Capital Group’s $500M Investment in Metaplanet: A Significant Institutional Wager on Bitcoin

Capital Group, a global investment giant overseeing more than $2.3 trillion in assets, has emerged as the top shareholder of Metaplanet, a Japanese firm that has embraced a

treasury model. With a $500 million investment, Capital Group now owns 5% of Metaplanet, whose share price has soared over 1,700% since it shifted to a Bitcoin-centric strategy in April 2024 Capital Group Increases Exposure to Bitcoin, Acquiring 5% Stake in Metaplanet [ 1 ]. Once focused on hotel investments, Metaplanet currently holds 1,762 BTC, ranking as the fifteenth-largest public company with a Bitcoin treasury Capital Group Increases Exposure to Bitcoin, Acquiring 5% Stake in Metaplanet [ 1 ].

This strategic acquisition reflects the rising confidence among institutions in holding Bitcoin as part of corporate reserves, a trend evident in Capital Group’s broader holdings. The firm is also the second-biggest investor in MicroStrategy (MSTR), with 18.4 million shares—over 8% of the company—second only to founder Michael Saylor. This position has grown substantially, as MicroStrategy’s stock has climbed more than 2,200% over the past five years Capital Group’s $1 Billion Bitcoin Bet Grows to $6 Billion [ 2 ]. Capital Group’s investments tied to Bitcoin have increased from $1 billion to $6 billion, fueled by a focus on companies with significant Bitcoin reserves Capital Group’s $1 Billion Bitcoin Bet Grows to $6 Billion [ 2 ].

Metaplanet’s adoption of a Bitcoin treasury approach mirrors the strategy used by MicroStrategy, with both companies utilizing Bitcoin as a corporate asset. The dramatic rise in Metaplanet’s stock demonstrates how such strategies can attract major capital. Capital Group’s expanded stake in Metaplanet was confirmed by CEO Simon Gerovic on X, further validating the company’s direction in the eyes of institutional investors Capital Group Increases Exposure to Bitcoin, Acquiring 5% Stake in Metaplanet [ 1 ].

The company’s investment philosophy reflects a broader movement in asset management toward digital assets. Mark Casey, a portfolio manager at Capital Group with 25 years in the industry, has advocated for Bitcoin as a foundational asset, likening its role to that of gold Capital Group’s $1 Billion Bitcoin Bet Grows to $6 Billion [ 2 ]. The firm evaluates Bitcoin-focused businesses using criteria similar to those applied to traditional commodities, emphasizing long-term value and market trends Capital Group’s $1 Billion Bitcoin Bet Grows to $6 Billion [ 2 ].

Recent market data illustrates the extent of institutional Bitcoin accumulation. Corporations now collectively hold more than 1.01 million BTC, worth over $117 billion Capital Group’s $1 Billion Bitcoin Bet Grows to $6 Billion [ 2 ]. Metaplanet is sixth among these, with holdings valued at $2.32 billion. MicroStrategy leads the pack, possessing 638,460 BTC ($73.57 billion), followed by MARA Holdings and Bitcoin Standard Treasury Capital Group’s $1 Billion Bitcoin Bet Grows to $6 Billion [ 2 ].

The announcement emphasizes Capital Group’s expanding influence in the institutional Bitcoin landscape. By backing companies like Metaplanet and MicroStrategy, Capital Group is positioning itself as a significant participant in a market where corporate Bitcoin reserves are increasingly seen as protection against economic uncertainty. This move is consistent with a wider trend in asset management, where diversification into alternative assets is becoming more prevalent Capital Group Increases Exposure to Bitcoin, Acquiring 5% Stake in Metaplanet [ 1 ].