NEW: Public Firm Thumzup Media Plans $500M Raise to Acquire More Bitcoin

Thumzup Media Corporation has taken a bold step by increasing its maximum offering amount from $200 million to $500 million through an amended SEC filing. The move signals the company’s growing commitment to both its social media platform and expanding Bitcoin reserves. Thumzup currently holds over 19 BTC worth approximately $1.8 million and plans to allocate up to 90% of its liquid assets into Bitcoin.

The company describes Bitcoin as a scarce and finite asset with the potential to surpass gold as a long-term store of value. Thumzup’s board believes Bitcoin is a reliable hedge against inflation and global instability. While no securities are being sold immediately the expanded registration allows flexibility for future offerings through stock debt or other instruments.

Since listing on Nasdaq in October 2024 Thumzup has embraced Bitcoin at the core of its financial strategy. The company has integrated BTC into its treasury and launched payment options in Bitcoin through its Account Specialist Program highlighting its belief in the future of digital currency.

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LATEST: Bhutan First Nation to Enable Crypto Payments in Tourism via Binance Pay

Bhutan has teamed up with Binance Pay and DK Bank to introduce the world’s first nationwide crypto tourism payment system. This bold move lets travelers pay for everything using crypto from flights and hotels to visas local snacks and guided tours. Over 100 Bhutanese merchants are already on board making a fully cashless journey possible with just a phone.

Tourists can now enjoy instant payments using dynamic or static QR codes through the Binance app. The system supports more than 100 cryptocurrencies including BTC BNB and USDC with real-time settlement in local currency by DK Bank. It removes barriers like high exchange fees and card limitations while unlocking access to even remote vendors and artisans.

This initiative empowers Bhutan’s small businesses with global reach through technology. According to officials it supports financial inclusion economic growth and cultural preservation. Binance calls it a historic step toward digital innovation that connects people and places. Bhutan is setting a new standard for crypto’s role in real-world experiences and tourism.

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Have Bitcoin? Need Cash? Strike Launches New Product Allowing Users To Borrow Up To $2 Million – Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust (BTC) Common units of fractional undivided beneficial interest (ARCA:BTC)

The thought of selling Bitcoin BTC/USD makes you feel squeamish? Strike, a cryptocurrency payments firm, has launched a new lending product that allows users to take out loans using the world’s largest cryptocurrency as collateral.

What Happened: The firm’s CEO, Jack Mallers, took to X, explaining how the new offering would work.

Like other credit-financing mechanisms, Bitcoin-backed loans involve temporarily pledging held BTC as secure collateral and receiving a cash loan, to be repaid with interest. The larger the loan, the more collateral is required.

For a 12-month loan, the interest rates begin at 12%, with a minimum borrowing amount of $75,000 and a maximum of $2 million. The…

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LATEST: Japanese Firm Metaplanet Adds 555 BTC, Issues $25M Bonds to Buy More

Japanese investment firm Metaplanet has added another 555 bitcoin worth $53.4 million to its growing digital asset portfolio signaling strong belief in the future of crypto. This purchase brings its total holdings to 5,555 BTC valued at $481.5 million making it Asia’s largest public bitcoin holder and the 11th biggest globally.

CEO Simon Gerovich celebrated the milestone on X by referencing the Japanese pronunciation of five as “Go” saying Go go go go — to the moon and beyond. The company has been building its bitcoin reserves since April 2024 aiming for 10,000 BTC by the end of 2025. It also issued a new $25 million bond series its 13th round to fund future bitcoin buys.

Metaplanet is also expanding into the US with plans to open Metaplanet Treasury Corp in Miami. The city is seen as a rising hub for bitcoin and financial innovation. Company stock surged over 13% on Wednesday as investor confidence grew stronger.

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Michael Saylor Explains Why Microsoft Should Buy Bitcoin

At Strategy World 2025, Michael Saylor issued a bold message to tech giants like Microsoft: skip the stock buybacks and buy Bitcoin instead.

“Microsoft is going to do a buyback,” Saylor said. “Buying Bitcoin would be 10x better than buying their own stock.” Backed by data, he made the case that corporate treasuries are leaving massive upside on the table by sticking with legacy capital strategies.

Over the last five years, Microsoft stock has returned an impressive 18% annually. But Bitcoin? It’s up 62% annually over that same stretch. “If the cost of capital is the S&P 500 at 14%, Microsoft is outperforming by 4%. Bitcoin is outperforming by 48%,” Saylor emphasized….

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Will AI make blockchains conscious?

This is a segment from the Blockworks Daily newsletter. To read full editions, subscribe.

“Consciousness may end up being found in very strange places.”

— Christof Koch

The canonical question in the philosophy of consciousness was posed by Thomas Nagel in 1974: “What is it like to be a bat?”

Nagel’s idea was that consciousness is defined simply by what it feels like to be something — the inner, subjective experience of being alive and aware.

“An organism has conscious mental states if and only if there is something that it is like to be that organism,” he explained.

Many have found this subjective answer unsatisfyingly circular: What is this…

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Jack Maller’s Strike Launches Bitcoin-Backed Loans For Eligible U.S. Customers

Strike has unveiled one of its most powerful and innovative features to date: bitcoin-backed loans. For the first time, eligible users in select U.S. states can now borrow cash against their bitcoin holdings without having to sell their cryptocurrency. This option allows individuals to access liquidity without losing their long-term exposure to bitcoin’s price appreciation.

Announcing Strike Lending

You shouldn’t have to sell the best-performing asset in human history to access cash. Now you don’t have to.

Access your bitcoin wealth without selling it. Build a better life on top of bitcoin with @Strike.

Borrow fiat. HODL #bitcoin. pic.twitter.com/t3SqVeu8fq

— Jack Mallers… Read more on BitcoinMagazine

Samara Asset Group Launches Bitcoin CPI As A New Inflation Benchmark

In corporate finance, inflation is often accepted as an unavoidable force—something to hedge against, but never escape. Every fiscal model, investment thesis, and capital plan ultimately bends around it. But the way we measure inflation is rarely questioned.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI), the world’s default inflation gauge, measures price changes of a basket of goods in fiat currency. But here’s the problem: fiat currencies are designed to lose value. This means we’re measuring rising prices with a yardstick that’s shrinking.

Now, Samara Asset Group, an executive member of Bitcoin For Corporations (BFC), is challenging that convention.

They’ve launched the world’s first…

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LATEST: New Hampshire Becomes First State to Officially Authorize Crypto and Bitcoin Investments

New Hampshire has made history by becoming the first US state to create a strategic Bitcoin reserve following the passage of House Bill 302. The new law allows the state treasurer to invest up to 5 percent of public funds in Bitcoin and other digital assets with a market cap above 500 billion dollars. These assets will be securely held in multisign wallets under state control or through trusted US-based custodians and exchange-traded products.

Dennis Porter CEO of Satoshi Action Fund announced the news on May 7 celebrating the bill as a major milestone for Bitcoin adoption. He praised New Hampshire for turning their model into law and creating a blueprint that other states can follow. According to Porter this proves that states can diversify reserves protect taxpayer money and embrace the power of decentralized technology.

The bill was driven by Representative Keith Ammon and Majority Leader Jason Osborne both strong supporters of Bitcoin. The law takes effect 60 days after passage marking a bold step into the future of finance.

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