Strive Seeks $150M Bitcoin Fundraise Amid Extreme Fear Market

VADODARA, January 22, 2026 — U.S. asset manager Strive is pursuing an additional $150 million fundraising round, according to The Block. This daily crypto analysis examines the strategic implications of deploying capital during extreme fear market conditions. The proceeds target Bitcoin acquisition, convertible note repayment, and Coinbase Credit debt settlement. Market structure suggests this represents a calculated liquidity grab rather than speculative positioning.

Market Context & Background

This move follows Strive's December 2025 effort to issue $500 million in Series A perpetual preferred stock. Historical cycles indicate institutional accumulation typically accelerates during fear-dominated phases. The current Crypto Fear & Greed Index reading of 20/100 mirrors conditions preceding the 2023 Q1 rally. On-chain data confirms whale accumulation patterns similar to the 2022 bear market bottom. Related developments include Bitmain's recent $105.5M ETH withdrawal and whale accumulation of 20,000 ETH, both occurring amid extreme fear metrics.

What Happened?

According to The Block's reporting, Strive's fundraising targets three specific allocations. Primary allocation: direct Bitcoin acquisition. Secondary allocation: repaying convertible notes issued by subsidiary Semler Scientific. Tertiary allocation: settling debt borrowed from Coinbase Credit. The timing coincides with Bitcoin trading at $89,863 with 1.18% 24-hour gains. Volume profile analysis shows suppressed retail participation at these levels.

Technical Analysis & Price Action

Bitcoin currently tests the $90,000 psychological resistance level. The 50-day moving average at $91,200 creates immediate overhead supply. RSI readings at 42 indicate neutral momentum with bearish divergence on higher timeframes. A clear Fair Value Gap (FVG) exists between $87,500 and $89,000 from last week's liquidation cascade. Bullish invalidation: Weekly Fibonacci support at $82,000 must hold. Bearish invalidation: Failure to reclaim the $92,500 order block invalidates accumulation thesis.

By The Numbers

Why It Matters

Institutional impact: This fundraise demonstrates sophisticated capital allocation during maximum pain periods. According to Ethereum.org documentation on proof-of-stake economics, large-scale accumulation during fear phases typically precedes network value accrual. Retail impact: Strive's move could signal a regime shift from distribution to accumulation. The $150 million deployment represents approximately 1,668 BTC at current prices, creating meaningful buy-side pressure.

Community Sentiment

Market analysts note the timing aligns with extreme fear metrics. "Strategic accumulation during fear phases has historically marked cycle bottoms," observed one quantitative researcher. Bulls point to similar patterns during the 2022 FTX collapse. Bears highlight regulatory uncertainty as a persistent headwind. The US Senate crypto bill delay contributes to the current sentiment backdrop.

Price Prediction / Future Outlook

Bullish Case: Successful fundraise deployment creates sustained buy pressure above $90,000. Bitcoin fills the FVG to $92,500 and tests the 200-day moving average at $94,800. Institutional inflows trigger a gamma squeeze through Q1 2026. Historical analogs suggest 40-60% rallies from extreme fear bases.

Bearish Case: Fundraise fails to attract sufficient capital. Bitcoin breaks the $82,000 weekly Fibonacci support. Liquidation cascades accelerate toward the $75,000 volume node. Regulatory developments from the SEC.gov enforcement division could exacerbate selling pressure.