Strive, the asset manager founded by Vivek Ramaswamy, is expanding its Bitcoin-focused strategy through the acquisition of Semler Scientific in an all-stock transaction.
The deal, approved by Semler shareholders, marks a rare example of a publicly traded company being acquired primarily for its Bitcoin treasury.
Key takeaways
Strive is acquiring Semler Scientific entirely in stock
The deal adds more than 5,000 BTC to Strive’s balance sheet
The combined company will rank among the largest corporate Bitcoin holders
As part of the transaction, Strive Inc. will take control of more than 5,000 BTC currently held by Semler Scientific. In parallel, Strive disclosed an additional direct purchase of Bitcoin for its corporate treasury, lifting its total holdings significantly ahead of the deal’s completion.
BREAKING: ?? Vivek Ramaswamy's Strive acquires #Bitcoin company Semler Scientific in an all-stock transaction. pic.twitter.com/aHSjcy34ND
— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) January 13, 2026
Beyond the inherited Bitcoin reserves, Strive also revealed it recently bought 123 BTC at an average price slightly above $91,500 per coin. Including this purchase, Strive’s standalone holdings rise to nearly 7,750 BTC. Once the Semler acquisition is finalized, the combined entity is expected to control close to 12,800 BTC, placing it ahead of companies such as Tesla and Trump Media & Technology Group in terms of Bitcoin exposure.
A Corporate Treasury Play, Not a Traditional Merger
Strive has made it clear that the acquisition is less about Semler’s legacy operating business and more about balance-sheet strategy. The firm plans to monetize Semler’s core operations within a year of closing, while also exploring options to retire legacy liabilities, including a sizable convertible note and a loan linked to Coinbase, depending on market conditions.
Strive’s leadership framed the transaction as a milestone for corporate Bitcoin adoption. According to CEO Matt Cole, the deal represents the first acquisition of a publicly traded company primarily structured around a Bitcoin treasury thesis. He added that the transaction is expected to materially boost Strive’s Bitcoin yield metrics in early 2026.
The move underscores a broader shift among certain public companies toward using Bitcoin as a core treasury asset rather than a speculative allocation. By combining equity financing with aggressive balance-sheet accumulation, Strive is positioning itself as a pure-play vehicle for Bitcoin exposure within traditional equity markets.
If completed as planned, the acquisition will further cement Strive’s status as one of the largest corporate holders of Bitcoin, highlighting how digital assets are increasingly shaping corporate strategy rather than merely supplementing it.
