For a long time, companies that added crypto to their balance sheets mainly chose Bitcoin (BTC). It was seen as a strong, safe digital asset; a kind of online gold. However, that’s starting to change. Some firms are also adding Ethereum (ETH) to their cash plans.
Names like Coinbase, BitMine, and SharpLink Gaming have joined this trend. They aren’t just betting on ETH for price growth. They see long-term value in Ethereum’s core tech, its ability to power apps, contracts, and other digital systems.
Why firms are looking beyond Bitcoin
BTC is often seen as a digital store of value, like gold. It’s used mainly to hold and grow wealth over time. On the other hand, ETH brings something more to the table. It allows people to build apps and tools right on the blockchain.
With ETH, users can launch their own coins, games, and smart deals without banks. Thanks to smart contracts, users create digital tools that work on their own, and programs that run automatically when certain rules are met. This makes ETH more than just an asset; it’s a tool with real value.
Early movers: Coinbase, BitMine, and more
One of the first big names to step into this space was Coinbase. In 2021, the trading firm shared that it would keep ETH, BTC, and other tokens in its books. It made a strong case for why more firms would follow this move.
One of the latest players to go all in is BitMine Immersion Technologies, run by Tom Lee of Fundstrat. This company now holds over $1 billion worth of ETH, around 300,000 coins. Its CEO, Jonathan Bates, said the move shows how much they believe in Ethereum’s long-term power.
After sharing the news, its stock price jumped 25% in one day. Then, other firms are jumping in, too. Gaming firm SharpLink, tech company BTCS, and even Bit Digital have added ETH. SharpLink and BTCS saw their stocks rise by over 200% this month.
How Ethereum is used in real life
Ethereum is more than just a coin; it’s a whole network for apps. It lets people write smart contracts that run on their own. These deals don’t need a third party, like a bank or lawyer, to make them work.
With this, anyone from companies to artists and game makers can launch their own tokens or build whole online communities. For instance, a game developer could create a coin that gives fans special access or rewards. This makes it easier to build trust, offer value, and create useful digital tools online.
This is also why users explore crypto through games and rewards on sites like Stake India, where ETH makes payments smooth and secure..
Why ETH is seeing a surge in institutional buying
Ethereum has seen a huge jump in value. Its price has increased 60% in the past month alone, now trading near $3,800, the highest since January. One big reason behind this rise is the new U.S. law called the GENIUS Act, which sets rules for using stablecoins.
Stablecoins are coins tied to real-world assets, like the U.S. dollar. When people use them, they often run on ETH. Every time a stablecoin moves, it pays a small fee to the ETH network.
One such stablecoin is the USD Coin (USDC), which is made by the Circle company. After Circle went public, its stock jumped over 600%. That’s because people are more excited about using stablecoins in finance and daily life.
A top crypto expert at Bernstein, Gautam Chhugani, pointed out that if stablecoins keep growing, Ethereum will gain more value since it’s their main platform.
The risks of holding ETH
Even with all the promise, Ethereum still has its downsides. One of the biggest risks is its price swings. In April, the price dropped after President Trump’s news on trade rules and tariffs hit the market. These sudden shifts can hurt firms holding large amounts of ETH.
BTC, for now, has still done better this year. It’s up 26%, while Ethereum is up 14%. That means ETH isn’t always the stronger bet. Companies holding it are still taking on risk, just like with BTC.
So, not all firms may feel ready to put their money into ETH, even with its growing use.
Not all firms are on board
Some big names still say no to Ethereum. One is MicroStrategy, a major firm known for holding massive amounts of BTC. Its executive chair, Michael Saylor, clarified that they are sticking with BTC.
‘We do Bitcoin,’ he said in an interview. ‘And the only thing I like more than Bitcoin is more Bitcoin.’
That view shows that even as Ethereum gets more use, some firms still see Bitcoin as the safest and most trusted pick. BTC is still the top choice for many when holding crypto in big amounts.
Ethereum is not replacing Bitcoin, just running beside it
It’s key to know that Ethereum is not trying to beat Bitcoin; it’s just serving a different use. Some companies may hold both, depending on their goals. Those focused on smart contracts and digital tools may choose ETH, while others looking for a stable, long-term asset might prefer BTC.
This reflects a broader shift; firms now want to use blockchain technology, not just invest in it. Ethereum supports that shift by offering more than just a digital asset.
Ethereum’s growing role in the future of crypto
The crypto world is shifting. While firms once focused only on Bitcoin, more are adding Ethereum to their balance sheets.
This signals growing trust, not just in ETH’s price, but in what the network can do. With support from new laws like the GENIUS Act, the rise of stablecoins, and built-in tools for apps and smart contracts, Ethereum is carving out a role of its own.
Still, ETH comes with risks. Prices can swing quickly, and some firms may hesitate. However, those embracing it see the potential to use ETH in ways beyond just holding value.
At the same time, users are finding new ways to engage with crypto, from online shopping to gaming with a Stake code for rewards. As both companies and users look beyond speculation and toward real use, ETH is becoming a key part of the future of business and finance, working alongside BTC rather than against it.
