Should companies use financial engineering?

In this conversation, Stephan Livera and Matt Cole discuss the rapid growth and strategic developments of Strive, a Bitcoin treasury company, particularly following its merger with Semler Scientific. They explore the implications of this merger, the importance of institutional interest in Bitcoin, and the strategies for managing debt and generating yield. The discussion also touches on the competitive landscape of Bitcoin treasury companies, the role of digital credit, and the future outlook for Bitcoin in the context of increasing institutional adoption and market dynamics.

Takeaways:

🔸Strive has rapidly grown its Bitcoin holdings through strategic mergers.

🔸The merger with Semler positions Strive as a leading Bitcoin treasury company.

🔸Institutional investors are increasingly interested in Bitcoin treasury companies.

🔸Strive aims to generate a significant Bitcoin yield for its investors.

🔸Managing debt effectively is crucial for Strive's future growth.

🔸The healthcare business from Semler will be monetized within a year.

🔸Acquisitions in the Bitcoin treasury space are strategic and not frequent.

🔸Understanding Bitcoin yield and amplification is key for investors.

🔸Digital credit is a growing area within Bitcoin treasury companies.

🔸The future of Bitcoin looks promising with increasing institutional adoption.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Intro

(01:37) - Strive’s growth and developments 

(05:54) - What do institutions look for when investing in a BTCTC?; Reverse stock split 

(09:08) - How will Strive manage its debt?; Amplifying Bitcoin exposure  

(13:22) - How will Semler Scientific be monetized? 

(17:06) - Accelerating Bitcoin yield through SATA; Possible future M&A

(22:53) - Structuring a merger of a BTCTC 

(26:30) - Valuing a BTCTC and mNAV considerations

(34:46) - Matt's take on Danny Knowles's interview with Michael Saylor

(39:54) - Should every BTCTC engage in financial engineering? 

(44:18) - Differentiation in Bitcoin treasury companies

(48:40) - What is the difference between SATA and STRC?

(53:38) - Who is SATA for? 

(57:49) - Which are the pools of capital that can’t directly buy Bitcoin?

(1:01:41) - Have BTCTC cannibalized the on-chain use of Bitcoin?

(1:04:34) - Outlook for Bitcoin in 2026

Links: 

• https://x.com/ColeMacro 

• https://x.com/Strive 

Stephan Livera links:

• Follow me on X: @stephanlivera

• Subscribe to the podcast

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