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Strive Inc. cleared a pivotal hurdle to vault into the top tier of corporate bitcoin holders after shareholders approved its all-stock acquisition of Semler Scientific, setting up a massive balance-sheet expansion tied directly to bitcoin.
Semler Vote Positions Strive Among Top Corporate Bitcoin Holders
A major corporate bitcoin transaction cleared a critical hurdle. Strive Inc. (Nasdaq: ASST), a publicly traded asset management bitcoin treasury company, announced Jan. 13 that Semler Scientific Inc. (Nasdaq: SMLR) shareholders approved an all-stock acquisition that would materially expand Strive’s bitcoin holdings and reshape its balance sheet.
“As part of the all-stock transaction, Strive will acquire Semler Scientific’s 5,048.1 bitcoin,” the announcement details, adding:
“Upon completion of the Semler Scientific acquisition, the combined company will hold 12,797.9 bitcoin, surpassing both Tesla and Trump media & technology group, becoming the 11th largest corporate holder of bitcoin.”
The vote followed Strive’s separate purchase of 123 bitcoin for its corporate treasury at an average price of $91,561, a transaction totaling roughly $11.3 million including fees and expenses. That purchase lifted Strive’s standalone holdings to 7,749.8 bitcoin ahead of closing.
Public market trading turned volatile following the disclosure. Strive shares closed Jan. 13 at $0.97, down 11.82% after trading between $0.8911 and $1.17, with volume surging past 360 million shares versus a roughly 117 million average. Semler Scientific fell 9.64% to $20.34 after ranging from $18.81 to $24.19, while pre-market trading showed modest stabilization, with Semler up 0.20% and Strive down 1.00%, and market capitalizations near $311 million and $867 million, respectively.
Read more: Strive Acquiring Semler Scientific, Turbocharging Bitcoin Treasury Dominance
Cole explained that the transaction supports Strive’s long-term capital strategy, noting:
“The Semler Scientific deal will continue Strive’s leading yield generation since inception of our bitcoin strategy, boosting our 2026 1st quarter bitcoin yield to over 15%, and is a win for both Strive and Semler Scientific shareholders. We are showing the market how to execute with bitcoin as your hurdle rate.”
Within 12 months of closing, Strive plans to monetize Semler Scientific’s operating business and pursue retirement of legacy obligations, including a $100 million convertible note and a $20 million Coinbase loan, subject to market conditions. The board approved a 1-for-20 reverse split of Class A and Class B common stock to align pricing with institutional participation standards. Post-closing, Semler Scientific Executive Chairman Eric Semler is set to join Strive’s board, while Cantor Fitzgerald and Liontree Advisors served as financial advisers on the transaction.
FAQ ⏰
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How much bitcoin will Strive hold after acquiring Semler Scientific?
The combined company is expected to hold 12,797.9 bitcoin after closing. -
Why did Strive pursue an all-stock acquisition of Semler Scientific?
The deal materially expands Strive’s bitcoin treasury while supporting its long-term capital strategy. -
How did Strive and Semler Scientific stocks react to the announcement?
Both stocks fell sharply amid heavy trading volume following the disclosure. -
What balance sheet actions does Strive plan after the deal closes?
Strive plans to monetize Semler’s operating business and retire major legacy obligations.