Woofun AI reports that Empery Digital (EMPD), formerly an electric powersports vehicle manufacturer, has executed a strategic pivot from a Bitcoin treasury model to funding an AI data center project. The company disclosed the sale of nearly half its Bitcoin holdings to finance this new venture and reduce outstanding debt, marking a significant departure from its previous corporate identity.

The transaction details reveal that 1,400 Bitcoin (BTC) were sold over the past two months at an average price of $62,200 per coin, generating approximately $87.1 million in proceeds. Per Woofun AI, the capital allocation includes a 25% stake in a Hunt Properties-affiliated venture acquiring an industrial site for conversion into an AI data center, alongside $10 million designated for debt repayment. Market reaction was immediate, with EMPD shares surging 4.2% to $3.95 within the first 35 minutes of trading on Friday, before retracing to close at $3.86, up 1.58% for the day.

This strategic shift follows intense pressure from Tice P. Brown, a near-10% shareholder who demanded the resignation of the CEO and board, urging the abandonment of the Bitcoin-buying strategy adopted in mid-2025. At that time, Bitcoin was approaching its all-time high of $126,080 set in October. The recent sales have reduced Empery’s holdings by 48% to 1,514 Bitcoin, valued at $97 million, down from a peak of 4,081 Bitcoin held before partial offloads in March and April.

The move mirrors broader industry trends, as MicroStrategy, the largest corporate Bitcoin holder, sold 3,588 Bitcoin worth $216 million earlier this month. This sale, used to cover dividends for Stretch (STRC) perpetual preferred stock which fell below its $100 par value to under $75 last month, resulted in rising share prices, signaling a potential structural shift in how corporate treasuries allocate digital assets versus traditional equity obligations.