TLDR
- Metaplanet launched two new subsidiaries: Metaplanet Ventures and Metaplanet Asset Management
- Metaplanet Ventures will deploy 4 billion yen (~$25M) into Bitcoin infrastructure startups in Japan over the next few years
- The VC arm made its first investment — 400 million yen ($2.5M) into Japanese stablecoin issuer JPYC as part of its Series B round
- Metaplanet Asset Management will be Miami-based, focused on Bitcoin investment products and capital markets for Asian and Western investors
- MTPLF closed up 5.53% Wednesday at $2.29; Tokyo-listed stock fell 1.9% Thursday to 362 yen
Metaplanet has expanded well beyond simply buying Bitcoin. The Tokyo-listed company announced two new wholly owned subsidiaries on Thursday — a venture capital arm and a US-based asset management unit — marking a clear shift in how it plans to build out its Bitcoin-focused business.
CEO Simon Gerovich confirmed the moves via X, saying the board approved both subsidiaries. The announcements come as Japan edges toward recognizing Bitcoin as a regulated financial asset, with Metaplanet expecting that classification to land by January 2028.
Metaplanet Ventures will focus on seed-to-growth-stage startups building Bitcoin financial infrastructure in Japan. Target areas include lending, payments, custody, stablecoins, derivatives, and compliance. The VC arm will also run an incubator and grants program for early-stage founders, open-source developers, educators, and researchers.
The $25M deployment is expected over two to three years and will be funded through Metaplanet’s Bitcoin income business — not by selling its Bitcoin holdings.
First Bet: Japanese Stablecoin JPYC
The VC arm didn’t waste time. Its first move was a 400 million yen ($2.5M) investment into JPYC Inc., the issuer of Japan’s first licensed stablecoin. The investment is part of JPYC’s Series B round.
JPYC launched in October 2025 and holds its 1:1 yen peg through bank deposits and government bonds. It runs on Ethereum, Avalanche, and Polygon. Earlier this month, JPYC partnered with Sony Bank to expand into Japan’s music and entertainment sectors.
Gerovich framed the investment as a logical one: “Every Bitcoin transaction has two sides: Bitcoin and a currency. As this market goes institutional, that currency side goes digital.”
Miami Base for Asset Management
The second subsidiary, Metaplanet Asset Management, will operate out of Miami as a “digital credit and Bitcoin capital markets platform.” It’s designed to connect Asian and Western capital markets and will offer Bitcoin investment products, capital markets advisory, and related regulatory infrastructure.
The company said it plans to announce specific funds and strategies as they launch, covering everything from fixed income to actively managed equity and volatility strategies.
Metaplanet currently holds 35,102 BTC — worth around $2.45 billion — making it the fourth-largest corporate Bitcoin holder. The company has set a target of 210,000 BTC by end of 2027.
Last month, Metaplanet reported a net loss of 95 billion yen ($598M) for 2025, driven by unrealized valuation losses on its Bitcoin holdings. Gerovich pushed back on the headline number, pointing to a 1,695% year-over-year surge in operating profit.
“Even in this year’s down market, our stock fell 23% while Bitcoin fell 24% — we have not underperformed,” he said.
MTPLF closed up 5.53% on Wednesday at $2.29. Its Tokyo-listed stock slipped 1.9% intraday on Thursday to 362 yen.
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