Influencer-Turned-Executive Aims to Make Big Bitcoin Bet
Anthony Pompliano, one of the most influential voices in the cryptocurrency world, is preparing to step into the corporate spotlight. The well-known podcast host and crypto advocate, who boasts 1.7 million followers on X, is in advanced talks to become CEO of a new bitcoin investment vehicle that aims to raise $750 million.
The entity, called ProCapBTC, plans to acquire significant amounts of bitcoin through a merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), signaling a bold move by crypto insiders to take advantage of renewed investor enthusiasm under the current U.S. administration.
A Strategic Partnership with Wall Street Backing
Under the proposed structure, ProCapBTC would merge with Columbus Circle Capital 1, a SPAC backed by boutique investment bank Cohen & Company. The deal would see the group raise $500 million in equity and another $250 million in convertible debt, according to three sources familiar with the ongoing discussions.
Columbus Circle Capital 1 recently raised $250 million in an IPO in late May, providing a timely launchpad for the proposed bitcoin-buying spree.
Pompliano, a longtime champion of crypto assets and decentralized finance, has not publicly commented on the potential deal. Cohen & Company has also declined to respond to media requests.
Crypto Gains Fresh Momentum Under Trump
The timing of this high-stakes fundraising effort is no coincidence. The move comes amid a surge in crypto investment activity following President Donald Trump’s pro-crypto stance during his second term. Trump’s open support has fueled confidence across the sector, with major capital inflows and increased IPO activity signaling a revitalized appetite for digital assets.
Pompliano’s planned venture is part of a wider wave of companies aiming to capitalize on the administration’s friendly policies toward crypto markets. Trump’s own media company has raised billions in recent weeks, and several other crypto-linked firms are also rushing to go public.
Following the Michael Saylor Playbook
If successful, ProCapBTC would follow in the footsteps of Michael Saylor’s MicroStrategy, a publicly traded firm that famously converted much of its corporate treasury into bitcoin. Japan’s Metaplanet and other entities have pursued similar strategies, aiming to leverage the digital asset’s potential as a store of value.
ProCapBTC would deploy the capital it raises to purchase bitcoin directly, betting on its long-term appreciation and growing legitimacy in traditional financial circles.
A Rising Trend: Bitcoin Treasuries on Public Books
The idea of holding bitcoin as a corporate treasury asset has gained steam, especially among firms aiming to hedge against inflation and currency devaluation. Public entities buying bitcoin not only gain potential upside, but also add legitimacy to the broader crypto sector.
Pompliano’s entry into this space via a public company signals growing institutional acceptance and reflects broader investor appetite for crypto-centric exposure in regulated markets.
Pompliano Brings Experience and Reach
This isn’t Pompliano’s first foray into public markets. The crypto evangelist recently raised $220 million for a separate SPAC, though that vehicle is not connected to the current deal under negotiation. His experience in raising funds and navigating capital markets has likely helped bolster investor confidence in the ProCapBTC initiative.
Pompliano has built a formidable reputation through his media presence, insightful commentary, and consistent advocacy for digital assets. His leadership at ProCapBTC could attract substantial institutional interest in the venture.
Crypto IPO Activity Signals Market Turnaround
The ProCapBTC move comes amid a broader crypto-led revival of the U.S. IPO market, which had a sluggish start to 2025 due to trade volatility. But now, with sentiment shifting, crypto companies are leading a new wave of filings and debuts.
The Peter Thiel-backed Bullish exchange recently filed confidentially for an IPO after earlier attempts to go public via a SPAC fell through. Meanwhile, Gemini, the crypto exchange founded by the Winklevoss twins, filed its IPO papers last week. Stablecoin operator Circle has also enjoyed a dramatic public debut, with its shares surging nearly 170 percent.
All Eyes on the Final Announcement
While the ProCapBTC arrangement is still being finalized, insiders say an official announcement could come as early as next week. However, they also cautioned that terms were still under negotiation, and no deal is guaranteed.
Still, if it proceeds, the deal would mark another landmark moment in the continued convergence of cryptocurrency and Wall Street finance — and a significant new chapter in Anthony Pompliano’s career.
