Bitcoin rewards provider Fold is preparing to go public via a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) led by Betsy Cohen. The transaction with FTAC Emerald Acquisition Corp. values Fold at approximately $500 million, with an official announcement expected on Wednesday.
What are the Details of the Public Offering?
Fold is part of a growing list of cryptocurrency companies planning to go public as the crypto market recovers from recent downturns. Other firms eyeing public offerings include Bitcoin mining company Genesis Digital Assets and computing service provider Northern Data AG. This wave of IPOs signals renewed confidence in the cryptocurrency market, which has seen a rebound after several high-profile failures.
Once a favored method for companies to go public, SPACs have declined in popularity since their peak in 2021, when SPAC mergers in the U.S. totaled around $128 billion. By 2023, this figure had plummeted to just $9.5 billion, reflecting decreased interest and several unsuccessful deals.
Why Does Cohen’s SPAC Track Record Matter?
Despite the downturn in SPAC popularity, Betsy Cohen’s record in the field stands out. A former banking executive turned fintech investor, Cohen has founded 12 SPACs and successfully completed five mergers, including taking advisory firm Perella Weinberg Partners public.
Key Takeaways for Investors
- Fold’s public offering signals growing confidence in the cryptocurrency market.
- The decline in SPAC deals highlights the volatility and risk associated with this method.
- Betsy Cohen’s successful SPAC history provides credibility to the Fold-FTAC merger.
- Fold’s innovative Bitcoin rewards program attracts significant user interest.
- Upcoming IPOs could further integrate cryptocurrency into mainstream finance.
The potential merger with FTAC Emerald Acquisition Corp. is a critical step for Fold, showcasing the dynamic nature of the cryptocurrency and fintech sectors. As more companies move towards public listings and the market continues its recovery, these ventures could drive future innovations and wider acceptance of cryptocurrency in mainstream finance.