Strive CIO: Continued Bitcoin slump could trigger a wave of mergers and acquisitions in the industry.

According to Odaily Planet Daily, Strive's Chief Investment Officer, Ben Werkman, stated that a prolonged period of low Bitcoin prices will increase pressure on Bitcoin finance companies reliant on convertible bond financing. Some companies may be forced to sell BTC to maintain operations or repay debt, potentially triggering mergers, asset sales, and restructuring. Werkman explained that Strive insists on using only equity financing to avoid the debt risks associated with convertible bonds, citing the acquisition of peer Semler Scientific as a prime example of industry consolidation. He noted that many peers are already proactively deleveraging and optimizing their balance sheets; coupled with rating agencies' conservative valuation of Bitcoin assets, the continued weakening market suggests a likely increase in industry mergers and restructuring events. (Theblock)