Explore Smarter Web's rise as the UK's top Bitcoin treasury company in this interview with founders Andrew Webley and Jesse Myers with Peter Duan aka @BTCBullRider.
Timestamp Overview
[00:00:01 - 00:03:27] Introduction to Guests and Company
- Host Peter Duan welcomes Andrew Webley and Jesse Myers from Smarter Web, a UK-based company focused on holding Bitcoin as a key asset.
- Andrew introduces himself as the founder; the company went public in April 2025 and has already acquired a small but growing amount of Bitcoin.
- Jesse shares his background in Bitcoin analysis and explains how Smarter Web aims to become a major holder of Bitcoin in the UK, similar to leading companies elsewhere.
- They discuss redirecting global capital into Bitcoin through treasury strategies for better long-term growth.
[00:03:27 - 00:05:52] Peter’s Background and Company Comparison
- Peter shares his experience in traditional finance and how he entered the Bitcoin space inspired by other companies.
- He compares Smarter Web to successful Bitcoin treasury firms like MetaPlanet, highlighting strong leadership, technical expertise, and community building.
- Peter notes Smarter Web’s quick growth in building a community of over 3,500 members despite being public for only a few months.
[00:05:52 - 00:08:53] UK Bitcoin Landscape and Regulations
- Andrew explains that the UK has not been very friendly to Bitcoin in recent years, with banks making it hard to buy.
- Positive changes include regulators allowing certain Bitcoin products for retail investors, signaling a friendlier future.
- The company emphasizes education and responsible growth to build trust with regulators and the public.
- Jesse adds that improving regulations create opportunities for capital to flow into Bitcoin through local companies like Smarter Web.
[00:08:53 - 00:11:45] Similarities to Japan and Execution Strategy
- Jesse compares the UK’s economic challenges and Bitcoin opportunities to Japan’s, where similar companies have succeeded.
- He highlights tailwinds like retirement funds seeking Bitcoin exposure without easy options until now.
- Both guests stress consistent execution, like regular Bitcoin purchases, to grow the company steadily.
[00:11:45 - 00:16:01] Business Model and Investor Appeal
- Andrew describes Smarter Web as having three parts: web design services, future acquisitions, and Bitcoin treasury management.
- The web design side is profitable and self-sustaining, providing a stable base unlike some other tech firms.
- Investors may buy shares for different reasons, such as belief in Bitcoin holdings or growth potential.
- The goal is to become the UK’s largest Bitcoin-holding company with a strong balance sheet.
[00:16:01 - 00:19:47] Leadership in UK Market
- Jesse explains a “winner-takes-most” idea where one company leads in each country’s Bitcoin treasury space.
- Smarter Web aims to be the go-to for UK investors seeking to grow their Bitcoin holdings through a trusted local firm.
- Andrew notes the UK’s capital markets need better companies to keep investment local instead of flowing abroad.
[00:19:47 - 00:22:26] Future Excitement and Capital Retention
- Andrew expresses pride in building a UK company for future generations and using Bitcoin to strengthen it.
- Both guests are excited about long-term growth over the next several years.
- They aim to attract international capital while improving the UK’s investment landscape.
[00:22:26 - 00:26:54] Educating Investors and Raising Capital
- Peter asks about convincing investors from other Bitcoin firms to switch; Andrew emphasizes education and equal access for all.
- They introduced products like “Smarter Convert” to offer low-risk ways to invest.
- Conversations with investors vary in length, but the focus is on helping people understand the benefits.
[00:26:54 - 00:28:37] Engaging Institutions
- Andrew describes reaching institutions through direct contact, brokers, and inbound interest.
- Relationships with brokers and banks help connect to larger investors.
- The approach is explanatory, not pushy, focusing on Bitcoin treasury as a top investment.
[00:28:37 - 00:33:29] Value Proposition and Portfolio Role
- Jesse compares Smarter Web’s early growth stage to MetaPlanet’s a year ago, offering higher potential returns.
- Bitcoin treasury companies allow investors to grow their Bitcoin holdings beyond just holding the asset.
- He shares a key insight from Michael Saylor about using risk capital to accumulate more Bitcoin.
[00:33:29 - 00:36:06] Growing Bitcoin Ownership
- Jesse stresses that treasury companies help pools of capital enter Bitcoin easily while growing ownership over time.
- This strategy is seen as the future biggest industry for bringing traditional finance into Bitcoin.
[00:36:06 - 00:39:18] Handling Market Downturns
- Peter asks about buying Bitcoin late in a bull run and protecting during drops.
