Metaplanet, a Japanese investment firm dubbed “Asia’s MicroStrategy,” has become the most shorted stock in Japan, sparking comparisons to the 2021 GameStop short squeeze. The company’s aggressive Bitcoin accumulation strategy has drawn significant hedge fund interest, with some betting against its stock. In response, CEO Simon Gerovich challenged these hedge funds, stating, “A short squeeze is coming.” He further invited hedge funds to “bet against Bitcoin” and “bet against Metaplanet,” emphasizing the firm’s confidence in its strategy .
Metaplanet has been on an aggressive Bitcoin acquisition spree, aiming to hold 10,000 BTC by the end of 2025 and 21,000 BTC by 2026. The firm has employed innovative financing methods, including issuing zero-interest bonds and utilizing options strategies, to fund these purchases . This strategy has led to a significant increase in its stock price, making it the most shorted stock in Japan .
The surge in Metaplanet’s stock price and its Bitcoin holdings has garnered attention from both institutional and retail investors. However, analysts caution that the company’s valuation is closely tied to Bitcoin’s performance, and any significant downturn in the cryptocurrency market could impact its stock .
In summary, Metaplanet’s bold Bitcoin strategy has positioned it at the center of a high-stakes financial showdown, with hedge funds betting against its stock and the company preparing for a potential short squeeze.
