David Beckham-Backed Prenetics Becomes First Healthcare Firm to Invest in Bitcoin
Prenetics, a global health technology company backed by football icon David Beckham, has officially added Bitcoin to its balance sheet with a $20 million investment. The move marks a historic milestone, making Prenetics the first publicly listed healthcare firm to hold BTC as part of its treasury strategy.
The announcement quickly made waves on the market, pushing Prenetics’ stock price up by 23%, and aligning the firm with an expanding list of corporations leaning into digital assets—joining the likes of MicroStrategy, Tesla, and more recently, Semler Scientific.
A First for the Healthcare Industry
Based in Hong Kong and operating globally, Prenetics is best known for its work in diagnostics, genomics, and personalized healthcare. With this investment, it’s positioning itself at the crossroads of biotech and blockchain.
CEO Danny Yeung emphasized that the move wasn’t just about portfolio diversification—it’s about preparing for the future of healthtech.
“We’re at the dawn of a new era where genomics, personalized medicine, and digital assets will intersect in ways that could revolutionize how we approach human health, longevity, and wealth,” Yeung said in the announcement.
Prenetics purchased the BTC at an average price of $106,712 per coin, making it a bold entry point amid Bitcoin’s recent rally.
Strengthening Web3 Ties
This Bitcoin acquisition doesn’t appear to be a one-off experiment. Prenetics has simultaneously taken steps to deepen its roots in the crypto space. Notably, it has added several blockchain veterans to its leadership and advisory team.
- Andy Cheung, former COO of crypto exchange OKEx, has joined Prenetics' Board of Directors.
- Raphael Strauch, founder of Token2049, and Tracy Hoyos Lopez, Chief of Staff for Strategic Initiatives at Kraken, were also named as advisors to lead Web3 strategy development.
Yeung hinted that this is the beginning of a broader vision, saying the company plans to build “one of the most significant Bitcoin treasuries in healthcare.”
Beckham’s Star Power
While David Beckham is not directly involved in Prenetics' Bitcoin initiative, his brand association adds cultural weight to the company’s forward-thinking image. As a global ambassador and shareholder, Beckham’s connection to the firm may help bring even more mainstream visibility to Bitcoin’s corporate adoption.
This isn’t the first time the sports world has dabbled in crypto. European football clubs have launched fan tokens, partnered with exchanges, and in some cases, even built their own crypto reserves. With Prenetics stepping into the space, it’s possible more health and sports-related entities could follow.