Navigation

© Zeal News Africa

Brazil Embraces Bitcoin: OranjeBTC Debuts, Injecting $410M into Public Markets!

Published 1 week ago2 minute read
David Isong
David Isong
Brazil Embraces Bitcoin: OranjeBTC Debuts, Injecting $410M into Public Markets!

Brazil is poised to witness a significant development on its stock exchange with the upcoming public listing of OranjeBTC, a company unique for going public not for its traditional products, but solely for its substantial Bitcoin treasury. Founded by Guilherme Gomes, a former executive at Bridgewater Associates, OranjeBTC is slated to list on B3 in early October, holding an impressive 3,650 BTC on its balance sheet, valued at over $410 million. This immediately positions Oranje as a global leader in corporate Bitcoin treasuries, significantly surpassing other regional players like Brazilian fintech Méliuz, which holds 650 BTC.

OranjeBTC's mission is unequivocally clear: to become Latin America's first publicly traded company entirely dedicated to Bitcoin, with the ambitious goal of accumulating the largest possible Bitcoin balance. This strategic approach aligns with the playbook pioneered by Michael Saylor of MicroStrategy, who transformed a software company into the world's largest Bitcoin holder. Notably, Eric Weiss, a former Morgan Stanley banker and an early mentor to Saylor, now serves on OranjeBTC's board, reinforcing this strategic alignment. Earlier in the year, Itaú BBA's investment arm provided advisory services for a $210 million deal, aimed at solidifying the company’s Bitcoin holdings as a long-term strategic reserve.

The listing on B3, Brazil's second oldest stock exchange located in São Paulo, further highlights the country's growing engagement with cryptocurrencies. B3 has already demonstrated its receptiveness to digital assets by launching Bitcoin futures in 2022 and exploring crypto custody services. OranjeBTC has garnered robust support from across the global Bitcoin ecosystem, attracting a high-profile roster of investors including the Winklevoss twins, Blockstream's Adam Back, FalconX, Mexican billionaire Ricardo Salinas, and U.S. funds Off the Chain Capital and ParaFi Capital, lending significant credibility and conviction to its venture.

The mechanics of the listing involve a reverse IPO, where Oranje will merge into Intergraus, an entity already listed on B3. Post-transaction, approximately 85% of the shares will be in free float, providing both institutional and retail investors with a direct and traditional market gateway to Bitcoin exposure. While Bitcoin adoption in Latin America has primarily been driven by individuals, remittances, and startups, OranjeBTC distinguishes itself as a pure treasury vehicle built for scale, transparency, and institutional capital. According to Gomes, this investment model is just beginning, suggesting that banks and insurance companies will soon follow suit. He emphasizes that in all of Latin America, there is currently no other company 100% focused on this burgeoning industry.

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

You may also like...