In a bold and surprising move, Spanish coffee company Vanadi has approved a €1 billion ($1.17 billion) investment into Bitcoin, making it one of the most ambitious treasury strategies in Spain’s corporate history. The plan marks a dramatic shift for the small coffee chain, which has struggled financially in recent years and is now turning to digital assets in hopes of a turnaround.

Vanadi Approves Major Bitcoin Strategy

Vanadi Coffee, headquartered in Alicante, Spain, operates a handful of coffee shops across the region. On June 29, the company’s board of directors and shareholders approved a new financial plan to make Bitcoin its main reserve asset. Vanadi has already purchased 54 BTC—worth approximately €5.8 million—and says this is just the beginning.

In a filing with BME Growth, Spain’s stock exchange segment for small and medium enterprises, the company declared its intention to become the largest Bitcoin-holding company in Spain. The move places Vanadi alongside global firms like MicroStrategy and Metaplanet, which have gained attention for using Bitcoin as a long-term store of value.

“Like MicroStrategy and Metaplanet, Vanadi Coffee redefines its business model,” the company said in a translated reveal. “We will use Bitcoin as our primary reserve asset and accumulate large amounts of it as part of our treasury.”

A Struggling Company Looks for a New Path

Vanadi’s decision comes amid a difficult financial period. The company reported a €3.3 million loss in 2024, a 15.8% increase in losses compared to the previous year. Rising coffee prices and increased operating costs have made it hard for the chain to stay profitable.

Despite its modest size—with only a few store locations—Vanadi’s stock price has soared since the Bitcoin news broke. The company’s shares more than tripled in value in June, showing strong investor enthusiasm for firms adopting crypto treasury strategies.

Earlier this year, Vanadi had received two offers for outside investment. One came from a small local software consultancy offering €50 million, while another came from Alpha Blue Ocean, a global investment firm promising over €1.5 billion in funding for emerging companies in 15 countries. However, Vanadi chose a different path—betting big on Bitcoin instead of traditional funding.

Why Bitcoin?

The move reflects a growing trend of companies turning to Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation and a potential long-term store of value. By adding BTC to their balance sheets, businesses aim to benefit from the cryptocurrency’s limited supply and increasing institutional interest.

In Vanadi’s case, the decision is particularly bold. While tech firms and crypto-native companies like Coinbase and Tesla have embraced Bitcoin, a small coffee chain taking such a leap is uncommon.

Critics Raise Red Flags

Not everyone supports the decision. Analysts and industry experts are questioning whether a company with limited crypto experience and tight operating margins is prepared to handle the volatility and risk of holding large amounts of Bitcoin.

Spain’s regulatory approach to digital assets is also relatively conservative, and any misstep in compliance or reporting could be costly for Vanadi.

“Vanadi is moving into a space that’s very different from selling espresso,” said one market analyst. “It’s a high-risk strategy, especially for a business that hasn’t yet proven its ability to scale or generate consistent profits.”

Some critics also point out the sharp contrast between Vanadi’s small store count—just six locations—and its billion-euro Bitcoin plan. The scale of the investment relative to its core business has sparked debate in financial circles and raised questions about whether the move is too aggressive.

A Growing Trend in Corporate Finance

Despite the concerns, Vanadi is part of a growing wave of companies adopting Bitcoin as a treasury asset. Japanese firm Metaplanet recently disclosed that it holds over 13,000 BTC, while MicroStrategy continues to lead the global rankings with more than 590,000 BTC. Even smaller firms, such as U.S.-based crypto platform Bakkt, have revealed plans to invest billions into Bitcoin in the coming years.

What makes Vanadi unique is its size and industry. Unlike tech companies or financial firms, Vanadi operates in the hospitality and food sector—a space not typically associated with digital asset investments.

Final Thoughts

Vanadi’s €1 billion Bitcoin strategy may be one of the boldest corporate moves of 2025. For a small coffee chain facing losses, the shift toward crypto represents both a risk and an opportunity. Whether the gamble pays off will depend on how well the company navigates volatility, compliance challenges, and operational improvements.

While some see the plan as reckless, others view it as visionary—a chance for Vanadi to reinvent itself and tap into the future of finance. Either way, all eyes will be on this Spanish coffee chain as it attempts to brew a new recipe for success with Bitcoin at the center.