Share this article
Maker of First Bitcoin Mining ASIC Acquired in What Could Be Industry's Largest Sale
The China-based company behind the first bitcoin mining ASIC has been acquired.
By Stan Higgins
Updated Sep 11, 2021, 12:19 p.m. Published Jun 8, 2016, 7:14 p.m.
Make us preferred on Google
The China-based company behind the first bitcoin mining ASIC has been acquired, though the exact details of the sale vary.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW
Don't miss another story.Subscribe to the Crypto Daybook Americas Newsletter today. See all newsletters
, the company that produces the Avalon chip series, confirmed its acquisition by Shandong Luyitong Intelligent Electric PLC today in an email to CoinDesk. Shandong Luyitong is an electronics firm founded in 2003, and that is publicly listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange.
As for the exact amount paid in the acquisition, initial statements from parties involved or close to the deal indicate it could be the largest-ever exit for bitcoin startup.
According to news source Ifeng.com, Shandong Luyitong paid ¥3.06bn (roughly $466m) in stock purchases and cash to acquire 100% ownership of the firm. Further, it said Shandong Luyitong is planning a private share offering in conjunction with the sale, looking to sell as many as 6.79 billion shares at a price of ¥24.57 per share.
In a separate Twitter post, Jihan Wu, CEO of China-based bitcoin mining firm Bitmain, reported that the firm was to be publicly listed through its relationship with Shandong Luyitong, and that it is seeking to raise ¥0.67bn at a valuation of ¥3.1bn.
Representatives of Canaan did not immediately provide more details, stating they were unable to disclose more than what is public at this time.
The Avalon chip was the first application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) designed for bitcoin mining to hit the market, or the process by which new transaction blocks are created on the bitcoin network. Canaan Creative was founded in 2012, releasing its first Avalon chip the following year.
The company has made no official announcement about the deal through its social media channels. Shandong Luyitong did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Image Credit: Canaan Creative
Update: This article has been amended to reflect that the Avalon was the first ASIC to hit the market, while several other companies were also developing chips.
More For You
KuCoin captured a record share of centralised exchange volume in 2025, with more than $1.25tn traded as its volumes grew faster than the wider crypto market.
What to know:
- KuCoin recorded over $1.25 trillion in total trading volume in 2025, equivalent to an average of roughly $114 billion per month, marking its strongest year on record.
- This performance translated into an all-time high share of centralised exchange volume, as KuCoin’s activity expanded faster than aggregate CEX volumes, which slowed during periods of lower market volatility.
- Spot and derivatives volumes were evenly split, each exceeding $500 billion for the year, signalling broad-based usage rather than reliance on a single product line.
- Altcoins accounted for the majority of trading activity, reinforcing KuCoin’s role as a primary liquidity venue beyond BTC and ETH at a time when majors saw more muted turnover.
- Even as overall crypto volumes softened mid-year, KuCoin maintained elevated baseline activity, indicating structurally higher user engagement rather than short-lived volume spikes.
More For You
Here’s why bitcoin’s is failing its role as a 'safe haven' versus gold
Bitcoin behaves more like an "ATM" during uncertain times, with investors quickly selling it to raise cash.
What to know:
- During recent geopolitical tensions, Bitcoin lost 6.6% of its value, while gold rose 8.6%, demonstrating bitcoin's vulnerability in times of market stress.
- Bitcoin behaves more like an "ATM" during uncertain times, with investors quickly selling it to raise cash, contrary to its reputation as a stable digital asset.
- Gold remains the preferred hedge for short-term risks, while bitcoin is better suited for long-term monetary and geopolitical uncertainties that unfold over years.
Top Stories
