A powerful group led by Brandon Lutnick’s Cantor Equity Partners is planning a massive $3 billion move into Bitcoin, similar to what MicroStrategy did a few years ago. The group is forming a new company called 21 Capital, which will be mainly focused on holding and growing its Bitcoin assets — like a digital gold vault for big investors.
According to the Financial Times, this new plan is being put together by a SPAC (a special-purpose acquisition company) backed by Cantor Fitzgerald, a well-known financial firm. The goal is to create a company whose main job is to invest heavily in Bitcoin, hoping the price keeps rising over time.
Who’s Investing What?
The group has already lined up a jaw-dropping $3 billion worth of Bitcoin:
- Tether: $1.5 billion
- SoftBank: $900 million
- Bitfinex: $600 million
- Cantor: $200 million in cash from a January IPO
- On top of that, they’re planning to raise another $550 million through bonds and private investments to buy even more Bitcoin.
These contributions would be turned into shares of 21 Capital at $10 each, with Bitcoin valued at $85,000 per coin in the deal — even though the real market price is currently around $93,391.
Inspired by MicroStrategy
This strategy closely follows what MicroStrategy, a software company, started doing in 2020. Led by CEO Michael Saylor, MicroStrategy became famous for converting its corporate cash into Bitcoin. Over time, they bought over 200,000 BTC, worth more than $13 billion at today’s prices. Their bold move pushed the company’s market value to $91 billion and made it a kind of “Bitcoin stock” on Wall Street.
Now, Cantor and its partners are looking to copy that playbook, but this time with a SPAC dedicated solely to Bitcoin investing.
Why Now?
Brandon Lutnick, now chairman of Cantor Fitzgerald (taking over from his father, Howard Lutnick, who joined the Trump administration), is betting big on Bitcoin — just as US crypto policies may be getting friendlier. Many believe that if Trump returns to office, his administration could ease rules around cryptocurrency, encouraging more institutional investment.
Why This Is a Big Deal
- SoftBank, a Japanese investment giant with $180 billion in assets, has never made such a direct move into Bitcoin before. This $900 million investment marks a huge step.
- Tether, already a major crypto player, is now doubling down on Bitcoin’s long-term potential.
- Analysts believe this surprise move could explain why Bitcoin jumped 12% last week.
What People Are Saying
- David Bailey (CEO of BTC Inc.) tweeted: “SoftBank has officially entered the Bitcoin market… Masayoshi Son!”
- Steven Lubka (of Swan Private Wealth) wrote: “Cantor, SoftBank, and Tether launching a BTC acquisition vehicle.”
- Jeff Park (Bitwise) called it “the ultimate ‘exorbitant privilege’ joint venture” that could supercharge the global financial system.
