Image source: Shutterstock

Highlights

  • Cel AI secures £500,000 through share placing and director subscription at 0.225p per share.

  • Funds to support ongoing operations and the company’s newly approved Bitcoin Treasury Reserve Strategy.

  • Board cites industry leaders like MicroStrategy and Metaplanet as proof of BTC’s potential to drive shareholder value.

Cel AI Plc (LSE:CEL) has announced it has successfully raised £500,000 in gross proceeds through a combination of a share placing and direct subscription, signalling a pivotal move to integrate Bitcoin into its corporate treasury strategy.

The fundraising includes the issuance of a total of 222,222,221 new ordinary shares at a price of 0.225p per share, the same as the company’s closing price on 22 May 2025. The placing, managed by CMC Markets UK Plc, involved 111,111,111 shares sold to institutional and accredited investors, while company directors Nickolas Lyth and Matthew Lodge subscribed directly for an additional 111,111,110 shares.

All new shares issued will rank equally with existing shares, including the right to future dividends or distributions.

Strategic Deployment of Funds

The net proceeds will be used to support ongoing operations and kickstart Cel AI’s Bitcoin Treasury Reserve Strategy.

The Board noted that the decision aligns Cel AI with a growing trend among public companies integrating digital assets into their treasury functions. Citing examples such as MicroStrategy, Tesla, and Block, Cel AI believes adopting Bitcoin as a long-term store of value and inflation hedge can provide strategic diversification and improve shareholder outcomes.

“The early success of pioneers such as Smarter Web Company and Metaplanet shows that thoughtful Bitcoin treasury management can strengthen the balance sheet and signal technological leadership. We intend to follow a similarly prudent path as we execute Cel AI’s growth plans,” said Olivia Edwards, Chair of the Board.

Industry Comparisons Reinforce Confidence

The announcement drew comparisons with other listed firms leading the way in digital asset integration:

  • Smarter Web Company plc, listed in the UK, has adopted a Digital Asset Treasury Policy and began accepting Bitcoin payments—a move credited with accelerating its organic growth and aiding its acquisition strategy.

  • Metaplanet Inc., listed in Tokyo, has accumulated over 5,000 BTC, reportedly yielding over 120% year-to-date after forming a U.S.-based subsidiary focused on reserve strategy expansion.