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Crypto Exchange Bithumb’s Operator Closing Businesses

Web3 & Enterprise·June 22, 2023, 3:28 AM

Bithumb Korea, the operator of a major South Korean cryptocurrency exchange, has been streamlining its businesses in response to its ongoing struggle to generate profits.

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Pexels

According to a report by local news outlet Business Watch, Bithumb Systems, a tech solution subsidiary of Bithumb Korea, has recently ceased operations. Bithumb System was launched in March of last year with the aim of advancing blockchain and exchange technology. However, due to the decline in the crypto industry and challenges in profitability, the company had to undergo liquidation.

An official from Bithumb Korea explained that the decision to close its tech solution arm was made in order to prioritize improving the competence of the exchange amidst the changing landscape of domestic and foreign markets.

Other affiliates of Bithumb Korea are also facing difficulties. For instance, Bithumb Live, an e-commerce platform jointly established by Bithumb Korea and content production firm Bucket Studio, has been on hiatus since October last year. The platform incurred a net loss of 10 billion KRW ($7.75 million). Bithumb Korea, holding 37.5% of Bithumb Live’s shares, invested 6 billion KRW ($4.65 million) into the platform in 2021. Bithumb Korea recognizes these investment losses using the equity method.

Additionally, Bithumb META, despite raising the highest amount of funds among its sister affiliates, has encountered challenges in making much progress since its establishment last year. Its NFT marketplace, Naemo Market, is still without a mobile application, and the introduction of its metaverse platform is still pending. Although Bithumb META managed to attract 9 billion KRW in investments last March from esteemed companies such as LG CNS, CJ OliveNetworks, and SK Square, it incurred a loss of 7 billion KRW ($5.4 million) in 2022.

Furthermore, earlier this month, it was reported that the exchange closed its research center due to a decline in trading volume, despite its importance in assisting investors to make better-informed decisions.

A representative from Bithumb stated that the company is actively seeking new sources of revenue through its mobile Wallet platform operator, Rotonda, and Bithumb META. However, given the market slowdown, Bithumb is now compelled to prioritize enhancing the competence of the exchange.

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Web3 & Enterprise·

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