DD
MM
YYYY

CATEGORIES

PAGES

DD
MM
YYYY

spot_img

CATEGORIES

PAGES

Home Blog Page 1203

Tekedia Capital Welcomes 100Pay, An Africa-built Crypto Infrastructure Company

By
Ndubuisi Ekekwe
-
0

Tekedia Capital welcomes 100Pay, an Africa-built crypto infrastructure company, which enjoys Visa partnership, making it possible to introduce a new crypto-backed debit card, PayCard, aimed at simplifying global payments. In Nigeria, Africa and beyond, PayCard offers you the opportunity to spend up to $1m monthly: “Spend your crypto at physical and online stores with the PayCard on any Visa supported device or ATM machine”.

The PayCard supports over 22 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and USDT, giving users the flexibility to spend a variety of digital assets. It also integrates with digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, allowing for contactless payments and ATM withdrawals worldwide.

Hear from Brainy Josh, 100Pay CEO: “It’s a global Visa debit card that works on any Visa-supported device or ATM. You’re not holding Naira or any traditional currency—you’re holding cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. The advantage is that you can spend these assets directly without having to convert them first”.

100Pay is also introducing in Africa a digital asset bank – a bank that supports, banks and takes care of those whose assets are cryptos and more. In other words, you will have a bank that is designed for crypto lovers. Licensing ongoing in an African country!

Tekedia Capital welcomes Brainy and 100Pay to the home where unicorns are being bred. To learn more about 100Pay, go here https://100pay.co/ . To explore the PayCard with Visa, visit https://paycard.100pay.co/ . To learn more about Tekedia Capital, the investing friend of great entrepreneurs, visit capital.tekedia.com

BITCOIN Act Could Reshape U.S. Financial and Technological Policy

By
Paul Ugbede Godwin
-
0

The BITCOIN Act, aimed at establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and acquiring 1 million Bitcoin over five years, was introduced by Senator Cynthia Lummis in March 2025.  Senator Lummis announced President Trump’s support for the bill, which was expected to be discussed in Congress the following week. However, there is no definitive evidence in the provided information confirming that the bill was scheduled to hit Congress specifically the week of May 29, 2025.

The bill, formally known as the Boosting Innovation, Technology, and Competitiveness through Optimized Investment Nationwide Act, directs the U.S. Treasury to purchase Bitcoin using existing Federal Reserve and Treasury funds in a budget-neutral manner, with the goal of holding it for at least 20 years to address national debt or financial strategy. The BITCOIN Act, formally the Boosting Innovation, Technology, and Competitiveness through Optimized Investment Nationwide Act, proposes the U.S. acquire 1 million Bitcoin over five years to establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, with President Trump’s reported support.

If passed, the U.S. acquiring ~5% of Bitcoin’s total supply could significantly drive up its price due to increased demand and reduced available supply. X posts suggest this could trigger volatility, with institutional investors potentially rushing to allocate funds, amplifying market swings. The bill aims to be budget-neutral, using seized Bitcoin, tariff revenues, and Federal Reserve funds to acquire Bitcoin, which would be held for at least 20 years. Proponents argue this could hedge against national debt or dollar devaluation, positioning Bitcoin as a “digital gold” for financial stability.

Supporters, like Senator Lummis, claim it could strengthen the U.S. dollar’s role in global finance by integrating Bitcoin as a strategic asset. Critics, however, warn it risks destabilizing markets if Bitcoin’s volatility persists. Critics, such as Peter Schiff, argue that funding the purchases through Federal Reserve mechanisms could exacerbate inflation by creating new money, potentially undermining the bill’s economic benefits.

The Act could legitimize Bitcoin as a state-backed asset, signaling federal confidence in blockchain technology. This might spur innovation in crypto-related industries and encourage institutional adoption. By treating Bitcoin as a strategic reserve, the U.S. could position itself as a leader in digital asset policy, potentially attracting global crypto businesses and talent, aligning with broader goals of boosting U.S. technological competitiveness.

The bill shifts U.S. crypto policy from regulatory oversight to active participation, potentially setting a precedent for other nations to adopt similar reserves. Proposals like “Bitcoin bonds” could integrate crypto into federal fiscal strategies, though details remain unclear. This could reshape how governments approach digital assets in debt management. Critics argue the bill could disproportionately benefit existing Bitcoin holders, potentially exacerbating wealth inequality.

