Nikolas Sargeant
Prenetics, the David Beckham-endorsed healthcare company, has made corporate finance history by becoming the first publicly traded healthcare firm to adopt Bitcoin as a strategic treasury asset, investing $20 million to acquire 187.42 BTC.
The genomics and diagnostics company, listed on Nasdaq and headquartered in Hong Kong, purchased Bitcoin at an average price of approximately $106,000 per coin through Kraken custody services. The announcement triggered a 23% surge in Prenetics' stock price as investors responded enthusiastically to the unconventional treasury strategy.
Known primarily for its CircleDNA genetic testing platform and broader health sciences initiatives, Prenetics is now positioning itself at the intersection of healthcare innovation and digital asset adoption. The Bitcoin acquisition represents the foundation of what the company describes as a comprehensive long-term digital asset strategy.
This bold move signals Prenetics' confidence in Bitcoin's long-term value proposition while establishing a new precedent for healthcare companies exploring alternative treasury management approaches.
Ambitious Digital Asset Integration Plans Beyond Simple Holdings
Rather than treating Bitcoin as passive treasury storage, Prenetics has outlined an aggressive strategy to integrate digital assets throughout its operational framework. The company plans to allocate the majority of its balance sheet to Bitcoin, with board approval already secured for this transformative approach.
CEO Danny Yeung envisions a future where "genomics, longevity science and digital assets converge," requiring substantial Bitcoin holdings to execute this vision at scale. This integration strategy extends beyond financial positioning to operational transformation.
The company has recruited Andy Cheung, former Chief Operating Officer of cryptocurrency exchange OKEx, to join its board and provide specialized oversight for digital asset integration. Cheung's appointment demonstrates Prenetics' commitment to navigating the complex and volatile cryptocurrency landscape with experienced leadership.
Additionally, Prenetics will begin accepting cryptocurrency payments across its direct-to-consumer health platforms, creating what it terms a "full-stack Bitcoin ecosystem" that encompasses both treasury management and customer payment options.
Active Bitcoin Management Strategy Mirrors MicroStrategy Approach
Prenetics plans to actively manage its Bitcoin holdings rather than adopting a simple buy-and-hold strategy. The company has outlined alpha-generation tactics including cryptocurrency lending, yield optimization programs, and structured financial products designed to maximize returns on its digital asset investments.
This active management approach reflects growing corporate sophistication in Bitcoin treasury strategies, moving beyond basic accumulation toward comprehensive digital asset portfolio management.
The Bitcoin strategy coincides with Prenetics' optimistic business outlook, as the company raised its 2025 revenue forecast to $100 million and expects profitability by the fourth quarter of next year. Management views the Bitcoin adoption as reflecting confidence in both the company's business trajectory and its risk management capabilities.
Prenetics joins a growing cohort of 61 traditionally non-crypto public companies that have adopted Bitcoin treasury strategies, according to Standard Chartered research. Many are following MicroStrategy's pioneering playbook, which began Bitcoin accumulation in 2020 and has generated over 3,000% stock price appreciation since implementation.
