In this episode, Nik welcomes Strive CEO Matt Cole to unpack the $750 million raise that positions Strive as one of the largest corporate bitcoin holders. Matt explains why the firm rejected convertible debt, chose a reverse merger over a SPAC, and is building a long-term bitcoin strategy rooted in institutional discipline. Drawing on his experience managing $70 billion at CalPERS, he shares how direct exposure to Fed operations and quiet debt monetization shaped his conviction in bitcoin. They discuss why fiat currencies are in slow-motion default, how stablecoin regulation could backfire, and what sets Strive apart in the next evolution of bitcoin treasuries.

📚 Bitcoin Age is here, order yours today: https://a.co/d/5gau08H

📊 The Bitcoin Layer is a bitcoin and global macroeconomic research firm.

▶️ Subscribe and turn on notifications for TBL on YouTube.
📚 Subscribe to TBL’s research letter: https://thebitcoinlayer.com/subscribe
🎧 Subscribe to The Bitcoin Layer on your favorite podcast platform.
📱 Follow TBL on X: https://twitter.com/TheBitcoinLayer
📩 Join the official TBL channel on Telegram: https://t.me/thebitcoinlayerofficial
🧢 Use code TBLYT10 for 10% off all The Bitcoin Layer Merch at http://TheBitcoinLayer.com/merch

⛓️ ₿lock Height 906728

⚡ Contribute to The Bitcoin Layer via Lightning Network: [email protected]

Nik Bhatia's Twitter: https://twitter.com/timevalueofbtc
Creative Director Matthew Ball's Twitter: https://twitter.com/matthewrball
Researcher Demian Schatt's Twitter: https://x.com/demianschatt
Lead Statistician Augustine Carrasco Twitter: https://x.com/AugustineCarrB

The Bitcoin Layer and its guests do not provide investment advice.