Strive surpasses Tesla to become the 11th largest Bitcoin holder globally, as corporate accumulation accelerates

Asset management firm Strive doubled its Bitcoin holdings in just two weeks through increased purchases and acquisitions. From an initial 7,749 coins in early January, the holdings surged to 12,798 coins, surpassing Tesla and Trump media to become the 11th largest corporate Bitcoin holder globally. This shift reflects a new understanding among traditional asset management giants regarding Bitcoin treasury strategies and signals that corporate hoarding of Bitcoin may become the new normal by 2026.

Strive’s “Lightning-Fast” Expansion

A two-step strategy for rapid accumulation

Between January 1 and 12, Strive purchased 123 BTC at an average price of $91,561 per coin, a relatively restrained cost for increased holdings. The real turning point came on January 13, when Strive completed the acquisition of Bitcoin reserve company Semler Scientific, acquiring a one-time 5,048 BTC.

These two moves boosted Strive’s total Bitcoin holdings from 7,749.8 to 12,798 coins, with total value soaring from $874 million to over $1.1 billion. The rapid pace of accumulation demonstrates Strive’s firm commitment to Bitcoin asset allocation.

Hidden advantages of cost structure

Notably, Strive’s average purchase cost is approximately $112,810. This relatively low cost basis leaves ample room for future gains. CEO Matt Cole stated that the Bitcoin return in Q1 2026 is expected to exceed 15%, a projection based on the current price and the difference from the cost basis.

Currently, Bitcoin trades near $95,422, still below Strive’s average cost, but from a long-term holding perspective, this cost position remains competitive.

A New Camp in Corporate Bitcoin Reserves

Implications behind the ranking change

Strive surpassing Tesla to become the 11th largest corporate Bitcoin holder reflects a phase shift in corporate Bitcoin allocation, beyond a simple ranking change.

As a representative of traditional asset managers, Strive’s quick entry and large-scale holdings indicate that such institutions have completed their cognitive shift regarding Bitcoin. Moving from passive observation to active allocation marks a qualitative leap.

New Strategies for Asset Giants

Strive’s operational logic warrants attention. The company plans to monetize the medical business of Semler Scientific, acquired through the takeover, to repay legacy debts, while focusing on expanding the scale of the Bitcoin-backed preferred stock SATA. This “industry + Bitcoin” dual-driven model is not just pure financial investment but an integration of industry and assets.

The significance of this model lies in demonstrating that Bitcoin is not merely an investment asset but can become a core pillar of corporate financial strategy.

Multiple Market Signal Interpretations

Accelerating corporate hoarding

By 2026, the journey has just begun, yet Strive has already doubled its Bitcoin holdings through two major moves. This proactive accumulation approach is likely to trigger follow-on effects from other asset management firms. As traditional asset managers start taking Bitcoin seriously, new channels for incremental market capital inflows will emerge.

The importance of cost control

Strive chose a relatively low purchase price of $91,561 during its accumulation, indicating that institutional investors are not blindly chasing high prices but are strategically and rhythmically building their positions. This rational approach to accumulation helps stabilize market expectations rather than creating bubbles.

Summary

Strive’s Bitcoin holdings surged from 7,749 to 12,798 coins in early January, making it the 11th largest corporate holder worldwide. This is not just a ranking change but a recognition of a new strategic approach among traditional asset managers toward Bitcoin treasury management. Corporate Bitcoin hoarding is expanding from the realm of tech companies to traditional asset management, signaling that 2026 could be a year of accelerated corporate Bitcoin allocation. The key is to observe whether this trend can sustain continuous incremental capital inflows and whether other major asset managers will follow suit.