Bitmine’s Bold Bet: Adds 44,463 ETH and Begins Staking as Holdings Hit 3.4%

Another whale just doubled down on Ethereum—and this time, they're locking it up.

The Staking Gambit

Bitmine didn't just buy a mountain of ETH; they're putting it to work. Staking transforms idle assets into yield-generating machines—a move that screams long-term conviction. It's the crypto equivalent of planting a flag and declaring, 'We're not leaving.'

Why 3.4% Matters

Crossing the 3% threshold isn't just a number. It signals a strategic accumulation phase is complete, and operational deployment has begun. For context, that's a position size most traditional fund managers would need a board meeting and three compliance reviews to even consider.

The Institutional Calculus

This isn't retail FOMO. Adding over forty-four thousand tokens in one go is a calculated deployment of capital, likely timed against internal metrics most of us never see. They're not trading the news; they're building a position that weathers it.

The Bottom Line

When a major player stops accumulating and starts staking, pay attention. It shifts the supply dynamic and anchors liquidity. It's a bullish signal wrapped in a yield-bearing strategy—a classic case of having your crypto cake and eating the staking rewards too. Just don't expect your average financial advisor to understand it; they're still trying to figure out if Bitcoin is a currency or a collectible.

TLDR

• Bitmine holds 4,110,525 ETH, about 3.41% of Ethereum’s total supply.
• Bitmine added 44,463 ETH during year-end market softness.
• 408,000 ETH has been staked as part of validator network plans.
• Total crypto and cash holdings stand at $13.2 billion as of Dec. 28.

Tom Lee’s Bitmine Immersion Technologies has increased its ethereum holdings to over 4.11 million ETH, now accounting for about 3.41% of the total circulating supply. The company also began staking more than 408,000 ETH as it moves forward with its validator network plans for 2026.

Bitmine’s ETH Holdings Rise to Over 4.11 Million

Bitmine Immersion Technologies (BMNR), chaired by Tom Lee, has increased its total Ethereum holdings to 4,110,525 ETH. This follows the company’s latest purchase of 44,463 ETH, which took place during the final week of December.

According to the company’s latest disclosure, Bitmine now controls roughly 3.41% of Ethereum’s circulating supply. The buying MOVE was executed during a period of year-end tax-loss selling, which created what the company describes as a favorable market environment.

Big news from BitMine Immersion $BMNR

They just announced $ETH holdings hitting 4.11 million tokens — that's 3.41% of the entire Ethereum supply!Total crypto + cash + moonshots: $13.2 billion

Now two-thirds of the way to their ambitious goal: The Alchemy of 5% The world's #1… pic.twitter.com/yL856D71rN

— Gabz(@gabz_investing) December 29, 2025

Tom Lee said the company has acted as the largest “fresh money” buyer of ETH during the week. Ether was trading NEAR $2,950 at the time of the report, with BMNR shares priced around $28.50 after a 13% drop over the week.

Staking Begins with Over 408,000 ETH Committed

Alongside its accumulation efforts, Bitmine has started staking its ETH holdings. More than 408,000 ETH is now actively staked on the Ethereum network. This move supports the company’s longer-term strategy tied to its infrastructure development.

The company confirmed that this staking activity is part of its preparations for the launch of the Made in America Validator Network (MAVAN), expected in early 2026. The validator network is being developed to run on Ethereum’s proof-of-stake consensus system.

Staking also allows Bitmine to generate a yield on a portion of its holdings while supporting the network’s security and operation. The company has not disclosed how much additional ETH it plans to stake in the coming months.

Strategy to Reach 5% Supply Target in Progress

Bitmine has stated that its goal is to eventually control 5% of the total ETH supply. With over 3.4% already held, the firm is more than halfway to reaching this objective. The company has not provided a fixed timeline for the remaining accumulation.

Its latest ETH purchases have been timed with market softness around year-end. Tax-loss selling by other investors may have created lower prices and additional liquidity. Bitmine has been taking advantage of these factors, according to its statement.

The firm has also maintained liquidity through a treasury that includes not only ETH but also 192 Bitcoin and $1 billion in cash. This financial base supports its continued acquisition strategy.

BMNR Holdings Now Exceed $13.2 Billion

As of December 28, Bitmine’s total crypto and cash assets reached $13.2 billion. This includes over $12 billion worth of ETH, with bitcoin and cash making up the remainder. The company continues to operate as a publicly traded entity under the ticker BMNR.

Despite the growth in asset holdings, BMNR shares have lagged behind broader crypto asset performance. Over the past week, shares dropped by nearly 13%, while the price of ETH remained relatively stable near $2,950.

Tom Lee’s approach suggests a continued focus on Ethereum’s long-term value. The company’s next steps are expected to include further staking and network development ahead of its validator platform launch.