The Celsius Revival: Seed Funding and Plans for Relaunch
The bankrupt crypto lending firm Celsius is set to make a comeback with a substantial $450 million in seed funding. According to the company’s lawyer, Christopher S. Koenig, Fahrenheit LLC, a group closely associated with Celsius’ bankruptcy case, will provide the funding. This revival could see Celsius transition into a “user-owned Bitcoin miner,” potentially leaving the future of its lending business uncertain.
If all goes well, Celsius aims to distribute $2 billion in cryptocurrency to compensate customers and creditors. They also plan to offer creditors stock in the new entity and a stake in litigation against former CEO Alex Mashinksy and other executives. The repayment process is expected to begin by the end of 2023, with support from 95% of Celsius’ customers.
Crypto Resistance and Regulatory Approval
While Celsius’ revival plans have gained significant support, there are opposing voices. One creditor has expressed doubt about the new firm’s valuation. Additionally, regulatory approval will be crucial for Celsius and its customers to proceed with the plan.
The involvement of Coinbase in Celsius’ token redistribution plan has faced opposition from the SEC due to an ongoing legal dispute between Coinbase and the SEC. The SEC argues that Coinbase’s role goes beyond being a distribution agent. The final decision on this matter will be made by the US Bankruptcy Court on October 2.
Hot Take: Celsius’ Road to Recovery Holds Promise but Faces Challenges
The revival of Celsius holds promise for other failed platforms in the crypto industry if successful. With $450 million in seed funding and plans for compensation and litigation against former executives, Celsius aims to rebuild its business. However, legal and regulatory hurdles, including opposition from creditors and the SEC’s concerns about Coinbase’s involvement, must be overcome for the revival to proceed smoothly. The decision of the US Bankruptcy Court will play a significant role in determining the fate of Celsius. Overall, the company’s revival story is a test for the crypto industry and could provide a blueprint for others in similar situations.