The "Smart Money" isn't just watching Ethereum anymore—they are cornering the market. BitMine Immersion Technologies, guided by Chairman Tom Lee, has executed another massive strategic play, locking up an additional 86,400 ETH ($266 million) as of January 10, 2026.
This isn't a trade; it's a takeover of the yield curve.
THE DATA: A 4.1 MILLION ETH FORTRESS
BitMine’s aggression is setting a new standard for institutional crypto adoption. Following a rapid accumulation pattern starting in late 2024, the numbers are staggering:
Total Staked: 1.08 Million
$ETH (~$3.33 Billion).Total Holdings: Over 4.1 Million ETH (~3.43% of total circulating supply).Daily Revenue: The staked assets alone are generating over $1 million per day in passive rewards.FROM MINERS TO BANKERS
Under Tom Lee’s leadership since June 2025, BitMine has pivoted from traditional Bitcoin mining to becoming a dominant Ethereum infrastructure provider. By launching their U.S.-made Validator Network in Q1 2026, they are transitioning from seeking digital gold to running the digital rails of global finance.
THE MARKET IMPACT: SUPPLY CRUNCH INCOMING? 📉
BitMine’s buying spree has extended the Ethereum validator entry queue to over 31 days. With 29% of the total ETH supply now staked and locked network-wide, the liquid supply available for purchase is shrinking rapidly.
Basic economics applies: When demand creates a 31-day line to enter, and supply is ripped off exchanges, price discovery usually heads in one direction.
THE BOTTOM LINE
BitMine is treating Ethereum not just as a commodity, but as a treasury bond with tech-stock upside. They are betting $14 billion that ETH is the future of yield.
With institutions removing supply this fast, are we looking at the ultimate squeeze? 👀
#Ethereum✅ #TomLee