Bitcoin rewards provider Fold is on the verge of going public through a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) led by Betsy Cohen. The deal with FTAC Emerald Acquisition Corp. values Fold at approximately $500 million, with an official announcement expected on Wednesday.
Preparations for Public Offering Underway
Fold is among several cryptocurrency firms preparing for public offerings as the crypto market recovers from recent downturns. Other companies considering going public include Bitcoin mining firm Genesis Digital Assets and Northern Data AG, which provides computing services for artificial intelligence. This resurgence in public offerings indicates renewed confidence in the cryptocurrency market following a series of high-profile failures.
Once a popular method for companies to go public, SPACs have declined since their peak in 2021. That year, SPAC mergers in the U.S. totaled approximately $128 billion. However, the drop to just $9.5 billion in SPAC deals in 2023 reflects waning interest and numerous failed agreements.
Despite this trend, Cohen’s track record with SPACs is notable. As a banking executive turned fintech investor, she has founded 12 SPACs and successfully completed five mergers, including taking boutique advisory firm Perella Weinberg Partners public.
Fold Offers Bitcoin Rewards
Founded in 2019, Fold offers a unique service where users can earn Bitcoin rewards through purchases made with their debit cards, similar to traditional credit card cashback programs. The company has garnered significant interest, with 574,000 accounts created by its users. This innovative approach aligns with the growing interest in integrating cryptocurrency into everyday financial transactions, further solidifying Fold’s position in the fintech sector.
The potential deal with FTAC Emerald Acquisition Corp. marks a significant milestone for Fold and highlights the evolving landscape of the cryptocurrency and fintech industries. As more firms explore public listings and the market continues to stabilize, the success of such ventures could pave the way for future innovations and broader acceptance of cryptocurrency in mainstream finance.
