Chiara Bianchi
Global brokerage giant Cantor Fitzgerald is reportedly preparing to launch a $3 billion Bitcoin-focused investment venture, joining forces with major players including Tether, SoftBank, and Bitfinex, according to sources cited by the Financial Times.
This ambitious crypto move is being driven by Brandon Lutnick, current CEO and chairman of Cantor, and the son of Howard Lutnick, who recently stepped down to become U.S. Secretary of Commerce under the Trump administration.
Formation of 21 Capital: A New Institutional Bitcoin Powerhouse
The initiative is expected to be executed through Cantor Equity Partners, a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) led by Brandon Lutnick. The SPAC raised $200 million earlier this year and plans to use the capital to launch a new entity called 21 Capital.
According to FT, Tether is slated to contribute $1.5 billion in Bitcoin, while SoftBank would allocate $900 million worth of BTC. Bitfinex, the crypto exchange closely tied to Tether, is expected to add another $600 million to the pool.
These contributions would not only fuel 21 Capitalโs operations but also be converted into shares valued at $10 each, effectively pegging Bitcoinโs price within this structure at $85,000 per BTC.
A Publicly Traded Rival to MicroStrategyโs Bitcoin Gameplan
The model for this venture seems inspired by MicroStrategyโs bold Bitcoin accumulation strategy led by Michael Saylor. With over 538,000 BTC in its treasury, MicroStrategy has leveraged public stock issuance and debt instruments to fund its BTC purchasesโearning a 159% increase in share price over the past year.
Similarly, 21 Capital seeks to create a publicly listed Bitcoin investment vehicle, giving institutional investors indirect exposure to the cryptocurrency through equity.
Additional Funding via Bonds and Private Equity
In addition to crypto contributions, Cantor plans to raise $350 million through a convertible bond offering and secure $200 million in private equity funding to further bolster 21 Capitalโs Bitcoin buying power, according to the FT.
While the deal is reportedly set to be officially announced in the coming weeks, insiders caution that final terms may still changeโor the entire project could be scrapped.
Timing Aligns with Pro-Crypto Momentum in Washington
The report comes as the Trump administration signals increasing support for digital assets, including reversing regulatory crackdowns on crypto firms and proposing more industry-friendly policies.
If finalized, this project would mark one of the largest institutional Bitcoin investments to date, signaling a deeper integration between traditional finance and the crypto world.
