ETHZilla Mania: 180 Life Sciences’ $350M Ethereum Pivot Sends Stock Up 432% in Just One Week
180 Life Sciences (ATNF) transforms into ETHZilla with $350M in Ethereum holdings, backed by Peter Thiel. Stock explodes over 400% this week as crypto meets Wall Street.
From Biotech to Blockchain – The Jaw-Dropping Shift
Until last week, 180 Life Sciences Corp. (NASDAQ:ATNF) was known as a small-cap biotech working on treatments in the health and wellness space. Then came the announcement that turned the company from a relatively obscure stock into a market sensation:
- Sold the biotech story, bought the crypto dream
- Acquired $350 million worth of Ethereum (ETH)
- Holding an additional $240 million in cash
- Rebranding to “ETHZilla” — a name that screams ambition
This isn’t just a brand tweak; it’s a full corporate identity transplant. ETHZilla says it wants to become a powerhouse in Ethereum accumulation, aiming to grow ETH per share over time by strategically deploying its capital.
The Stock’s Wild Ride – Numbers That Stun
The market reaction has been nothing short of euphoric:
| Date | % Change | Price Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | +207% | Massive breakout on pivot news |
| Wednesday Open | +44% | Hits $14.78 at the bell |
| Weekly Gain | +432% | From microcap to headline star |
This move brings back memories of MicroStrategy’s famous pivot to Bitcoin in 2020 — except ETHZilla is going all-in on Ethereum, the blockchain behind decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, and smart contracts.
The Ethereum Vision – More Than Just HODLing
On its official rebranded site, ETHZilla declares:
“Ethereum will be the backbone of the global financial system.”
Their roadmap focuses on:
- Building a publicly traded vehicle for large-scale ETH ownership
- Increasing Ethereum per share via strategic use of cash reserves
- Aligning with the crypto-native community while remaining in public markets
If executed well, ETHZilla could become one of the few equity plays that directly mirrors Ethereum’s value while offering potential upside from corporate strategy.
Peter Thiel’s Silent Endorsement
This isn’t some random meme-stock pump. Peter Thiel, billionaire co-founder of:
- PayPal (PYPL)
- Palantir Technologies (PLTR)
and early investor in Facebook (META), holds a stake through his Founders Fund.
Thiel’s involvement adds weight — and intrigue — to the ETHZilla story. Known for his contrarian bets, his backing suggests this pivot may be more than a headline grab.
The Risks Lurking Beneath the Hype
Even with the hype, savvy investors are aware:
- Crypto Volatility: Ethereum is famous for double-digit daily moves — gains can vanish fast.
- Regulatory Uncertainty: Crypto faces ongoing scrutiny in the U.S. and abroad.
- Execution Risk: A biotech-to-blockchain transition isn’t exactly a plug-and-play business shift.
Still, ETHZilla’s sheer market momentum has already attracted both day traders and long-term crypto bulls.
Outlook – The Boldest Crypto-Stock Play of 2025?
Whether ETHZilla becomes the next MicroStrategy or fades like countless speculative pivots remains to be seen. But in just a week, it has:
- Captured massive investor attention
- Blended Wall Street credibility with crypto evangelism
- Delivered one of the biggest small-cap rallies of the year
For now, ETHZilla stands as a symbol of 2025’s market zeitgeist — where biotech labs give way to blockchain ledgers, and the promise of decentralized finance collides with the drama of equity markets.
