In an unexpected market move, bitcoin treasury company Empery Digital liquidated 1,400 BTC — nearly half of its strategic reserve. The transaction yielded $87.1 million, and these funds will be directed toward acquiring a 25% stake in a data center construction project for artificial intelligence in the U.S. Midwest.
After the sale, the company retains 1,514 BTC. However, Empery Digital's management has already indicated that no new purchases are planned in the near future, and further sales are not ruled out. This is a signal that prompts reflection on shifting priorities among institutional bitcoin holders.
Why is AI beating bitcoin?
Empery Digital's decision is not an isolated case. We are observing a trend where companies that previously aggressively accumulated BTC are beginning to reallocate capital toward infrastructure projects related to artificial intelligence. AI data centers require massive investments in computing power and energy supply, and the returns on such projects may be higher than passively holding bitcoin.
The sale of 1,400 BTC at an average price of around $62,200 per coin (based on the $87.1 million sum) appears to be profit-taking after a period of growth. But it is important to note: Empery Digital is not completely exiting cryptocurrencies. The remaining 1,514 BTC ($94 million at current prices) is still significant, but the company is clearly shifting its strategy from "accumulation" to "diversification."
The market reacted calmly — large sales from miners and treasury companies no longer cause panic as they did a year ago. However, if other players follow Empery Digital's example, pressure on bitcoin could intensify in the medium term.
Expert opinion from Cryptalist: Personally, I see this decision as a rational move. AI infrastructure is currently overheated with investments, but data centers are real assets with cash flow. Bitcoin remains digital gold, but for corporate treasuries seeking returns, a combination of BTC and AI projects could become the new norm. The question is just how quickly this trend will spread.