Blockstream raises $125M to finance expanded Bitcoin mining operations

by Jeremy

Digital asset infrastructure firm Blockstream has raised $125 million to finance its Bitcoin (BTC) mining colocation companies, underscoring heightened demand for its institutional internet hosting companies amid the bear market. 

The $125 million increase was financed by convertible notice and a secured mortgage, Blockstream introduced on Jan. 24. Enterprise capital agency Kingsway Capital led the convertible notice increase, with further participation from Fulgur Ventures. Cohen & Cohen Capital Markets, a part of J.V.B. Monetary Group, suggested Blockstream on the deal.

The funding will allow Blockstream to develop mining capability for institutional internet hosting clients — a phase the corporate mentioned was “resilient” within the face of Bitcoin worth volatility in comparison with so-called prop miners. This latter phase is “extra straight uncovered to Bitcoin worth volatility and compressed margins,” Blockstream mentioned.

“We stay centered on decreasing danger for institutional bitcoin miners and enabling enterprise customers to construct high-value use circumstances,” mentioned Erik Svenson, Blockstream’s president and chief monetary officer.

Associated: BlockFi to promote $160M in Bitcoin miner-backed loans: Report

A protracted bear market in crypto, punctuated by a number of high-profile bankruptcies that culminated in the FTX collapse, positioned vital stress on Bitcoin miners. In December, Bitcoin mining large Core Scientific filed for 11 chapter as a result of plunging revenues.

Mining operation Greenridge prevented chapter in December by receiving a $74 million lifeline from New York Digital Funding Group.

As reported by Cointelegraph, Bitcoin miners’ worst days could have handed as hashrate stabilized and revenue margins progressively improved towards the tip of 2022. Nevertheless, the trade stays below stress, particularly for small- and mid-sized miners with breakeven costs above $25,000 BTC.