The Act could mainstream Bitcoin, shifting its image from a speculative asset to a government-endorsed reserve, potentially increasing public and institutional trust. The bill, introduced by Senator Lummis with Republican co-sponsors, has garnered support from figures like Senators Jim Justice and Marsha Blackburn, and aligns with Trump’s pro-crypto stance. This partisan backing (6-0 Republican in the Senate) frames it as a conservative initiative.

Democrats like Senator Elizabeth Warren and Congressman Brad Sherman view Bitcoin skeptically, citing its use in illicit activities and threats to U.S. dollar dominance. This creates a partisan rift, with the bill facing an uphill battle in a divided Congress. The bill’s timing, close to the 2024 election, politicizes it further. Supporters see the bill as a forward-thinking move to embrace decentralized finance, countering inflation and enhancing U.S. competitiveness. They view Bitcoin as a hedge against fiat currency risks.

Critics, including some economists, argue that state-backed Bitcoin purchases risk financial instability due to its volatility and lack of intrinsic value. They fear it could undermine trust in traditional monetary systems. The crypto community on X is largely enthusiastic, seeing the bill as validation of Bitcoin’s strategic importance. However, mainstream skepticism persists, with concerns about environmental impacts of Bitcoin mining and its accessibility to average citizens.

The bill’s focus on government reserves may not address barriers to crypto adoption for underrepresented groups, potentially widening the gap between institutional and individual investors. The bill’s partisan nature and a divided Congress make passage uncertain, especially with potential veto threats from the current administration. Questions remain about how the reserve would be managed, including transparency (via a Proof of Reserve system) and state participation in segregated accounts.

Bitcoin’s price volatility could lead to significant losses if the market corrects after a government-driven price surge, posing risks to taxpayers. The BITCOIN Act could reshape U.S. financial and technological policy by legitimizing Bitcoin as a strategic asset, potentially boosting innovation and global competitiveness. However, it faces a stark divide: Republican enthusiasm versus Democratic skepticism, and crypto advocates versus traditionalist critics.

Your Office Can Sponsor Your Tekedia Mini-MBA; Share With Your Supervisor

By
Ndubuisi Ekekwe
-
0

[Please Share with Your Supervisor]

Hello,

Every company in the world is built on three pillars: people, tools and processes. And every modern company also works on four foundational factors of production which include knowledge, entrepreneurial vision, labour, and capital. At Tekedia Institute, we have created a KNOWLEDGE product, to make the PEOPLE pillar better, to advance and strengthen the firm. The goal is clear: deepening capabilities to fix frictions in the market and advance customers and their communities.

When your staff come to Tekedia Institute and co-learn with us, they will understand the highest level of customer satisfaction. Here, we do not teach meeting the Needs of customers or the Expectations of customers, but the Perceptions of customers. Why? The greatest companies in the world operate at the level of perception, taking customers on journeys, they never dream or imagine, until they get there.

At the perception level, a company creates fandom in the market, and customers become fans. The result is a new basis of competition being created with massive disruption which typically changes the structure in the industry. Whenever that happens, stars of markets are born, and category-king companies emerge with commanding market shares. In 2011, I explained in Harvard Business Review here. 

Tekedia Mini-MBA is a 12-week program which covers the modules you see in most business management education programs. The full curriculum is here. The next start date is June 9, 2025, and it costs N120,000 or $170 per staff. Click here to register your team or simply contact info@tekedia.com . We are also launching Blucera WinGPT to bring the power of AI in business education for learners with an annual plan.

Regards,

Ndubuisi

Metaplanet Announces Issuance of $50M In Zero Interest Bond to Fund Bitcoin Investment

By
Paul Ugbede Godwin
-
0

Japanese investment firm Metaplanet announced the issuance of $50 million in zero-interest bonds to fund additional Bitcoin purchases, marking its 16th series of such bonds. The bonds, issued to Cayman Islands-based EVO Fund, carry no interest, are unsecured, and mature on November 27, 2025, with a face value of $1.25 million each.

The proceeds are intended solely for acquiring more Bitcoin, aligning with Metaplanet’s strategy to bolster its Bitcoin treasury, which currently stands at 7,800 BTC, valued at approximately $840–$850 million. This follows a recent purchase of 1,004 BTC for $104.3 million. The company aims to hold 10,000 BTC by the end of 2025, having raised $135.2 million through bonds this year alone. Metaplanet’s stock surged 9.5%–15% after the announcement, reflecting strong investor support, though its valuation has drawn scrutiny for trading at a premium, with some analysts noting its stock implies a Bitcoin price five times the market value.

