In a bold entrance into the world of institutional Bitcoin investment, a new player has burst onto the scene. Twenty One Capital, a Bitcoin-native investment firm backed by some of the biggest names in tech and crypto, has made waves by acquiring 4,812 BTC — a purchase worth approximately $458.7 million. This major move places the company among the top three publicly known holders of Bitcoin, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with industry giants like MicroStrategy and Marathon Digital.
What sets this acquisition apart is how it was structured. The deal came through a private investment in public equity (PIPE), a transaction often used by well-capitalized players to get in early on promising ventures. The Bitcoin in question was originally held in a wallet controlled by Tether, the issuer of the world’s largest stablecoin. After the completion of a business combination via a SPAC (Special Purpose Acquisition Company) merger, the BTC was transferred to Twenty One Capital.
The Power Behind the Curtain
Though the name might sound new to many, Twenty One Capital isn’t your run-of-the-mill startup. Backed by Tether, SoftBank, and other heavyweights in finance and crypto, the firm launched through a $3.6 billion merger with Cantor Equity Partners, an affiliate of Wall Street’s well-established Cantor Fitzgerald. The leadership team includes Jack Mallers, a well-known Bitcoin advocate and the mind behind the Strike payment app — someone who’s spent years promoting Bitcoin as the cornerstone of financial freedom.
The seed funding for Twenty One Capital was nothing short of massive. The firm hit the ground running with roughly 42,000 BTC on its books — a stash valued at close to $4 billion. These holdings came from a trio of key contributors: 23,950 BTC from Tether, 10,500 BTC from SoftBank, and another 7,000 BTC from Bitfinex, a sister company to Tether. The result? On day one, Twenty One Capital instantly became the third-largest public holder of Bitcoin globally.
A Different Kind of Bitcoin Bet
While many companies view Bitcoin primarily as a speculative store of value or a long-term hedge, Twenty One Capital is carving a different path. Instead of mimicking MicroStrategy’s debt-heavy approach, the firm plans to blend equity, debt, and advisory solutions to make Bitcoin exposure more accessible and sustainable. The goal is to provide capital-efficient investment options centered entirely around Bitcoin — without diluting focus by venturing into altcoins or broader crypto assets.
The company has ambitious plans for product development. Future offerings will include Bitcoin-backed loans, curated investment advisory services, and educational tools to help both retail and institutional players better understand Bitcoin and its long-term potential. By staying “Bitcoin-native,” Twenty One Capital is choosing depth over breadth — a move that resonates strongly with Bitcoin purists.
Markets Respond Enthusiastically
Investors have taken notice. Shares of Cantor Equity Partners, now trading under the rebranded Twenty One Capital name and ticker symbol “CEP,” have skyrocketed more than 460% since April 22, 2025. That surge reflects growing market enthusiasm for a firm that blends institutional muscle with Bitcoin maximalist values.
By aligning itself closely with the original principles of Bitcoin — decentralization, transparency, and monetary sovereignty — Twenty One Capital is more than just a financial vehicle. It’s positioning itself as a blueprint for how institutions can embrace Bitcoin in a way that enhances efficiency, respects the asset’s ethos, and delivers real value to stakeholders.
In short, Twenty One Capital isn’t just stacking sats. It’s redefining what it means for institutions to adopt Bitcoin — not as a speculative punt, but as a foundational pillar for a new financial paradigm.
