American Bitcoin (ABTC), a crypto venture notably backed by the Trump family, is set to make its highly anticipated Nasdaq debut in September following a strategic merger, positioning itself as a key player in the digital asset space.
This upcoming listing marks a significant intersection of traditional finance, the burgeoning cryptocurrency market, and political influence. The company, officially launched in March 2025 by Hut 8 in partnership with Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., aims to leverage public markets for expansion while attracting both traditional and crypto-savvy investors, aligning with broader trends of institutional adoption in digital assets.
The Merger and Nasdaq Path
American Bitcoin is preparing to begin trading on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol ABTC in early September 2025, following the finalization of an all-stock merger with Gryphon Digital Mining. Asher Genoot, CEO of Hut 8, American Bitcoin’s largest investor, confirmed that anchor shareholders for the listing have been finalized. This strategic merger was chosen over a traditional Initial Public Offering (IPO), with Genoot noting it provided greater advantages for financing by leveraging an existing public company with established access to various funding channels.
Ownership Structure and Key Players
Upon the completion of the merger, Hut 8, which already holds an 80% stake in American Bitcoin, along with Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., will collectively own approximately 98% of the newly formed entity. The merged company will retain the name American Bitcoin. Eric Trump is actively involved in the company’s strategic direction, including overseeing Bitcoin mining operations, site development, and treasury planning.
Funding and Investor Base
American Bitcoin successfully raised approximately $220 million from accredited investors earlier this year. This funding round included a direct contribution of around $10 million in Bitcoin to the company’s treasury. Among the notable investors participating in the private placement are Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, co-founders of the Gemini cryptocurrency exchange, who opted to invest in Bitcoin rather than cash.
Strategic Vision and Operations
The company’s core strategy centers on both industrial-scale Bitcoin mining and the direct acquisition of Bitcoin to build a substantial strategic reserve. Hut 8 will support these operations by leasing data center capacity to American Bitcoin. The company’s vision also includes global expansion, actively seeking to acquire Bitcoin assets in regions like Hong Kong and Japan. This international focus aims to diversify its footprint and provide access to publicly listed Bitcoin assets for a wider range of investors, especially those in regions where purchasing Nasdaq-listed stocks might be challenging.
Recent Engagements and Public Appearances
Eric Trump recently delivered a keynote address at the Bitcoin Asia conference in Hong Kong on August 29, 2025, where he expressed strong support for the crypto industry and predicted Bitcoin would reach a $1 million valuation. He is also scheduled to attend a shareholder meeting for Metaplanet Inc., a Japanese Bitcoin treasury firm, in Tokyo on September 1, 2025, as part of American Bitcoin’s ongoing Asia expansion plans.
Market and Political Context
The impending Nasdaq listing occurs amidst a broader trend of increasing institutional interest in digital assets and a shifting regulatory landscape in the United States. President Donald Trump’s administration has actively promoted crypto-friendly policies, including advocating for a “Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.” This alignment between a politically connected entity and the growing crypto sector has drawn scrutiny, with some reports noting potential conflicts of interest. However, the White House has reportedly rejected provisions aimed at banning conflicts of interest for political figures in crypto-related ventures, stating that Trump’s assets are held in a family-managed trust with no conflict of interest.
