YEREVAN (CoinChapter.com) — Tokyo-listed gaming studio Gumi has acquired 1 billion yen ($6.6 million) worth of Bitcoin (BTC) to strengthen its position in blockchain technology. The company’s board of directors approved the purchase on Feb. 10, highlighting its strategic expansion into digital assets.
Gumi’s translated statement confirmed that the firm is expanding its node management business. The company aims to become the first publicly listed Japanese firm to serve as a validator for the Bitcoin staking protocol Babylon.
Bitcoin Staking Through Babylon
The Bitcoin staking protocol Babylon enables BTC holders to stake their assets while maintaining security. Babylon reported in December that over $3.5 billion worth of Bitcoin had already been staked on its platform.
Gumi’s BTC purchase aligns with its blockchain expansion strategy, which includes acquiring and managing high-quality tokens. The firm’s website states that it uses blockchain technology to create new digital content and services.
Gumi Cryptos Capital’s Web3 Investments
Gumi Cryptos Capital (GCC), the company’s Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm, focuses on early-stage blockchain investments. The firm has backed major projects such as OpenSea and 1inch, showing its ongoing interest in Web3 infrastructure.
Alongside the Gumi BTC investment, the company plans to expand its involvement in crypto-related projects worldwide. The company’s roadmap includes acquiring more blockchain assets and making investments in emerging crypto firms.
Public Companies Buying Bitcoin
Gumi joins a growing list of public companies buying Bitcoin. Another Japan Bitcoin adoption case is Metaplanet, which started a Bitcoin investment strategy in May 2023 and later added $60 million worth of BTC to its holdings.
In the United States, Semler Scientific reported holding 1,273 BTC as of November 2023. Other corporate Bitcoin holdings include KULR Technology, Matador Technologies, and Quantum BioPharma, all of which have added BTC to their balance sheets.
Bitcoin Accumulation by Miners
Bitcoin miners are also increasing their corporate Bitcoin holdings. CleanSpark, a mining company, added more than 1,000 BTC in Q4 2024, raising its total holdings to 10,556 BTC.
Meanwhile, Michael Saylor’s Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) recently acquired 7,633 BTC at an average price of $97,255 per coin. The company has ramped up BTC purchases since late 2024.
The Gumi BTC investment places the company among other firms accumulating Bitcoin while expanding its role in blockchain infrastructure and Web3 development.