Corporate Bitcoin adoption continues to accelerate as Japanese gaming publisher Gumi announces a ¥1 billion ($6.7 million) purchase while KULR Technology Group expands its BTC.
Notably, the mobile gaming publisher has become the first publicly listed company in Japan to participate in Bitcoin staking via Babylon. For context, the Babylon protocol enables Bitcoin holders to earn yield while maintaining security.
Gumi’s ¥1B Bitcoin Acquisition
In its official statement, Gumi revealed plans to use Bitcoin for staking within the Babylon ecosystem, leveraging surplus funds to explore new financial opportunities. The company aims to capitalize on Bitcoin’s long-term price appreciation while earning staking rewards through Babylon’s validation process.
Notably, the Bitcoin acquisition period will span from February to May 2025, during which Gumi will commit ¥1 billion worth $6.7 million. In addition, the company plans further crypto-based diversification by the second quarter of the year.
In a tweet, VanEck’s lead researcher Matthew Sigel highlighted the significance of the move. He noted that Gumi is breaking new ground as a publicly listed validator.
This signals a further advancement from Bitcoin’s traditional role as a store of value to an active financial asset capable of generating yield.
Japanese Mobile Gaming Publisher Gumi (3903, mkt cap $150M) announces plan to buy 1b Yen Worth of Bitcoin.
Becomes first listed company in Japan (world?) to participate in Bitcoin staking protocol Babylon as a validator. pic.twitter.com/37nhunaIiX
— matthew sigel, recovering CFA (@matthew_sigel) February 11, 2025
Meanwhile, Gumi’s decision highlights the growing institutional interest in Bitcoin in Japan. Just last month, Metaplanet, aka “Japanese MicroStrategy,” launched a BTC acquisition plan targeting 10K tokens by the end of this year and 21K BTC by 2026.
The goal is to become one of the largest corporate Bitcoin holders. As of the end of 2024, it held 1,761 BTC valued at ¥27 billion. The company plans to raise ¥116.65 billion through issuing 21 million shares in Asia’s largest Bitcoin-related equity raise.
KULR Technology Boosts Bitcoin Treasury, Reports 167% BTC Yield
Meanwhile, KULR Technology Group has doubled down on its Bitcoin Treasury Strategy. Today, it announced an additional $10 million Bitcoin acquisition, bringing its total BTC holdings to 610.3 tokens worth approximately $60 million.
KULR committed up to 90% of its excess cash reserves to Bitcoin in 2024 as part of its long-term Bitcoin strategy. The company introduced BTC Yield as a performance indicator, reporting a 167% BTC Yield year-to-date.
While BTC Yield offers insight into KULR’s treasury approach, the company emphasized that it should not be viewed as a direct measure of financial return or liquidity. It noted external factors influence stock performance beyond Bitcoin holdings.
Bitcoin as a Corporate Asset
Gumi’s planned Bitcoin acquisition and KULR’s aggressive Bitcoin treasury expansion reflect a growing trend among publicly traded companies toward adopting Bitcoin as a financial asset.
These companies are positioning themselves at the forefront of blockchain-based finance, integrating Bitcoin into their treasury management strategies.
Moreover, Gumi’s involvement in Babylon’s Bitcoin staking could encourage other publicly traded firms to explore similar yield-generating opportunities.
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