction. A definitive Proxy Statement/Prospectus will be sent to the stockholders of ASST to seek their approval of the proposed transaction. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING OR INVESTMENT DECISION, INVESTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS OF ASST ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS REGARDING THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THOSE DOCUMENTS, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT STRIVE, ASST AND THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND RELATED MATTERS. A copy of the Registration Statement, Proxy Statement/Prospectus, as well as other filings containing information about Strive and ASST, may be obtained, free of charge, at the SEC's website ( You will also be able to obtain these documents, when they are filed, free of charge, from ASST by accessing ASST's website at Copies of the Registration Statement, the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the filings with the SEC that will be incorporated by reference therein can also be obtained, without charge, by directing a request to ASST's Investor Relations department at 100 Crescent Court, 7th floor, Dallas, TX 75201 or by calling (214) 459-3117 or emailing web@ The information on Strive's or ASST's respective websites is not, and shall not be deemed to be, a part of this communication or incorporated into other filings either company makes with the SEC. Participants in the Solicitation Strive, ASST and certain of their respective directors, executive officers and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of ASST in connection with the proposed transaction. Information about the interests of the directors and executive officers of Strive and ASST and other persons who may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of stockholders of ASST in connection with the proposed transaction and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus related to the proposed transaction, which will be filed with the SEC. Information about the directors and executive officers of ASST, their ownership of ASST common stock, and ASST's transactions with related persons is set forth in the section entitled "Board of Directors and Corporate Governance," "Executive Officers of the Company," "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters," "Executive Compensation," and "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions" included in ASST's definitive proxy statement in connection with its 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, as filed with the SEC on August 22, 2024. No Offer or Solicitation This communication is not intended to and shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or the solicitation of any vote of approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act, or pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, such registration requirements. CONTACT: Matt Sullivan, 1-614-580-0160, View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Strive Enterprises, Inc. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
STRIVE ASSET MANAGEMENT AND ASSET ENTITIES (NASDAQ: ASST) ANNOUNCE $750M PRIVATE INVESTMENT TO FUND FIRST WAVE OF BITCOIN ACCUMULATION
Transaction to raise up to $1.5 billion in total proceeds upon exercise of warrants, which would make Strive Asset Management one of the largest Bitcoin treasury companies, and the only one accumulating Bitcoin with alpha-generating strategies. The combined company will continue to have no outstanding debt for borrowed money after this financing. Strive CEO Matt Cole to discuss the company's alpha-generating Bitcoin strategies during his 11:54 AM PT keynote on May 27, 2025, at the Bitcoin for Corporations Symposium in Las Vegas, Nevada. Further details, including an investor presentation laying out Strive's alpha-seeking Bitcoin strategies and full transaction information, are available on the Strive website. DALLAS, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Strive Asset Management and Asset Entities (Nasdaq: ASST) today announced the signing of a $750 million private investment in public equity (PIPE), with an additional $750 million in potential financing available upon the exercise of warrants, which could increase total potential proceeds to $1.5 billion. Upon closing of the transactions, the proceeds are expected to support the company's first wave of Bitcoin acquisitions, with the goal of establishing Strive Asset Management as the first Bitcoin treasury company focused on long-term Bitcoin outperformance through the implementation of alpha-generating strategies, in addition to the company's plans to implement known beta strategies used by incumbent Bitcoin treasury corporations. A select group of leading institutional investors and Strive's management team, including CEO Matt Cole, participated in the financing, which is expected to close concurrently with the transaction under the merger agreement between Strive Asset Management and Asset Entities. "Most Bitcoin treasury companies are valued based on multiples to their Bitcoin holdings, which makes sense because their strategies are tied to leveraged beta to Bitcoin," said Matt Cole, CEO of Strive. "By contrast, our alpha-generating Bitcoin accumulation strategies are designed to drive sustained outperformance relative to Bitcoin itself, which requires a new valuation framework." Strive Asset Management's first wave of alpha-generating Bitcoin accumulation strategies include: Unlocking discounted cash through acquisitions of biotech companies trading below their net cash position, which Strive views as a multi-billion dollar opportunity, and one where Strive believes it has a distinctive competitive advantage due to its founding and management team. Acquiring distressed Bitcoin claims—such as Mt. Gox claims—at discounts to Bitcoin NAV, a market opportunity estimated to be over 75,000 BTC, through Strive's