Just when you thought Bitcoin’s big-money days were slowing down, a massive new player is gearing up to shake things up in a big way.
A group led by Brandon Lutnick and backed by some financial giants—including SoftBank, Tether, and Bitfinex—is preparing a bold $3 billion move that could rival the crypto strategy made famous by MicroStrategy.
And if the plan goes through, we could be looking at one of the largest treasury-style Bitcoin bets in years.
Let’s break down what’s happening and why this could be a game-changer for the crypto space.
Meet 21 Capital: The New Bitcoin-Heavyweight in the Making
The group behind this push is launching a new entity called 21 Capital, seeded with Bitcoin contributions from some seriously deep pockets.
The initiative is being steered by Cantor Equity Partners—a firm chaired by Brandon Lutnick, who recently took the reins at Cantor Fitzgerald after his father, Howard Lutnick, moved into a new role in the Trump administration as commerce secretary.
According to a report from the Financial Times, this isn’t just a casual toe-dip into Bitcoin.
The numbers are staggering:
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Tether is contributing $1.5 billion in BTC
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SoftBank is adding $900 million
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Bitfinex is putting up $600 million
That adds up to $3 billion in Bitcoin going straight into 21 Capital’s war chest.
Aiming for the MicroStrategy Playbook—But Bigger
If this all sounds familiar, it’s because it mirrors what MicroStrategy did several years ago when it began loading its balance sheet with Bitcoin.
That pivot turned the once-obscure software company into a crypto trailblazer with a $91 billion market cap.
Now, 21 Capital is hoping to follow that same roadmap—just on a potentially even grander scale.
Cantor Equity Partners already raised $200 million in its January IPO, and that capital, combined with the Bitcoin contributions, will form the core of 21 Capital’s digital treasury.
There are also plans in motion to raise an additional $350 million through a convertible bond and another $200 million via private equity, with the goal of buying even more Bitcoin.
Here’s the twist: once all the digital assets are moved into 21 Capital, they’ll convert into shares at $10 apiece, effectively valuing Bitcoin at $85,000 per coin.
SoftBank’s Entry Raises Eyebrows—and Expectations
What’s turning even more heads is SoftBank’s involvement.
The Japanese investment giant has around $180 billion in assets and $32 billion in cash at its disposal.
This isn’t just another investor jumping into crypto—it’s a powerhouse that could shift global sentiment around digital assets.
David Bailey, CEO of BTC Inc., summed it up on social media:
“SoftBank has officially entered the Bitcoin market with an initial $900m acquisition… Masayoshi Son!”
The vibe in the crypto community is electric. Others, like Steven Lubka of Swan Private Wealth, kept it short and sharp:
“Cantor, SoftBank, and Tether launching a BTC acquisition vehicle.”
Why Now? The Politics, Prices, and Timing All Align
This bold move comes at a time when the political climate is tilting more in crypto’s favor—particularly under the new U.S. administration.
The Trump team has signaled a friendlier stance toward digital currencies, and Cantor Fitzgerald has already benefitted, helping Tether invest $775 million in the conservative video-sharing platform Rumble.
At the same time, Bitcoin itself is on a tear. The announcement of 21 Capital’s formation could be helping fuel the latest rally—BTC recently surged 12% in just a week, hitting $93,391 at last check.
Tuur Demeester, a Bitcoin analyst and podcast host, pointed to the timing:
“This announcement could explain why Bitcoin is up 12% in the past week.”
What’s Next? Eyes on the Deal and the Dollar
While this plan sounds rock-solid, it’s not set in stone just yet.
The Financial Times notes that the deal is still in flux and could change—or even fall apart—before it’s officially announced in the coming weeks.
But if it does go through, the geopolitical implications could be massive. Jeff Park of Bitwise described it as
“The ultimate ‘exorbitant privilege’ joint venture,”
suggesting it could amplify the U.S. dollar’s reach even further through Bitcoin’s global appeal.
A Glimpse Into the Future of Corporate Bitcoin Strategy?
So, is this the next MicroStrategy moment—or something even bigger? Only time will tell.
But one thing is clear: with SoftBank, Tether, and Cantor Fitzgerald in the mix, this isn’t just another crypto fund—it’s a major institutional leap into the digital-asset future.
And if Bitcoin’s price momentum is any indicator, investors are already taking notice.