Bitcoin Is a Nuclear Reactor on Our Balance Sheet, Says Brazilian CEO
Méliuz becomes Brazil’s first Bitcoin treasury firm, calling BTC a “nuclear reactor” for its stock.
In a bold and unconventional move, Brazilian fintech firm Méliuz (CASH3BZ) has redefined its financial strategy by adopting Bitcoin as a core treasury asset. Chairman Israel Salmen compared Bitcoin to a “nuclear reactor” during a recent investor call — underscoring the explosive potential he sees in BTC.
Following shareholder approval, Méliuz officially became Brazil’s first Bitcoin treasury company, acquiring 274.52 BTC last week for roughly $28.4 million. This brings their total holdings to 320 BTC, valued at over $72 million at current prices.
Salmen emphasized that this isn’t a defensive hedge but an offensive value strategy, aiming to directly tie the firm’s share value to Bitcoin’s performance. “Bitcoin is like a nuclear reactor that has been installed in our balance sheet,” he said, adding that further BTC purchases are likely using innovative financial tools.
The market reacted swiftly: Méliuz’s stock surged from R$3.00 to R$10.70 between February and May 2025, with a massive spike in trading volume in April. This suggests investor confidence in Bitcoin-centric corporate models is growing.
Other companies are following suit. U.S.-listed Semler Scientific gained 40% in a month after acquiring 510 BTC. Meanwhile, Strategy (MicroStrategy) remains the largest corporate holder with over 576,000 BTC, seeing $13 billion in paper profits in 2024 alone.
El Salvador continues to benefit from its early adoption, now holding 6,181 BTC, worth $640 million — more than double its initial investment.
The message is clear: companies embracing Bitcoin aren’t just making headlines — they’re creating momentum.