recently announced strategic partnership with 117 Partners LLC. Positioning itself to become a market leader in purchasing bottom tranches of structured Bitcoin credit vehicles, at discounted prices. The PIPE investment was priced at $1.35 per share of common stock, representing a 121% premium to the closing price of Asset Entities (NASDAQ: ASST) immediately before its merger announcement with Strive Asset Management. The exercise price for warrants in this PIPE transaction is $1.35 per share. Strive elected not to raise any debt financing in this transaction, to preserve maximal leverage capacity in the future to optimize returns for common equity. Strive will further discuss its alpha strategies during Matt Cole's 11:54 AM PT presentation today at Bitcoin for Corporations in Las Vegas, Nevada. The presentation is expected to be streamed by the conference later in the day. An investor presentation and full transaction summary are now available on the Strive website. The financing transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including approvals from the shareholders of both Strive and Asset Entities. Advisors Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. served as exclusive financial advisor to Strive. In addition, Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. served as exclusive placement agent for the PIPE financing. Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP is acting as legal advisor to Strive. DLA Piper LLP (US) acted as legal advisor to Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. Bevilacqua PLLC is acting as legal advisor to Asset Entities. About Strive Asset Management Strive Asset Management is an asset management firm with a mission to maximize value for clients through unapologetic capitalism. Strive Asset Management recently announced plans to become the first publicly traded asset management Bitcoin treasury company. The company is focused on outperforming Bitcoin over the long run by combining traditional Bitcoin treasury company leveraged beta strategies with novel alpha-generating strategies. After launching its first ETF in August 2022, the company has grown to manage ~$2 billion in assets. Learn more at About Asset Entities Inc. Asset Entities Inc. is a technology company providing social media marketing, management, and content delivery across Discord, TikTok, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and other social media platforms. Asset Entities is believed to be the first publicly traded Company based on the Discord platform, where it hosts some of Discord's largest social community-based education and entertainment servers. The Company's suite of services is believed to be the first of its kind for the Design, Development, and Management of Discord community servers. Asset Entities' initial customers have included businesses and celebrities. The Company also has its Ternary payment platform that is a Stripe-verified partner and CRM for Discord communities. The Company's Social Influencer Network (SiN) service offers white-label marketing, content creation, content management, TikTok promotions, and TikTok consulting to clients in all industries and markets. The Company's SiN influencers can increase the social media reach of client Discord servers and drive traffic to their businesses. Learn more at and follow the Company on X at $ASST and @assetentities. To learn about the Ternary payment platform, please go to To learn about Asset Entities 360 suite of discord services, go to and Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements herein and the documents incorporated herein by reference may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Rule 175 promulgated thereunder, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and Rule 3b-6 promulgated thereunder, which statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the outlook and expectations of Strive and Asset Entities, Inc. ("ASST"), respectively, with respect to the proposed transaction, the strategic benefits and financial benefits of the proposed transaction, including the expected impact of the proposed transaction on the combined company's future financial performance (including anticipated accretion to earnings per share, the tangible book value earn-back period and other operating and return metrics), the timing of the closing of the proposed transaction, and the ability to successfully integrate the combined businesses. Such statements are often characterized by the use of qualified words (and their derivatives) such as "may," "will," "anticipate," "could," "should," "would," "believe," "contemplate," "expect," "estimate," "continue," "plan," "project," "predict," "potential," "assume," "forecast," "target," "budget," "outlook," "trend," "guidance," "objective," "goal," "strategy," "opportunity," and "intend," as well as words of similar meaning or other statements concerning opinions or judgment of Strive, ASST or their respective management about future events. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as of the time they are made and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that are difficult to predict with regard to timing, extent, likelihood and degree of occurrence, which could cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and assumptions, include, among others, the following: the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the right of one or both of the parties to terminate the Merger Agreement; the possibility that the proposed transaction does not close when expected or at all because the conditions to closing are not received or satisfied on a timely basis or at all; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Strive or ASST or the combined company; the possibility that the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction, including anticipated cost savings and strategic gains, are not realized when expected or at