US exchange-traded funds focused on Ethereum recorded their largest single-day inflow Monday as the cryptocurrency climbed to its highest level in nearly four years. The nine spot Ether ETFs collectively attracted just over $1 billion, according to Bloomberg data.
What to Know:
- Ethereum ETFs pulled in a record $1 billion Monday, bringing year-to-date inflows to more than $8.2 billion across nine funds
- Corporate treasury firms have accumulated over $15 billion worth of ETH, with Peter Thiel's Founders Fund backing two major players
- Ethereum has surged to about $4,300, its highest price since December 2021, while Bitcoin ETFs have seen $502 million in outflows since August began
Corporate Treasury Adoption Drives Momentum
The surge comes as Ether has climbed out of recent doldrums to reach approximately $4,300, marking its strongest performance since December 2021. Investors appear to be rotating capital away from Bitcoin, which has experienced notable outflows despite trading near record levels.
Bitcoin ETFs in the US have hemorrhaged $502 million since August began. This shift occurs even as Bitcoin hovers within striking distance of its all-time high, suggesting investors are seeking diversification within cryptocurrency markets.
More than $8.2 billion has flowed into the nine Ether funds throughout 2025. The sustained institutional interest reflects growing confidence in Ethereum's long-term prospects among professional money managers.
Thiel-Connected Entities Enter Ether Treasury Space
Ether-focused treasury companies have emerged as a significant driver of token demand. These publicly traded firms follow the playbook established by Michael Saylor's MicroStrategy, accumulating increasingly large digital asset stockpiles as their primary business strategy.
These so-called digital asset treasury companies have absorbed over $15 billion worth of Ether, according to StrategicEthReserve.xyz data. The corporate hoarding represents a new phase in institutional cryptocurrency adoption.
Entities connected to Founders Fund, managed by billionaire tech investor Peter Thiel, have recently acquired stakes in two Ether-focused treasury firms. They hold 9.1% of BitMine Immersion Technologies, the largest Ether treasury company with roughly $5 billion worth of tokens.
Founders Fund also owns 7.5% of ETHZilla, a newly rebranded company formerly known as 180 Life Sciences Corp. The biotech firm's transformation into an Ether treasury vehicle illustrates the trend of companies pivoting toward cryptocurrency strategies. Neither Founders Fund nor ETHZilla responded to requests for comment.
Regulatory Environment Supports Growth
"The proliferation of ETH treasury companies is one of the key reasons behind the renewed interest in ETH," said Peter Chung, head of research at quantitative trading firm Presto. The corporate adoption strategy mirrors successful Bitcoin treasury implementations.
Chung pointed to recent US stablecoin legislation passage as another positive catalyst. He also cited Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Paul Atkins' "Project Crypto" speech, suggesting these developments position Ethereum favorably for Wall Street adoption.
The regulatory clarity contrasts with previous uncertainty that had dampened institutional enthusiasm. Professional investors appear increasingly comfortable with Ethereum's compliance profile and long-term viability.
Understanding Key Market Terms
Exchange-traded funds represent investment vehicles that trade on stock exchanges like individual stocks but track underlying assets or indices. Spot ETFs hold the actual cryptocurrency rather than derivatives, providing direct price exposure.
Digital asset treasury companies operate as publicly traded vehicles primarily focused on accumulating and holding cryptocurrencies. Unlike traditional operating businesses, these firms treat cryptocurrency holdings as their core strategic asset.
Ether serves as the native token of the Ethereum blockchain network. The token powers transactions and smart contracts on the platform, which hosts decentralized applications and other blockchain-based services.
Market Positioning and Outlook
Trading at $4,312 as of 8:33 a.m. London time, Ether remains approximately 11% below its November 2021 record of $4,866. The current rally represents a significant recovery from earlier 2024 lows.
The combination of ETF inflows and corporate treasury accumulation suggests sustained institutional demand. This dual source of buying pressure distinguishes the current cycle from previous retail-driven rallies.
Professional money managers appear convinced that Ethereum's technological infrastructure will capture increasing market share in decentralized finance and enterprise applications.
Conclusion
Monday's record $1 billion inflow into Ethereum ETFs reflects a broader institutional shift toward the second-largest cryptocurrency. Corporate treasury adoption, led by companies with connections to prominent investors like Peter Thiel, has created sustained demand pressure that appears likely to continue driving market dynamics.