Bitwise Investments, a prominent provider of cryptocurrency index funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), has announced the addition of two new companies—Fold Holdings and Bitdeer Technologies—to its Bitcoin Standard Corporations ETF. The ETF, which trades under the ticker OWNB, is designed to track companies holding significant amounts of Bitcoin in their treasuries.

New Additions: Fold Holdings and Bitdeer Technologies

Fold Holdings, based in Phoenix, is a Bitcoin financial services firm established in 2019. Bitdeer Technologies, on the other hand, is a Nasdaq-listed Bitcoin mining company with operations spanning the United States, Norway, and Bhutan. These two companies join the ETF shortly after its launch, reflecting Bitwise’s continued focus on Bitcoin-centric firms.

With the inclusion of Fold Holdings and Bitdeer Technologies, the ETF now encompasses a total of 22 companies that each hold at least 1,000 BTC in their treasury. This aligns with Bitwise’s strategy to create an index that tracks corporations heavily invested in Bitcoin assets.

Key Highlights of the ETF

The ETF does not invest directly in Bitcoin or indirectly through derivatives linked to Bitcoin. Instead, it tracks companies that integrate Bitcoin as part of their treasury holdings. Notable companies within the fund include Michael Saylor’s Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy), bitcoin mining firm MARA Holdings, and Elon Musk’s Tesla. Other major players in the ETF include Riot Platforms, Metaplanet, and Semler Scientific.

Metaplanet, known for its aggressive Bitcoin acquisition strategy, holds 3,350 BTC, mirroring the approach of Strategy. Collectively, the ETF’s 22 companies hold over 648,000 BTC, valued at more than $54 billion, representing approximately 3.2% of Bitcoin’s total supply.

Top Holdings and Weight Distribution

As of March 25, Strategy remains the largest contributor to the ETF, with 506,137 BTC acquired for over $33.7 billion. This gives the company the highest weighting in the index at 22.64%. MARA Holdings and Riot Platforms follow closely with weightings of 10.67% and 10.04%, respectively. Metaplanet ranks as the fourth-largest holding with a weighting of 5%.

Fold Holdings and Bitdeer Technologies bring additional diversity to the ETF. Fold currently holds 1,485 BTC, valued at approximately $130 million, while Bitdeer owns 1,039 BTC, worth around $92 million. These holdings further reinforce the ETF’s focus on companies with substantial Bitcoin reserves.

Why This Matters for Bitcoin Investors

The Bitwise Bitcoin Standard Corporations ETF provides an opportunity for investors to gain exposure to companies deeply connected to Bitcoin without directly investing in the cryptocurrency itself. For beginners and intermediate investors, this ETF offers a diversified approach to participate in the Bitcoin ecosystem while mitigating the risks associated with direct ownership.

Tips for Investors

  • Research the companies included in the ETF to understand their Bitcoin strategies.
  • Monitor Bitcoin market trends, as they can impact the valuation of treasury assets held by these companies.
  • Consider the ETF’s performance and weight distribution to evaluate its alignment with your financial goals.

With Bitcoin’s growing adoption among corporations, ETFs like OWNB represent a unique opportunity for investors to capitalize on this trend. As the cryptocurrency market continues to evolve, funds such as Bitwise’s Bitcoin Standard Corporations ETF may play a pivotal role in bridging traditional finance and digital assets.

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