all, including as a result of changes in, or problems arising from, general economic and market conditions, interest and exchange rates, monetary policy, laws and regulations and their enforcement, and the degree of competition in the geographic and business areas in which Strive or ASST operate; the possibility that the integration of the two companies may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected; the possibility that the proposed transaction may be more expensive or take longer to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected factors or events; the diversion of management's attention from ongoing business operations and opportunities; potential adverse reactions of Strive's or ASST's customers or changes to business or employee relationships, including those resulting from the announcement or completion of the proposed transaction; changes in ASST's share price before closing; and other factors that may affect future results of Strive, ASST or the combined company. These factors are not necessarily all of the factors that could cause Strive's, ASST's or the combined company's actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by any of the forward-looking statements. Other factors, including unknown or unpredictable factors, also could harm Strive's, ASST's or the combined company's results. Although each of Strive and ASST believes that its expectations with respect to forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions within the bounds of its existing knowledge of its business and operations, there can be no assurance that actual results of Strive or ASST will not differ materially from any projected future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described above can be found in ASST's most recent annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and other documents subsequently filed by ASST with the Securities Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The actual results anticipated may not be realized or, even if substantially realized, they may not have the expected consequences to or effects on Strive, ASST or their respective businesses or operations. Investors are cautioned not to rely too heavily on any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and Strive and ASST undertake no obligation to update or clarify these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law. Additional Information and Where to Find It In connection with the proposed transaction, ASST intends to file with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the "Registration Statement") to register the common stock to be issued by ASST in connection with the proposed transaction and that will include a proxy statement of ASST and a prospectus of ASST (the "Proxy Statement/Prospectus"), and each of Strive and ASST may file with the SEC other relevant documents concerning the proposed transaction. A definitive Proxy Statement/Prospectus will be sent to the stockholders of ASST to seek their approval of the proposed transaction. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING OR INVESTMENT DECISION, INVESTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS OF ASST ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS REGARDING THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THOSE DOCUMENTS, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT STRIVE, ASST AND THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND RELATED MATTERS. A copy of the Registration Statement, Proxy Statement/Prospectus, as well as other filings containing information about Strive and ASST, may be obtained, free of charge, at the SEC's website ( You will also be able to obtain these documents, when they are filed, free of charge, from ASST by accessing ASST's website at Copies of the Registration Statement, the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the filings with the SEC that will be incorporated by reference therein can also be obtained, without charge, by directing a request to ASST's Investor Relations department at 100 Crescent Court, 7th floor, Dallas, TX 75201 or by calling (214) 459-3117 or emailing web@ The information on Strive's or ASST's respective websites is not, and shall not be deemed to be, a part of this communication or incorporated into other filings either company makes with the SEC. Participants in the Solicitation Strive, ASST and certain of their respective directors, executive officers and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of ASST in connection with the proposed transaction. Information about the interests of the directors and executive officers of Strive and ASST and other persons who may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of stockholders of ASST in connection with the proposed transaction and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus related to the proposed transaction, which will be filed with the SEC. Information about the directors and executive officers of ASST, their ownership of ASST common stock, and ASST's transactions with related persons is set forth in the section entitled "Board of Directors and Corporate Governance," "Executive Officers of the Company," "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters," "Executive Compensation," and "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions" included in ASST's definitive proxy statement in connection with its 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, as filed with the SEC on August 22, 2024. No Offer or Solicitation This communication is not intended to and shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or the solicitation of any vote of approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act, or pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, such registration requirements. CONTACT: Matt Sullivan, 1-614-580-0160, View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Strive Enterprises, Inc.
