Wall Street Wakes Up: Strive Asset Management Goes Public With Bold $1B Bitcoin Treasury Plan

Strive Asset Management is making waves—not just in the crypto space, but across the broader capital markets—by going public and launching a Bitcoin treasury strategy that could reshape corporate finance. In a bold, contrarian move, the firm is merging with NASDAQ-listed Asset Entities (ASST) in a reverse takeover, creating a publicly traded company that uses Bitcoin as its financial benchmark and balance sheet foundation.

The message to the market is clear: Bitcoin isn’t just an asset—it’s a corporate treasury strategy.

Reverse Merger Paves the Way for a Bitcoin-Focused Public Company

Strive to Trade on NASDAQ Post-Merger

On Wednesday, shares of Asset Entities (ticker: ASST) skyrocketed 194% following the announcement of a reverse merger with Strive Asset Management. The combined entity will retain the Strive brand and remain listed on NASDAQ, but with a strategic twist: the new Strive will become a publicly traded Bitcoin Treasury Company.

This isn’t a gimmick—it’s a calculated move to capitalize on Bitcoin’s role as a strategic reserve asset.

From Bonds to Bitcoin: Meet the CEO Driving the Strategy

Matt Cole: Fixed Income Veteran Turned Bitcoin Strategist

At the helm of Strive is Matt Cole, a former fixed-income portfolio manager overseeing $70 billion. Cole isn’t just jumping on the Bitcoin bandwagon—he’s turning it into a benchmark for how the firm allocates capital. His goal? Outperform Bitcoin by deploying BTC-backed investment strategies that span M&A, leverage, and structured finance.

“We’re not just buying Bitcoin and sitting on it,” Cole explained. “We’re building an active strategy that treats Bitcoin as a working asset—not just digital gold.”

This marks a paradigm shift in capital deployment, especially for public companies.

Equity-for-Bitcoin Swap: A Tax-Efficient Funding Model

Section 351 at the Core of the Strategy

Strive is also introducing an equity-for-Bitcoin swap tailored for accredited investors. Using Section 351 of the IRS code, investors can contribute appreciated Bitcoin tax-free in exchange for Strive stock. This is not only innovative and legal, but also offers a strategic way to bring large BTC holders onto the cap table without triggering capital gains taxes.

Key elements of the swap structure:

• Applies to certain accredited investors.

• Leverages Section 351 for tax efficiency.

• Offered at no premium to the transaction price.

This setup could provide a scalable playbook for other public firms to follow.

A Treasury Strategy for the New Financial Era

$1 Billion in Capital Raise Capacity Post-Merger

Strive plans to expand its capital raising capacity to $1 billion post-merger via a shelf registration, giving it the flexibility to:

• Issue equity or debt to fund Bitcoin purchases.

• Merge with cash-rich companies.

• Use structured products to hedge BTC exposure.

“This is about accessing and deploying capital at scale, and doing so while anchored to Bitcoin’s upside,” Cole noted.

This blend of decentralized finance ethos with Wall Street tools puts Strive in a unique category—a Bitcoin-native investment powerhouse with public market reach.

Performance Mandate: Beat Bitcoin or Go Home

BTC as the Benchmark, Not Just the Asset

Strive isn’t just buying Bitcoin to hold. The company plans to treat Bitcoin as the benchmark for capital performance—essentially aiming to outperform Bitcoin using a mix of strategic financial tools.

How?

• M&A with overcapitalized firms: Gain access to idle corporate cash.

• Leverage: Use BTC as collateral for favorable debt terms.

• Structured hedging: Reduce downside volatility without capping upside.

This is a direct challenge to traditional asset management models, where beating the S&P 500 or a bond index was the standard. Strive is setting the bar higher—with Bitcoin.

No ESG? No Problem

A Contrarian Stance as a Core Brand Identity

Strive has already made headlines for rejecting ESG mandates, a position that’s earned it both critics and loyalists. With roughly $2 billion under management since launching in 2022, the firm has cultivated an identity of independent, non-conformist capital allocation.

This new merger and BTC strategy only reinforce that brand.

“We believe in shareholder primacy and capital performance—not political mandates,” the company stated previously.

By taking Bitcoin mainstream, Strive is forcing a conversation about what fiduciary responsibility means in the era of fiat debasement and institutional Bitcoin adoption.

ASST Stock Surges as Market Cheers the Move

Following the merger news, ASST shares soared by 194% in a single day, reflecting investor enthusiasm not just for the merger itself but for what it represents—a new class of public companies structured around Bitcoin-first finance.

With ASST up more than +450% year-to-date, the market appears to be rewarding bold innovation in the digital asset space—especially when coupled with public listing exposure and a credible team.

The Playbook for a Bitcoin-Centric Public Firm Has Arrived

Strive Asset Management is not just going public—it’s going disruptive.

With an arsenal of innovative tools—equity-for-BTC swaps, structured capital raises, tax-advantaged contributions, and macro conviction—Strive is setting the standard for how Bitcoin can be integrated into modern corporate finance at the highest level.

For CEOs watching from the sidelines, the message is loud and clear: Bitcoin is no longer an experiment—it’s a strategic differentiator.

Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by a third party. We do not verify or endorse the content and will not be responsible for any inaccuracies, claims, or damages arising from the same.