Semler Scientific is doubling down on Bitcoin. The company has filed with the SEC to raise $500 million through debt, with the capital expected to fund its 13th BTC purchase. This move positions Semler among a growing list of corporate players treating Bitcoin as a treasury reserve asset—following the footsteps of giants like MicroStrategy and Japan’s Metaplanet.
While raising debt to buy Bitcoin is inherently risky, prior examples show it can pay off. MicroStrategy’s Michael Saylor, for instance, now holds over 530,000 BTC and boasts a 25% yield—even during market downturns. By contrast, Semler’s current Bitcoin yield sits at around 5%, having just entered positive territory with BTC hovering above its average cost of $78,000.
From $40M to 2,321 BTC: A Quiet Accumulator
Semler began stacking Bitcoin in May 2024 with a $40 million investment, and has since made 12 separate purchases. Its largest buy came in early 2025—871 BTC for $88.5 million. If the latest $500M raise is approved and BTC trades around $90,000, Semler could add roughly 560 BTC, bringing its total holdings close to 2,900 BTC.
Unlike MicroStrategy’s blockbuster billion-dollar buys, Semler has adopted a steady, smaller-scale approach—more similar to Metaplanet’s gradual accumulation strategy. This conservative rhythm may appeal to investors seeking BTC exposure without aggressive volatility.
The Bigger Picture: Institutional Bitcoin Adoption Rising
Semler’s strategy underlines a broader trend—corporate treasury diversification into Bitcoin. With inflation concerns and fiat risk mounting, more firms are seeking hard asset reserves. Whether this move proves visionary or overly bold will depend on the trajectory of BTC itself.
Is It Time to Buy?
If institutional adoption continues and Bitcoin maintains strength above $85K, moves like Semler’s may be seen as savvy positioning. But any sharp reversal in BTC’s price or macro shifts in interest rates could increase debt-related risks for such companies.
As always, this is not financial advice. Investors should conduct independent research and assess risk before making decisions.
