12 Public Companies Buying Bitcoin for the First Time in Q1 2025

Growing Trend: Public Companies Embrace Bitcoin Investments

In a landmark move for the cryptocurrency market, twelve public companies made their first Bitcoin purchases in Q1 2025, contributing to a total increase in holdings to approximately $57 billion. This surge highlights a significant shift as the total number of firms holding Bitcoin rises to 79, with an impressive 16.1% growth in Bitcoin assets.

Background and Context

The recent surge in public companies buying Bitcoin for the first time marks a significant milestone in the cryptocurrency market. In Q1 2025, at least twelve public companies entered the Bitcoin landscape, boosting the collective holdings of such firms to approximately $57 billion. This trend reflects a broader recognition of Bitcoin as a legitimate asset class, drawing analogies to the gold rush during the late 19th century, where discovery excited both investors and speculators alike.

Historically, major companies hesitated to include cryptocurrencies on their balance sheets due to volatility and regulatory uncertainties. However, the increasing acceptance of Bitcoin has shifted perceptions, especially given its past performance during economic downturns. As some firms see Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation, the recent involvement of public companies illustrates a significant shift toward digital asset adoption.

Among the new entrants, the Hong Kong construction firm Ming Shing stands out, with its substantial purchases signaling confidence in Bitcoin’s potential. As markets evolve, the increasing trend of public companies buying Bitcoin for the first time may pave the way for more firms to explore cryptocurrency investment, potentially reshaping the future of corporate finance.

Public Companies Buy Bitcoin: A Growing Trend

According to a report by Bitwise, the trend of public companies buying Bitcoin for the first time is gaining momentum, with at least twelve firms jumping aboard in Q1 2025. This surge has driven the total Bitcoin holdings of publicly traded companies to approximately $57 billion, marking a 16.1% increase in just three months. By the end of the first quarter, the cumulative amount of Bitcoin held by these companies reached about 688,000 BTC, with 95,431 BTC added during the 2025 Q1 period.

Record-Breaking First-Time Buyers

Among the notable inaugural buyers, Hong Kong’s construction firm Ming Shing emerged as the largest, purchasing 833 BTC—500 in January and an additional 333 in February. Following closely was Rumble, a YouTube alternative, that acquired 188 BTC in mid-March. Interestingly, HK Asia Holdings Limited made waves with their single BTC purchase in February, causing their share price to nearly double in one day.

Japanese firm Metaplanet reported buying 319 BTC at an average price of approximately $82,770 each, bringing its total to 4,525 BTC worth around $383.2 million. Despite a hefty investment totaling $406 million for their Bitcoin stash, the firm’s stock performance remained stable, reflecting investor interest in crypto assets.

• Total Bitcoin holdings of public companies: 688,000 BTC
• New buyers in Q1 2025: 12 firms
• Combined value of holdings: $56.7 billion

As more public companies engage in buying Bitcoin for the first time, it’s clear that institutional interest in cryptocurrency continues to rise, reflecting a significant trend in the financial market.

Analysis of Public Companies Buying Bitcoin for the First Time

The recent report by Bitwise indicates a significant trend in the cryptocurrency market, highlighting that twelve public companies engaged in buying Bitcoin for the first time in Q1 2025. This influx of interest from traditional sectors suggests a growing acceptance of Bitcoin as a legitimate asset class among publicly traded entities. With total holdings reaching approximately $57 billion and a 16.1% increase, it’s evident that public companies buying Bitcoin for the first time is reshaping investment strategies across various industries.

This trend not only enhances the credibility of Bitcoin but also signals to the market that corporations are increasingly viewing cryptocurrency as a viable addition to their portfolios. Furthermore, notable purchases by companies like Ming Shing and Rumble amplify Bitcoin’s visibility, potentially driving more public interest and investment adoption. As these firms continue to accumulate Bitcoin, it could lead to a more substantial integration of cryptocurrencies into mainstream finance, marking a pivotal moment for the industry.