Investors Applaud Semler Scientific’s Fresh Talent and Aggressive Bitcoin Acquisition Strategy

Shares of Semler Scientific (SMLR) jumped 14% on Friday, bucking a broader market downturn, as the company unveiled big plans to expand its Bitcoin holdings and announced a key new hire.

On Thursday evening, Semler revealed it had brought on Joe Burnett as its new Director of Bitcoin Strategy. At the same time, it set out an ambitious roadmap to grow its Bitcoin reserves from the current 4,449 BTC (worth roughly $462 million) to 10,000 BTC by the end of 2025, 42,000 BTC by the end of 2026, and a massive 105,000 BTC by the close of 2027.

“We are excited to have Joe join our Bitcoin strategy team and help drive our three-year plan to own 105,000 Bitcoins,” said Chairman Eric Semler. “Joe is an analytical thought leader on Bitcoin and Bitcoin treasury companies. His expertise will be instrumental as we pursue our Bitcoin treasury strategy and aim to deliver long-term value to our stockholders.”

Semler highlighted Burnett’s reputation as a vocal advocate for Bitcoin, noting his seven-year track record in the industry. Most recently, Burnett served as Director of Market Research at Unchained, a Bitcoin-focused financial services firm.

Investors welcomed the strategic moves, propelling Semler’s stock higher, even as Bitcoin’s price slipped below $104,000, dragging down many other BTC-linked equities on Friday.

Despite the day’s strong rally, SMLR remains down about 33% year-to-date and more than 50% below its 2025 highs above $80. The drop has left Semler’s market cap hovering close to—or even under—the value of its current Bitcoin stash, potentially constraining its ability to raise fresh equity capital for further purchases.

To fund its bold Bitcoin buying targets, Semler might look at alternative financing options, possibly taking a page from MicroStrategy’s playbook and tapping the preferred share market for additional capital.