Economic Times
22-05-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
How Two Pizzas Created a Domino Effect, Building a Trillion-Dollar Asset
Proof of Concept Early Adoption of Bitcoin Live Events Conclusion (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel In May 2010, a Florida-based programmer named Laszlo Hanyecz made history by spending 10,000 Bitcoins to buy two Papa John's pizzas. Valued at just $41 at the time, this seemingly small purchase is now worth over $1 billion today, making the 2 pizzas the costliest pizzas in history, earning it the nickname 'billion-dollar pizzas'. But more than just a quirky anecdote, this transaction marked the first real-world use of Bitcoin, a moment now celebrated globally as Bitcoin Pizza Day Fifteen years later, Bitcoin has evolved from a fringe digital experiment to a globally recognised asset class, with institutional backing, government interest, and a market cap of over $2 trillion. Let's explore the remarkable journey of Bitcoin, from that first pizza order to becoming a cornerstone of the digital financial making the Bitcoin Pizza transaction, Laszlo Hanyecz had no idea that it would change the entire financial system. This transaction provided proof of concept that Bitcoin could become a real-world alternative for fiat currencies. There were no exchanges, no real utility, and no mainstream attention. The transaction demonstrated that Bitcoin could be used as a medium of exchange, proving its potential to function like traditional money. What started as a simple craving for pizza laid the foundation for something much bigger, which validated the idea that digital assets could hold real-world value and be used in everyday the early years following the Bitcoin Pizza transaction, not much had changed. However, the latter half saw a sudden boom in innovation, leading to the establishment of exchanges like Mt. Gox, allowing users to trade Bitcoin for fiat currencies. Innovations in digital wallets and mining software also improved accessibility. This made the use of Wallets easier and made Bitcoin a tradable asset. Although prices remained volatile, this period laid the groundwork for Bitcoin's entry into broader public consciousness. By 2013, Bitcoin crossed $1,000, gaining interest from speculators and tech-savvy Increasing Institutional and Government InterestThe true turning point came in 2017, when Bitcoin's price skyrocketed past $20,000, capturing global headlines. This dramatic rise drew global media attention and sparked interest from financial institutions. Multiple applications for Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) were filed, but the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) repeatedly rejected them, citing concerns around market a long wait, in early 2024, the SEC approved 11 proposals from issuers, including BlackRock, Fidelity and VanEck, among others, to launch spot bitcoin ETFs. While futures-based ETFs had already been in existence for a few years, this approval from the SEC is what led to true mass adoption of Bitcoin, bringing in over $106 billion in inflows since its with asset management companies, corporate institutions like Strategy (Previously MicroStrategy), Tesla, MetaPlanet, and many more have also started accumulating Bitcoin as a strategic reserve, showing the growing interest in Bitcoin, further improving its trigger that made Bitcoin a trillion-dollar asset is the government's interest in the asset as a store of value. Today, after years of evolution, major economies like the US, Brazil, and other countries are actively considering setting up a 'Bitcoin Strategic Reserve' just the Gold and forex. This intent from governments has increased the legitimacy of Bitcoin and crypto as an asset class, pushing Bitcoin's price towards new all-time being traded for two pizzas to becoming a multi-trillion-dollar asset, Bitcoin's journey over the past 15 years is nothing short of extraordinary. It has challenged traditional financial systems, democratized access to wealth creation, and inspired a new generation of investors and innovators. While challenges remain, particularly around regulation, scalability, and public understanding, Bitcoin Pizza Day serves as a powerful reminder of how a single transaction can spark a financial revolution. As we commemorate 15 years of this iconic event, it's clear that Bitcoin is no longer just a speculative asset. It's a globally accepted financial tool, set to shape the future of article is attributed to Mr Edul Patel, Co-founder and CEO of Mudrex, a global crypto investment platform.: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of Economic Times)