Metaplanet’s $50 million bond issuance to purchase additional Bitcoin has significant implications for the company, its investors, and the broader financial landscape. Metaplanet’s continued accumulation of Bitcoin (aiming for 10,000 BTC by year-end 2025) signals a growing trend among corporations to hold Bitcoin as a treasury asset, following the likes of MicroStrategy. This positions Metaplanet as a proxy for Bitcoin exposure, appealing to investors seeking indirect access to cryptocurrency without direct ownership.

By allocating bond proceeds to Bitcoin, Metaplanet is betting on Bitcoin’s long-term appreciation. If Bitcoin’s price rises, this could significantly boost the company’s asset value (currently holding 7,800 BTC worth ~$840–850 million). However, Bitcoin’s volatility poses a risk of substantial losses if prices decline. Issuing zero-interest, unsecured bonds to EVO Fund minimizes immediate debt servicing costs, but the lack of collateral increases risk for bondholders. The bonds’ one-year maturity (November 27, 2025) ties repayment to Metaplanet’s ability to manage its Bitcoin holdings or other cash flows effectively.

Raising $135.2 million through bonds in 2025 to buy Bitcoin introduces leverage into Metaplanet’s balance sheet. If Bitcoin underperforms or market conditions worsen, the company could face challenges meeting bond obligations, especially if it needs to liquidate Bitcoin at a loss. The 9.5%–15% stock price increase post-announcement reflects strong investor enthusiasm, particularly among crypto-friendly investors. However, the stock’s premium valuation (implying a Bitcoin price ~5x market value) suggests speculative fervor, which could lead to volatility if sentiment shifts.

Metaplanet’s move may encourage other firms to adopt Bitcoin as a treasury asset, potentially driving demand and influencing Bitcoin’s price. It also reinforces Japan’s growing openness to crypto, following regulatory shifts like the approval of a Bitcoin ETF in December 2024. Metaplanet’s Bitcoin purchases are partly framed as a hedge against yen weakness and inflation, given Japan’s monetary policy challenges. This aligns with Bitcoin’s narrative as “digital gold,” appealing to firms in economies with fiat currency risks.

The move highlights a split between jurisdictions embracing crypto (e.g., Japan, with recent ETF approvals) and those imposing stricter regulations (e.g., parts of the EU or China), potentially positioning Japan as a crypto-friendly hub. The decision has sparked polarized views among stakeholders, reflecting broader debates about Bitcoin’s role in corporate finance and the economy.

Crypto enthusiasts, Bitcoin maximalists, and investors like EVO Fund view Metaplanet’s strategy as visionary. They argue it diversifies corporate assets, hedges against fiat currency risks, and capitalizes on Bitcoin’s potential for long-term growth, especially with institutional adoption rising (e.g., U.S. and Japanese Bitcoin ETFs). Bitcoin’s finite supply and decentralized nature make it an attractive store of value, particularly in a low-yield environment. Metaplanet’s stock surge suggests market validation of this approach, with some seeing it as a model for other firms.

Traditional investors, financial analysts, and risk-averse stakeholders question the sustainability of Metaplanet’s strategy. They highlight the speculative nature of Bitcoin, its volatility (e.g., 2022’s 60%+ price drop), and the lack of fundamental cash flows from Bitcoin holdings. Analysts note Metaplanet’s stock trades at a premium, implying an unrealistic Bitcoin price (~$500,000 vs. ~$1, 000,000 market price). This suggests potential overvaluation driven by hype rather than fundamentals, risking a correction if Bitcoin falters.

Critics argue that leveraging debt to buy a volatile asset like Bitcoin exposes Metaplanet to significant financial risk, especially with unsecured bonds. A market downturn or regulatory crackdown could strain liquidity, particularly if bond repayment deadlines loom. Japan’s regulatory shift (e.g., Bitcoin ETF approval) supports Metaplanet’s strategy, reflecting a cultural openness to innovation. This contrasts with more restrictive environments like China, where crypto trading faces bans.

Some Japanese financial institutions and global regulators remain wary of crypto’s volatility and potential for illicit use, creating tension with firms like Metaplanet pushing for mainstream adoption. Metaplanet’s bond issuance to buy Bitcoin is a bold move that strengthens its position as a Bitcoin-centric investment vehicle, potentially inspiring other firms while amplifying its exposure to Bitcoin’s price swings.

The divide between supporters (who see it as a forward-thinking hedge) and critics (who warn of speculative risks) mirrors broader debates about cryptocurrency’s role in corporate finance. While the strategy has boosted Metaplanet’s stock and visibility, its success hinges on Bitcoin’s performance and the company’s ability to manage leveraged risks by November 2025.

