Bitcoin-Only Life Insurer Meanwhile Secures $37.5M in Fresh Funding as Global Wealthy Embrace Digital Asset Legacy Planning

Meanwhile, the world’s first life insurer licensed to operate exclusively in Bitcoin, has raised $37.5 million in new funding from existing investors, the company announced.

Bain Capital Crypto led the investment round, joined by Haun Ventures, Framework Ventures, Pantera Capital, Apollo, Northwestern Mutual Future Ventures, and Morgan Creek Digital. This latest raise brings Meanwhile’s total funding to over $180 million, with Sam Altman among its notable backers.

The funding follows a significant increase in demand for its Bitcoin-denominated life insurance policies, particularly from clients outside the United States, with strong interest emerging across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East amid ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty.

“Wealthy families globally already hold Bitcoin. What they’ve lacked is a regulated mechanism to pass it on,” said Zac Townsend, co-founder and CEO of Meanwhile. “Brokers approached us because their clients kept asking. This funding allows us to meet that growing demand.”

In early 2026, Meanwhile launched BTC Life 1-Pay, a single-premium whole life policy tailored for high-net-worth clients outside the U.S., marking the company’s second product offering after BTC 10-Pay, designed for American taxpayers.

Under the BTC Life 1-Pay structure, policyholders pay a single Bitcoin premium and receive a guaranteed death benefit in Bitcoin for life. The policy value appreciates in Bitcoin terms, and after the first year, owners can access up to 90% of the policy’s worth through loans—without mandatory repayment schedules or margin calls.

These policies can be held by individuals, trusts, or corporations, making them particularly suitable for succession and estate planning strategies.

Since launching, Meanwhile has onboarded 15 brokerages serving affluent families across key markets including Singapore, Hong Kong, the UAE, and Switzerland. Strategic partners include Lioner, an insurance and family office group with presence in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Zurich, alongside Apeiron Group, a platform specializing in high-net-worth life insurance solutions.

“We’re witnessing a pivotal shift where high-net-worth individuals aren’t just seeking to hold Bitcoin and other digital assets—they’re now focused on strategic planning around these holdings and ensuring seamless intergenerational wealth transfer,” said Justin Man, CEO of Apeiron Group. “Digital assets represent the future of legacy planning.”

The company reports that its net long-term underwriting income has already exceeded the previous year’s total and is projected to more than double in 2026, though specific financial figures were not disclosed.

“Meanwhile owns and operates every layer of a regulated life insurer while executing with the agility of a tech-forward startup,” said Stefan Cohen, Partner at Bain Capital Crypto. “Their rapid growth validates this innovative approach, and we’re excited to continue supporting their vision.”

Meanwhile’s operating subsidiary, Meanwhile Insurance Bitcoin (Bermuda) Limited, holds the inaugural Class IILT license issued by the Bermuda Monetary Authority. The license was granted in July 2024 following a two-year regulatory sandbox program.

The insurer maintains its entire balance sheet, reserves, and audited financial statements in Bitcoin. All client Bitcoin deposits are custodied with licensed institutional-grade custodians.

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