Metaplanet has announced the launch of Metaplanet Ventures, aimed at supporting companies building a more complete Bitcoin ecosystem, with a particular focus on the Japanese market. The venture arm will invest in startups focused on developing lending platforms, custody services, payment systems, compliance services, derivatives trading solutions, and innovative projects related to the Lightning Network and tokenization technologies.
Metaplanet Ventures will also serve as an incubator for early-stage developers and entrepreneurs, supporting them in creating Bitcoin applications. In addition, the venture arm may provide grants to educators, developers, and researchers who contribute to open-source Bitcoin infrastructure projects. Reportedly, Metaplanet Ventures' first investment will be in JPYC Inc., but specific transaction details have not been disclosed.
Market Downturn Puts Pressure on Bitcoin Holdings
The announcement of the venture arm comes as Metaplanet faces significant valuation pressure due to the decline in Bitcoin prices. In the past fiscal year, the company accumulated 35,102 Bitcoins through active purchases. The price of Bitcoin, which had been as high as $125,000 in the second half of 2025, has since plummeted to between $65,000 and $70,000. As a result, Metaplanet's balance sheet shows unrealized losses of up to $680 million, with an average purchase price of $107,000 per Bitcoin.
Due to continued volatility in the digital asset market, the company has suspended new Bitcoin purchases for approximately eight weeks. Amidst low investor sentiment, the company's stock price has fallen by 63% in the past six months. Nevertheless, Metaplanet continues to launch growth strategies related to the long-term adoption of Bitcoin, aiming to accumulate 100,000 Bitcoins by the end of 2026. Analysts are closely monitoring the company's strategy and Metaplanet's involvement in the development of the global Bitcoin ecosystem through its venture arm.