美图斥资2.6亿布局比特币与以太坊：战略布局还是短期炒作？
In a bold move that sent ripples across both the cryptocurrency and traditional financial markets, Meitu Inc. announced on March 7, 2025, an investment of 260 million RMB (approximately $40 million) to purchase 15,000 ETH and 379.12 BTC. This landmark decision made Meitu the first Hong Kong-listed company to publicly allocate corporate treasury funds into Bitcoin (BTC), and the first globally to officially recognize Ethereum (ETH) as part of its monetary value reserve.
The announcement marked a pivotal moment for blockchain adoption in Asia’s traditional markets—bridging institutional finance with decentralized digital assets.
A Strategic Move into Digital Asset Reserves
Meitu’s acquisition—$22.1 million in Ethereum and $17.9 million in Bitcoin—was executed on March 5, 2025, and quickly gained traction on social media, trending on Weibo shortly after disclosure. Chairman蔡文胜 (Cai Wensheng) commented on the move with confidence: “This is likely the first Hong Kong-listed company to invest in BTC, and globally, the first to treat ETH as a reserve asset.”
This dual investment strategy reflects more than speculative intent—it signals a long-term vision rooted in blockchain’s transformative potential.
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The company cited several strategic reasons in its official statement:
- Blockchain technology mirrors the early days of mobile internet (circa 2005), offering disruptive potential across finance and tech.
- Cryptocurrencies provide diversification for cash reserves, reducing reliance on fiat currencies.
- The move demonstrates Meitu’s commitment to technological innovation and prepares the company for deeper engagement with Web3 ecosystems.
With only $40 million deployed so far, Meitu has significant room to grow—its board previously approved a **$100 million crypto investment plan**, leaving $60 million in available capital for future purchases.
Market Reaction: Short-Term Volatility, Long-Term Significance
The immediate market response was telling:
- Ethereum price surged from $1,675 to $1,755 (+4.8%) within hours.
- Bitcoin rose from $50,618 to over $53,700.
- On the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Meitu’s stock (1357.HK) spiked 14%, briefly hitting HK$3.10 before settling at HK$2.64.
While some analysts dismissed the move as stock price manipulation, Meitu’s fundamentals suggest otherwise. In the first half of 2024, the company reported RMB 557.5 million in revenue—a 20.1% year-on-year increase—indicating stable core operations unrelated to crypto speculation.
Still, skepticism remains. Critics question whether corporate treasury funds should be exposed to high-volatility assets. However, this aligns with a growing global trend: over 27 public companies now hold approximately 175,163 BTC, valued at nearly $9.4 billion, according to OKLink data.
Cai Wensheng: The Quiet Powerhouse Behind Meitu’s Blockchain Vision
Cai Wensheng isn’t new to blockchain. Often dubbed the “sweeping monk” of China’s crypto scene, he has been influential since 2018:
- Co-founded the legendary "3 AM Blockchain" WeChat group, which included industry leaders like Sequoia Capital’s Neil Shen and 360 CEO Zhou Hongyi.
- Published Meitu’s blockchain whitepaper, proposing a decentralized identity system called "Meitu Smart ID."
- Appointed Zhang Shoucheng, renowned physicist and founder of Danhua Capital, as independent director before his passing—highlighting Meitu’s early interest in blockchain infrastructure.
Cai also backed major players in the digital asset space through his venture fund, Longling Investment—including early support for FCoin and other key exchange platforms.
His deep network and long-standing belief in decentralization underscore that Meitu’s current move is not impulsive but part of a multi-year strategic evolution.
Why Ethereum Over Bitcoin? A Developer-First Strategy
One striking detail stands out: Meitu allocated more capital to Ethereum than Bitcoin.
Why?
Because Ethereum isn’t just a store of value—it’s a programmable platform. As Meitu noted in its announcement:
“The Ethereum network hosts the largest number of decentralized applications (dApps), thanks to its developer-friendly environment, rapid deployment capabilities, and a robust global community dedicated to continuous upgrades.”
This emphasis suggests Meitu may be planning to launch its own dApp ecosystem—possibly integrating AI-driven image tools or NFT-based content ownership—on Ethereum’s infrastructure.
In essence, ETH serves dual purposes:
- Investment asset with high growth potential.
- Strategic fuel for future blockchain product development.
👉 Learn how Ethereum is powering the next generation of decentralized applications.
Beyond Investment: Three Strategic “Next Steps” for Meitu
1. Expansion Under the $100 Million Crypto Plan
With only 40% of its approved budget used, Meitu could double down depending on market conditions. Future purchases would reinforce its position as a crypto-adopting pioneer—not just a one-time headline grabber.
2. Building on Ethereum: From Holder to Builder
Given its praise for Ethereum’s developer ecosystem, it’s plausible Meitu will explore creating its own dApps—leveraging its massive user base (over 1 billion lifetime users across Meitu apps) in areas like:
- AI-generated art NFTs
- Digital identity verification
- Creator monetization platforms
Such moves could transition Meitu from a passive investor to an active participant in Web3.
3. Catalyzing Institutional Adoption in Asia
By breaking regulatory ice in Hong Kong, Meitu paves the way for other Asian firms to follow. Its action reduces perceived risk and opens doors for broader institutional participation in digital assets across Southeast Asia and mainland China.
As Aker ASA of Norway invested $58.6 million in BTC around the same time, it becomes clear: a new era of corporate treasury diversification is underway—one where digital assets are no longer fringe but foundational.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Meitu’s crypto purchase legal under Hong Kong regulations?
A: Yes. While Hong Kong maintains strict oversight on crypto trading platforms, there is no prohibition against companies holding digital assets as part of their treasury reserves. Meitu’s compliance with disclosure rules supports its legitimacy.
Q: Why did Meitu buy more Ethereum than Bitcoin?
A: Unlike Bitcoin, Ethereum supports smart contracts and dApps. Meitu likely sees greater utility and innovation potential in Ethereum, especially if it plans to build blockchain-based products in the future.
Q: Could this hurt Meitu’s core business?
A: Not necessarily. With strong revenue growth and a clear separation between treasury management and operations, this investment acts as a hedge rather than a distraction.
Q: Will other Chinese companies follow suit?
A: Possibly. While mainland China restricts crypto transactions, Hong Kong operates under different regulations. Meitu’s move may inspire other offshore-listed Chinese firms to consider similar strategies.
Q: How does this affect Ethereum's price long-term?
A: Institutional validation boosts market confidence. Increased demand from corporations like Meitu can drive sustained price appreciation and ecosystem development.
Q: Can individuals replicate this strategy safely?
A: While individuals can invest in BTC and ETH, they should assess risk tolerance and diversify accordingly. Unlike corporations with large cash reserves, retail investors must prioritize portfolio balance.
Meitu’s $40 million entry into Bitcoin and Ethereum is far more than a publicity stunt—it's a calculated step toward becoming a hybrid tech-finance innovator. By embracing blockchain early, aligning with developer-centric platforms like Ethereum, and reserving room for further expansion, Meitu positions itself at the forefront of Asia’s digital transformation.
Whether this leads to groundbreaking products or becomes another cautionary tale depends on execution—but one thing is certain: the door to institutional crypto adoption in Asia has officially opened, and Meitu holds the key.
Core Keywords: Meitu, Bitcoin investment, Ethereum adoption, corporate treasury crypto, blockchain strategy, institutional crypto holdings, Web3 development