Can Zoom Revive Its Future by Making a Bold Bet on Bitcoin?

Zoom Should Embrace Bitcoin Strategy, Says Semler Chairman

Eric Semler, Chairman of Semler Scientific, has suggested that Zoom Communications (ZM) could revitalize its sluggish growth and stock performance by adopting a Bitcoin (BTC) strategy. According to Semler, Zoom has a substantial $7.7 billion cash reserve and $2 billion in annualized free cash flow, which could position it as one of the largest corporate holders of Bitcoin. This recommendation comes as Zoom's shares have plummeted by approximately 85% from their 2020 peak, despite broader market indices like the Nasdaq and S&P 500 reaching record highs.

Semler's own company, Semler Scientific, adopted a Bitcoin treasury strategy last year, inspired by MicroStrategy's success. Since then, Semler Scientific has accumulated 3,192 BTC, valued at $305 million, and seen its stock price more than double. Semler labeled Zoom as the first of his "Zombie Zone" companies that could benefit from such a strategy. (Source: CoinDesk, https://www.coindesk.com/business/2025/02/13/tech-zombie-zoom-should-embrace-bitcoin-strategy-semler-chairman-says)

Glassnode Warns of Bitcoin Decline Amid Weak Market Conditions

Jan Happel and Yann Alleman, co-founders of Glassnode, have issued a warning about Bitcoin's potential decline if market conditions do not improve. They highlighted weakening market liquidity and declining network growth as key bearish indicators. Bitcoin recently peaked at $98,000 but has since pulled back to $96,000, with the possibility of dropping further to $92,000 if conditions worsen.

However, the analysts noted that if Bitcoin holds support in the mid-$90,000 range, it could pave the way for a breakout toward $100,000. They also pointed to the Bitcoin Risk Signal, which suggests a market bottom may be forming. At the time of writing, Bitcoin is trading at $95,561. (Source: The Daily Hodl, https://dailyhodl.com/2025/02/13/glassnode-co-founders-issue-bitcoin-alert-say-btc-to-fall-if-conditions-dont-improve/)

US Bitcoin Miners Face Delays Due to Chinese Supplier Scrutiny

US-based Bitcoin miners are experiencing significant delays in receiving mining equipment from Bitmain Technologies, a leading Chinese supplier. These delays are attributed to increased scrutiny by US Customs and Border Protection, following the blacklisting of Bitmain's AI affiliate, Xiamen Sophgo Technologies, by the US Commerce Department in January. The department accused the affiliate of advancing China's indigenous chip production goals.

The delays are impacting miners' competitiveness and profit margins, as Bitmain supplies the majority of mining machinery globally. This development highlights the ongoing trade tensions between the US and China, which continue to affect the cryptocurrency mining industry. (Source: Bloomberg, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-13/us-bitcoin-btc-miners-disrupted-by-chinese-supplier-under-scrutiny)

Bitcoin vs. Gold: Expert Predicts Shift Amid Gold Delivery Issues

Jeff Park, Head of Alpha Strategies at Bitwise Asset Management, has predicted a potential shift from gold to Bitcoin due to logistical issues in the gold market. The Bank of England, which holds approximately 5,000 metric tonnes of gold, has extended delivery times from a few days to four-to-eight weeks. This delay has raised concerns about the reliability of gold-backed assets.

Park argues that such logistical challenges, coupled with past fraud incidents in the commodities market, could drive investors toward Bitcoin, which avoids these complexities. He emphasized Bitcoin's potential as a "hardest asset" and criticized the current regulatory frameworks that hinder its adoption. At press time, Bitcoin is trading at $95,961. (Source: Bitcoinist, https://bitcoinist.com/bitcoin-breakout-gold-biggest-disaster/)

GameStop Considers Bitcoin Investment

GameStop (GME) is reportedly exploring investments in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, according to CNBC. The company, which has $4.6 billion in cash reserves and liabilities of less than $1.5 billion, is considering diversifying into alternative asset classes. This news follows a recent post by GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen featuring a picture with Michael Saylor, Executive Chairman of Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy), the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin.

GameStop's stock surged by 11.3% in after-hours trading following the report. Bitcoin also saw a modest increase, trading at $96,700. This potential move by GameStop reflects a growing trend among corporations to explore cryptocurrency investments. (Source: CoinDesk, https://www.coindesk.com/business/2025/02/13/gamestop-mulling-investment-in-bitcoin-crypto-cnbc)

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