Semler Scientific (NASDAQ: SMLR) Chairman Eric Semler encouraged shareholders Monday to vote for the proposed merger with Strive (NASDAQ: ASST) ahead of a January 13, 2026 special meeting to approve the business combination. The biotech-turned bitcoin treasury firm has declined 21% since a disclosure that the dollar value of the all-stock acquisition plummeted between September and December. Per the proposal, shareholders of Semler Scientific will receive 21.05 ASST shares for every share of SMLR upon t ...

Core Insights - The announcement of S&P granting a credit rating to a Bitcoin-focused company marks a significant milestone for institutional adoption of Bitcoin-backed credit [1][2] - The company received a B- rating, which is seen as a positive start and is expected to facilitate access to a larger pool of capital [2][3] - The evolution of the crypto industry is highlighted, with a shift towards digital credit instruments built on Bitcoin as a long-term store of value [17][19] Company Developments - The company has launched four digital credit instruments: Strike, Strife, Stride, and Stretch, which are designed to cater to different investor needs [2][6] - Strike offers an 8% dividend with principal protection, while Stride provides a 12.5% yield, and Stretch targets a 10.25% dividend with minimal volatility [6][8][10] - The dividends from these instruments are structured as returns of capital, making them tax-efficient for investors [11][13] Industry Trends - Major banks like JP Morgan and Bank of America are beginning to accept Bitcoin as collateral, indicating a growing acceptance of digital assets in traditional finance [19][20] - The regulatory environment is becoming more favorable, with positive initiatives from the SEC and the Treasury regarding digital assets [22][23] - The number of digital asset treasury companies is rapidly increasing, reflecting a broader trend of digital transformation in capital markets [29][31] Market Outlook - The price of Bitcoin is expected to rise, with projections of reaching $150,000 by the end of the year and potentially $1 million within the next four to eight years [40][41] - The overall sentiment in the industry is optimistic, with expectations of continued growth driven by institutional adoption and advancements in digital finance [27][38]