Meitu, Inc.

Meitu, Inc. (1357.HK) is a Hong Kong-listed technology company best known for its popular selfie and photo-editing apps, which have garnered a massive user base across Asia and beyond. Founded in 2008, Meitu has built a strong brand around digital imaging and social media, leveraging artificial intelligence and innovative features to stay ahead in the competitive tech landscape. The company’s core business revolves around mobile applications that enable users to enhance, edit, and share photos and videos, making it a household name among younger demographics.

In recent years, Meitu made headlines for its bold foray into the world of digital assets, particularly Bitcoin. The company’s investment thesis centered on diversifying its treasury holdings and exploring the potential of blockchain technology as a long-term strategic asset. By allocating a portion of its corporate reserves to Bitcoin, Meitu positioned itself as one of the first major Asian tech firms to publicly embrace cryptocurrency, signaling confidence in Bitcoin’s role as a store of value and a hedge against fiat currency depreciation.

Meitu’s move into Bitcoin was significant not only for its own portfolio but also for the broader market, as it demonstrated growing institutional interest in digital assets from publicly traded companies in Asia. The company’s transparent approach to disclosing its crypto holdings set a precedent for corporate governance and inspired other firms to consider similar strategies.

Recent Developments

Meitu’s Bitcoin activities have seen notable changes over the past few years. Here’s a summary of the most recent developments:

• December 8, 2024: Meitu sold its entire Bitcoin holdings, removing 940.8994095 BTC from its treasury. This move came just before Bitcoin’s price surged past the $100,000 mark, allowing the company to net nearly $80 million from its crypto portfolio. The sale included both Bitcoin and Ethereum holdings, and was timed ahead of a major rally in the crypto market, reportedly influenced by renewed investor enthusiasm and political developments in the United States. For more details, see coverage by SCMP.
• September 14, 2022: Meitu added 940.8994095 BTC to its treasury, marking a significant investment in Bitcoin at the time.
• September 14, 2022: No Bitcoin was removed on this date, indicating a holding strategy following the acquisition.

Meitu’s decision to exit its crypto positions in late 2024 reflects a strategic shift, possibly influenced by market conditions and internal financial goals. The company’s experience underscores both the opportunities and challenges faced by public companies navigating the volatile world of digital assets. As of April 2025, Meitu no longer holds Bitcoin on its balance sheet, but its pioneering role in corporate crypto adoption remains a noteworthy chapter in the evolving relationship between traditional businesses and blockchain technology.