ORBS Stock Jumps 25% After $125M Raise Backed by ARK, Bitmine

Eightco ORBS Stock Jumps 25-35% After $125M Funding Round

Eightco Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ORBS) shares surged approximately 25-35% in premarket trading following the announcement of a $125 million funding round on March 12, 2026. The investment was led by Bitmine, which contributed $75 million, alongside equal $25 million commitments from ARK Invest and Payward, the parent company of cryptocurrency exchange Kraken. The funding round values the company at a significant premium to its prior market capitalization, reflecting investor confidence in Eightco’s strategic direction at the intersection of artificial intelligence and blockchain technology.

The capital raise supports Eightco’s expansion into AI infrastructure and digital creator platforms, building on existing holdings in Worldcoin and Ethereum. Dan Ives, outgoing Chairman of Eightco and well-known Wedbush tech analyst, described the investor lineup as a “perfect team” on social media following the announcement. The stock movement represents one of the most substantial single-day gains for a crypto-adjacent technology company in recent market activity.

Why Bitmine, ARK Invest and Payward Backed Eightco’s AI-Blockchain Vision

Institutional investors cited Eightco’s unique positioning at the convergence of multiple rapidly evolving technology sectors as the primary rationale for their commitments. Tom Lee, Chairman of Bitmine, stated that the investment reflects the company’s belief that Eightco is addressing critical future demands in artificial intelligence. Lee specifically noted the synergy between Worldcoin’s Proof of Human verification, OpenAI’s foundational models, and connectivity to major content creator MrBeast as key factors in the investment decision.

Cathie Wood, Founder and CEO of ARK Invest, emphasized the distinctive nature of Eightco’s venture at the crossroads of AI, blockchain technology, and creator-focused platforms. Wood indicated that ARK Invest is excited to partner with Eightco as these technologies scale over the coming decade, aligning with the firm’s broader thesis on disruptive innovation. Arjun Sethi, Co-CEO of Payward, described Eightco as situating itself at the convergence of three rapidly evolving networks: AI, cryptographic infrastructure, and global digital distribution.

What Eightco’s Strategic Positioning Means for the Crypto-AI Convergence

The funding round signals growing institutional interest in companies that bridge artificial intelligence capabilities with blockchain infrastructure and digital content ecosystems. Eightco’s strategic focus on this convergence positions it within a niche that combines computational infrastructure, verification systems, and creator economy platforms. The involvement of established crypto-native investors like Bitmine and Kraken alongside technology-focused ARK Invest demonstrates complementary perspectives on the company’s potential.

The company’s existing holdings in Worldcoin and Ethereum provide a foundation for integrating AI applications with cryptographic verification and decentralized infrastructure. This approach addresses emerging demand for AI systems that incorporate human verification and decentralized ownership models. Market observers note that the involvement of high-profile investors with established track records in both crypto and technology sectors lends credibility to Eightco’s strategic vision, though the ultimate commercial success of this approach remains subject to broader market and regulatory developments.

Key Backers and Their Strategic Rationale

Bitmine committed $75 million to the funding round, representing the largest individual investment in the raise. As a cryptocurrency infrastructure company, Bitmine’s investment reflects strategic interest in AI-blockchain integration that complements its existing operations in digital asset mining and verification services.

ARK Invest’s $25 million commitment extends the firm’s established pattern of investing in companies at the forefront of technological convergence. The firm’s research-driven approach to identifying disruptive innovation opportunities influenced the decision to participate in the round alongside crypto-specialist investors.

Payward’s $25 million investment through Kraken’s parent company reinforces the cryptocurrency exchange’s strategy of supporting infrastructure companies that bridge traditional technology sectors with blockchain capabilities. The participation represents continued strategic deployment of capital into companies positioned to benefit from AI and crypto market growth.