Peter Thiel Backs ETHZilla: Ethereum Treasury Raises $156M Amidst Institutional Surge

Billionaire investor Peter Thiel has disclosed a significant stake in ETHZilla, a corporate treasury vehicle focused on Ethereum. This move signals growing institutional interest in digital assets as ETHZilla successfully raised $156 million to bolster its Ethereum holdings. The company, formerly known as 180 Life Sciences, is strategically pivoting to leverage Ethereum as a core corporate asset.

Thiel's Growing Digital Asset Portfolio

Peter Thiel, a prominent figure in the tech and venture capital world, has revealed a 7.5% stake in ETHZilla, which trades under the ticker ATNF. This investment marks Thiel's second involvement with an Ethereum treasury firm, following his reported holding of over 9% in BitMine Immersion, currently a leading corporate ETH holder. The disclosure was made through a new SEC filing, highlighting the increasing participation of high-profile investors in the digital asset space.

ETHZilla Secures Substantial Funding

ETHZilla, previously 180 Life Sciences Corp., has successfully raised $156 million through senior secured convertible notes due in 2028. The company announced this strategic shift on August 11, 2025, with the primary intention of expanding its Ethereum holdings and exploring yield-bearing opportunities within the cryptocurrency ecosystem. The funds will also support the company's iGaming operations and monetize legacy biotech intellectual property.

Market Context and Ethereum's Appeal

This development occurs amidst a surge in institutional adoption of Ethereum. On the same day as ETHZilla's fundraising announcement, U.S. spot Ethereum ETFs recorded a record $1 billion in net inflows, indicating strong market confidence. Ethereum's price has seen a significant rise, reaching its highest point in over two years, driven by its expanding utility beyond a mere store of value. Key factors contributing to this appeal include the network's improved energy efficiency post-Merge and advancements in Layer-2 scaling solutions, which enhance transaction speeds and reduce costs.

Key Takeaways

Peter Thiel has disclosed a 7.5% stake in ETHZilla (ATNF).
ETHZilla raised $156 million via convertible notes to increase its Ethereum holdings.
The company is rebranding from 180 Life Sciences to focus on Ethereum as a corporate treasury asset.
Thiel's investment group now holds stakes in two Ethereum treasury companies.
The move aligns with a broader trend of institutional capital flowing into Ethereum, evidenced by record ETF inflows.

Sources

Peter Thiel acquires 7.5% stake in Ethereum treasury ETHZilla, Crypto Briefing.
ETHZilla Raises $156M to Boost Ethereum Holdings Backed by Peter Thiel, AInvest.

The views expressed in this article are for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. Always consult with qualified financial professionals before making investment decisions.