Spanish Coffee Chain Vanadium Bets $1.1 Billion on Bitcoin, Following in the Footsteps of MicroStrategy
In a move that has made headlines in the finance and tech world, Spain-based coffee chain Vanadium has announced plans to invest more than $1.1 billion in Bitcoin, marking a bold strategic shift from the coffee business to the digital asset space.
From Coffee to Crypto: A Big Shift
Vanadium Coffee SA, once known for its chain of coffee shops across Spain, is now following in the footsteps of MicroStrategy, the pioneer in converting its cash reserves to Bitcoin.
Vanadium Chairman of the Board Salvador Martí said in a recent press conference that he is seeking approval from the board to launch a large-scale Bitcoin accumulation strategy. According to Martí, the goal is to invest up to €1 billion ($1.1 billion) in BTC, largely funded through convertible credit lines and new equity issuance.
“I propose to the board of directors to approve the investment plan in Bitcoin and to negotiate the necessary capital flows to implement the strategy,” Martí stated.
Changing Direction: Vanadium Becomes a ‘Bitcoin Company’
Unlike many companies that use Bitcoin only as a diversification tool, Vanadium has the ambition to become the first Bitcoin-oriented company in Europe, that is, to put BTC at the center of all its financial activities in the same way that Michael Saylor did with MicroStrategy.
Martí began testing this plan when he bought his first 5 BTC worth about $500,000 two weeks ago. Vanadium shares surged after the announcement but later corrected as market sentiment remained cautious about highly speculative decisions.
A Big Risk But Possibly the Only Opportunity
Despite the boldness of the strategy, Vanadium has few options. The company recorded a loss of $3.7 million in 2024, far exceeding its annual revenue of about $3.1 million, making its financial situation particularly difficult.
However, Vanadium is not alone in this strategy. Previously, GameStop also made a similar move and was rewarded by the market with its Bitcoin investment doubling in just a few months.
Vanadium hopes that Bitcoin will become a lifeline, not only improving its current financial situation but also bringing the company into a new era of development in the Web3 economy.
Vanadium's Future: A Daring Move or a Long-Term Vision?
Will Vanadium’s strategy succeed like MicroStrategy’s or serve as a cautionary tale for other traditional businesses moving into crypto? The answer will be revealed in the coming months, especially after a key board meeting on June 29.
Either way, the decision by a coffee company to bet its future on Bitcoin is a sign that the digital currency revolution is spreading and increasingly impacting the traditional financial world.