Many companies are rushing to get involved in the cryptocurrency industry. A notable recent development is Core Scientific’s emergence from bankruptcy protection in January, and the subsequent increase in their shares by as much as 16% to $8.30 on June 6. The company’s strategic shift to diversify its business model and take advantage of the growing demand for data center space and high-performance computing facilities is behind this surge. Core Scientific’s partnership with CoreWeave, valued at $3.5 billion, is expected to bring in cumulative revenue surpassing $3.5 billion over the first 12 years of the contract periods.
The estimated average annual revenue from these contracts is approximately $290 million. Approximately 18% of Core Scientific’s total operating infrastructure will be utilized to accommodate CoreWeave’s HPC operations. In light of these developments, the company has enlisted a financial advisor to explore strategic options, including a potential sale or breakup. This move is indicative of a broader trend of larger firms acquiring crypto-related companies as the industry consolidates.
For instance, Bakkt, which went public in 2021 through a merger with a blank-check vehicle, has been evaluating its strategic alternatives with the guidance of a financial advisor. Despite posting a first-quarter loss of $21 million on $855 million in revenue, Bakkt’s shares surged 15% to $22.33 on June 7, with its market value hovering at around $300 million. The potential sale or breakup of Bakkt underscores the ongoing consolidation within the crypto industry as larger firms seek to strengthen their foothold in the digital asset space. Bakkt, with a BitLicense from the New York State Department of Financial Services and partnerships with companies such as Starbucks and Microsoft, could be an attractive acquisition target for firms looking to enter or expand in the crypto market.
As the Web3 market anticipates a significant growth in the cryptocurrency sector, it is likely that more established firms will continue to make advancements in the budding crypto landscape.