Metaplanet Launches $26M Bitcoin Venture Fund to Build Crypto Infrastructure in Japan

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• Metaplanet launched Metaplanet Ventures, committing $26M to Bitcoin infrastructure investments.
  
• The firm holds 35,102 BTC but has paused purchases for eight weeks amid market volatility.
  
• The venture arm aims to strengthen Bitcoin payments, Lightning, stablecoins, and crypto finance tools.

Japan-based investment firm Metaplanet Inc. is moving beyond simply holding Bitcoin. The company has announced plans to launch a new venture capital arm aimed at strengthening Bitcoin-related financial infrastructure in Japan and abroad.

The move signals a strategic shift as the firm looks to build a broader ecosystem around digital assets while continuing its ambitious long-term Bitcoin strategy.

Metaplanet Ventures to Invest in Bitcoin Infrastructure

According to filings with the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Metaplanet will establish a new subsidiary called Metaplanet Ventures K.K., allocating approximately ¥4 billion (about $26 million) over the next two to three years.

The venture fund will invest in startups and projects focused on expanding Bitcoin infrastructure. Areas of interest include:

• Bitcoin lending platforms
• Payment networks and Lightning infrastructure
• Stablecoin settlement systems
• Derivatives platforms
• Custody and compliance technology
• Tokenization tools and investment product infrastructure

The initiative will primarily focus on Japan, though the firm says it will evaluate select global opportunities.

Metaplanet Ventures will also function as an incubator for early-stage companies, offering grants to developers and educators working within the Bitcoin ecosystem.

First Investment Targets Japan’s Stablecoin Sector

The new venture unit has already identified its first investment target: JPYC Inc., a Japanese stablecoin issuer.

While the company did not disclose the investment size or deal structure, the move highlights Metaplanet’s broader ambition to support the infrastructure required for digital asset adoption in Japan.

The company’s leadership believes that strengthening domestic crypto infrastructure could help Japan remain competitive as digital finance evolves globally.

Expansion Comes Amid Bitcoin Market Pressure

The announcement comes during a challenging period for Metaplanet’s balance sheet.

The company currently holds 35,102 BTC, making it one of the largest corporate Bitcoin holders globally. However, it has paused new Bitcoin purchases for eight consecutive weeks.

Bitcoin prices have fallen significantly from their October 2025 peak near $125,000, and are now trading roughly between $65,000 and $70,000.

Because Metaplanet acquired much of its Bitcoin at an average cost of around $107,716 per coin, the firm is currently facing substantial unrealized losses on its holdings.

The company’s stock has also reflected market pressure, with shares dropping roughly 63% over the past six months.

Despite the Bitcoin price decline, Metaplanet’s operating performance improved sharply.

For fiscal year 2025, the company reported:

• Revenue: ¥8.91 billion ($58 million), up 738% year-over-year
• Operating profit: ¥6.29 billion ($41 million), up 1,695%

Most of that revenue came from its Bitcoin income strategy, which primarily generates returns through options premiums.

However, Japan’s mark-to-market accounting rules forced the firm to record a ¥102.2 billion non-cash valuation loss on its Bitcoin holdings, resulting in a net loss for the year.

CEO Simon Gerovich has repeatedly emphasized that operating performance and Bitcoin yield are more relevant metrics for evaluating a Bitcoin treasury company than traditional net income figures.

Looking forward, Metaplanet has set aggressive growth targets. The company aims to accumulate 100,000 BTC by the end of 2026 and 210,000 BTC by 2027.

Also Read: Metaplanet CEO Fires Back at Bitcoin Loss Claims—What Investors Need to Know

With just over 35,000 BTC currently held and purchases paused since early January, achieving the 2026 goal would require a major acceleration in acquisitions.

By launching Metaplanet Ventures, the firm appears to be diversifying its approach—expanding beyond treasury accumulation into building the infrastructure that could support Bitcoin adoption worldwide.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses.