Blockchain Group's Bold Move: €10 Billion Capital Raise to Expand Bitcoin Holdings
The Blockchain Group, a leading European Bitcoin-focused public company, has taken a monumental step in its Bitcoin Treasury strategy. On June 10, 2025, shareholders overwhelmingly approved a €10 billion ($11 billion) capital raise during the Ordinary and Extraordinary General Meeting. This decision positions the company as a major player in institutional Bitcoin adoption across Europe.
Shareholder Approval and Strategic Vision
The approval of the €10 billion capital raise was backed by 95% of shareholders, representing 39% of voting rights. This authorization empowers the company’s board to issue equity and securities through public or private markets, bypassing preferential subscription rights when necessary. The flexibility provided by this mandate allows the Blockchain Group to act swiftly in acquiring Bitcoin (BTC), a cornerstone asset in its strategy to hedge against fiat currency risks and drive shareholder value.
CEO Jean-Philippe Casadepax-Soulet emphasized the significance of this move, stating, “This mandate will allow us to accelerate our Bitcoin accumulation strategy. It’s about leveraging our capital base to build a hard-asset reserve that aligns with long-term value creation.”
Appointment of Alexandre Laizet to Lead Bitcoin Strategy
In addition to the capital raise, shareholders appointed Alexandre Laizet as Deputy Chief Executive Officer and board member. Laizet’s six-year term underscores the company’s commitment to its ambitious Bitcoin strategy, which aims to hold 1% of all Bitcoin in circulation—approximately 170,000 BTC—by 2032. His leadership will be pivotal in executing the company’s vision of increasing BTC holdings per diluted share over time.
Scaling Ambitions: From €300 Million to €10 Billion
The €10 billion authorization dwarfs the company’s earlier €300 million at-the-market (ATM) program announced just one day prior. The previous program involved French asset manager TOBAM purchasing shares to fund Bitcoin acquisitions. If fully executed, TOBAM’s stake could rise from 3% to 39%. However, the new mandate marks a dramatic scaling of ambitions, equivalent to 20 times the company’s current €543 million market cap.
Current Bitcoin Holdings and Future Plans
The Blockchain Group already holds 1,471 BTC, valued at approximately $161 million at current prices. Earlier this month, the company added 624 BTC worth around $69 million. Proceeds from the newly approved capital raise will be funneled into further Bitcoin acquisitions, solidifying the company’s position as Europe’s most aggressive public buyer of Bitcoin.
Institutional Adoption and Regulatory Confidence
The Blockchain Group’s strategy reflects a broader shift in European corporate attitudes toward Bitcoin. Analysts attribute this change to the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulatory framework, which provides clear guidance on custody, transparency, and compliance for digital assets across the EU. With these guardrails in place, companies like The Blockchain Group are increasingly confident in deploying capital into crypto reserves.
Diversified Portfolio and Strategic Focus
Unlike North American peers whose business models often revolve exclusively around Bitcoin, The Blockchain Group maintains a diversified portfolio. Its subsidiaries specialize in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and decentralized technologies. The company frames its Bitcoin treasury initiative as a strategic deployment of surplus capital rather than a wholesale shift to a single-asset model.
Implications for Investors and the Crypto Market
The Blockchain Group’s €10 billion capital raise is a bellwether for institutional crypto adoption in Europe. By positioning itself as a Bitcoin Treasury Company, the firm is setting a precedent for other European companies to follow. The move also signals growing confidence in Bitcoin as a long-term store of value and a hedge against economic uncertainty.
FAQs
What is the Blockchain Group’s Bitcoin Treasury strategy?
The Blockchain Group aims to increase its Bitcoin holdings per diluted share over time, leveraging its capital base to build a hard-asset reserve that aligns with long-term value creation.
How much Bitcoin does the Blockchain Group currently hold?
The company currently holds 1,471 BTC, valued at approximately $161 million at current prices.
What is the significance of the €10 billion capital raise?
The capital raise enables the Blockchain Group to act swiftly in acquiring Bitcoin, positioning itself as Europe’s most aggressive public buyer of the cryptocurrency.
Who is Alexandre Laizet, and what is his role?
Alexandre Laizet has been appointed as Deputy Chief Executive Officer and board member. He will oversee the company’s Bitcoin acquisition strategy during his six-year term.
How does the MiCA regulatory framework impact the Blockchain Group’s strategy?
The MiCA framework provides clear guidance on custody, transparency, and compliance for digital assets, boosting confidence in institutional adoption of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
The Blockchain Group’s bold strategy to accelerate its Bitcoin purchases marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of institutional crypto adoption. With €10 billion at its disposal, the company is poised to reshape the European crypto landscape and set new benchmarks for corporate Bitcoin integration.