Trump Administration Halts Semiconductor Design Supplies By U.S. Companies to China

By
Paul Ugbede Godwin
-
0

The Trump administration has ordered U.S. companies supplying semiconductor design software, specifically Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools, to halt sales to Chinese entities, according to a Financial Times report. Affected companies include Cadence, Synopsys, and Siemens EDA, which together control about 80% of China’s EDA market. The directive, issued by the U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security, aims to restrict China’s access to critical technology for advanced chip development, citing national security concerns. This move extends to other products like chemicals, machine tools, and aviation equipment, requiring licenses for exports to China, with some existing licenses revoked.

The restrictions are part of a broader strategy to limit China’s technological advancements, particularly in AI and military capabilities. However, Synopsys’ CEO stated they had not received formal notice from the Commerce Department. The policy could impact the revenue of U.S. firms, with Synopsys and Cadence relying on China for 16% and 12% of their annual revenue, respectively. China’s Ministry of Commerce criticized the move as undermining trade agreements, vowing to defend its companies’ interests. The policy is not an outright ban, as license requests will be reviewed case-by-case, possibly as leverage in ongoing trade talks.

Implications of Trump’s Order on Chip Suppliers

Companies like Cadence, Synopsys, and Siemens EDA, which rely on China for significant revenue (16% for Synopsys, 12% for Cadence), face potential financial strain. The restrictions could reduce their market share in China, a major semiconductor market. Compliance with new licensing requirements and navigating export controls will raise operational costs for U.S. firms, potentially affecting profitability and stock prices. U.S. companies may need to invest more in R&D to maintain competitive edges in other markets, as Chinese firms seek alternatives.

Impact on China’s Tech Industry

Restricted access to EDA tools, critical for designing advanced chips, could hinder China’s semiconductor industry, particularly for AI, 5G, and military applications. China is likely to accelerate efforts to develop domestic EDA tools and chip manufacturing capabilities, though closing the technological gap with U.S. firms could take years. Chinese companies may face delays or increased costs by sourcing alternative suppliers from Europe, Japan, or domestic firms, which may not yet match U.S. capabilities.

Non-U.S. suppliers, such as those in Europe or Japan, may gain market share in China, potentially weakening U.S. dominance in the EDA sector. Reduced competition in China’s market could drive up costs for semiconductors globally, impacting industries like consumer electronics and automotive. The restrictions may escalate trade disputes, prompting China to retaliate with export controls on critical materials like rare earths, further straining global supply chains.

Limiting China’s access to advanced chip technology strengthens U.S. leverage in AI and military tech, aligning with national security priorities. The case-by-case licensing approach could serve as a bargaining chip in U.S.-China trade negotiations, potentially tied to broader diplomatic or economic concessions. The U.S. may pressure allies like the Netherlands (e.g., ASML) and Japan to align with these restrictions, but compliance could strain their economic ties with China.

The restrictions reinforce a bifurcated global tech ecosystem, with the U.S. and allies consolidating control over advanced semiconductor technologies. China is incentivized to build an independent tech stack, from EDA tools to chip fabrication. Companies like Huawei and SMIC are already investing heavily, though they lag behind Western counterparts. Diverging technological standards could emerge, complicating global interoperability for devices and systems.

China’s Ministry of Commerce has signaled retaliatory measures, which could include restrictions on U.S. imports or critical materials, deepening the economic divide. Countries may face pressure to choose sides, with U.S. allies like South Korea and Taiwan aligning with Washington, while others with strong China ties may resist, creating a fragmented global trade landscape. The U.S. aims to maintain its lead in semiconductors, but restrictions could accelerate China’s innovation in niche areas, potentially leading to breakthroughs in alternative technologies.

Both sides are likely to intensify efforts to attract global talent and capital, further polarizing the tech innovation landscape. A decoupled tech ecosystem may reduce collaboration, slowing overall technological progress. China may strengthen tech partnerships with countries in Asia, Africa, or Europe, creating competing regional blocs.

End users could face higher prices and reduced access to cutting-edge technology as supply chains fragment and costs rise. This divide risks a prolonged U.S.-China tech cold war, with both sides investing heavily in self-sufficiency while global markets navigate increasing complexity and uncertainty.

1...1,2021,2031,204...8,093Page 1,203 of 8,093

© Tekedia. All rights reserved.

Term & Privacy

© Tekedia. All rights reserved.

Term & Privacy