- Jesse notes Smarter Web has grown Bitcoin per share significantly even during recent pullbacks.
- Andrew believes major drops are unlikely but the company is prepared with no debt, allowing continued operations.
[00:39:18 - 00:42:59] Risk Management and Volatility
- Andrew explains the business avoids leverage to prevent issues in downturns.
- Volatility is accepted as it drives performance; lower Bitcoin prices could even help buy more.
- Jesse praises conservative management to avoid risks that could harm the company.
[00:42:59 - 00:45:49] Community Confidence and Drawdowns
- Peter suggests analysis on how drops could benefit growth to build investor confidence.
- This could keep valuations high for continued Bitcoin accumulation.
[00:45:49 - 00:50:49] Underrated Questions and Closing
- Andrew says people should ask about management’s personal stake for alignment.
- Jesse emphasizes focusing on growth rates and execution track records.
- Peter praises the team’s humble yet effective approach; the interview wraps positively.
Notable Quotes
Company Milestone
Today we announced that we've got 1% of 1% of all of the Bitcoin 2,100 with a reasonable amount of cash that we'd be deployed into Bitcoin in the very near future.
Andrew Webley @asjwebley
Global Ambition
We intend to continue to be in that position and grow into a company that I think we can end up accumulating 210,000 bitcoin over the coming years.
Jesse Myers @Croesus_BTC
Regulatory Shift
The UK has not been incredibly bitcoin friendly for the last few years... but it's getting friendlier.
Andrew Webley @asjwebley
Investor Education
A lot of the work that we do is on the educational piece, you know, trying to Bitcoin more understood because we're a public company that's adopting it as our primary treasury asset.
Andrew Webley @asjwebley
Portfolio Role
There's still a place in a portfolio for risk capital, even if you're on a bitcoin standard.
Jesse Myers @Croesus_BTC
Bear Market Resilience
The great thing about our business as well is that, you know, we're not leveraged. There's no real debt there.
Andrew Webley @asjwebley
Execution Focus
What has execution looked like for each of these companies over the last month? ... There's no company that has achieved more in terms of executing.
Jesse Myers @Croesus_BTC
Personal Stake
One question that we don't get asked very often... is, you know, how much of your net worth is exposed to the business.
Andrew Webley @asjwebley
Growth vs Scale
You want to be riding the thing that's growing the fastest. The fastest horse.
Jesse Myers @Croesus_BTC
UK Pride
We want to make the UK great again.
Andrew Webley @asjwebley
Questions & Answers
Question 1: What is Smarter Web and its recent achievements?
Answer: Smarter Web is a UK-based Bitcoin treasury company that went public in April 2025, becoming the most successful IPO in UK history, and has acquired 2100 Bitcoin with plans for more.
Question 2: How does the UK view Bitcoin currently?
Answer: The UK has been unfriendly to Bitcoin for years, with banks restricting purchases, but regulations are improving, allowing retail access to Bitcoin products like ETNs.
Question 3: Why is Smarter Web compared to MetaPlanet?
Answer: Smarter Web mirrors MetaPlanet’s setup in Japan, with strong leadership, technical expertise, and community growth, aiming to lead in the UK amid similar economic challenges.
Question 4: What are the three parts of Smarter Web’s business?
Answer: Smarter Web includes a profitable web design service, a medium-to-long-term acquisition strategy, and treasury management focused on holding Bitcoin for long-term value.
Question 5: How does Smarter Web plan to lead in the UK Bitcoin treasury space?
Answer: Smarter Web aims for a “winner-takes-most” position by offering compounding Bitcoin growth, attracting local capital like retirement funds, and executing consistently.
Question 6: How does the company educate and attract investors?
Answer: Smarter Web educates through direct conversations, equal access for retail investors, and products like Smarter Convert, while engaging institutions via brokers and networks.
Question 7: Why invest in Bitcoin treasury companies like Smarter Web?
Answer: These companies allow investors to grow Bitcoin holdings beyond just holding the asset, using capital markets to accumulate more, especially in early growth stages.
Question 8: How does Smarter Web handle potential Bitcoin market downturns?
Answer: Smarter Web avoids debt and leverage to stay resilient, continuing to buy Bitcoin even in pullbacks, as lower prices could enable more aggressive accumulation.
Question 9: What questions should investors ask more often?
Answer: Investors should ask about management’s personal financial stake in the company and focus on execution track records and growth rates versus scale.
People and Organizations Mentioned
- Peter Duan: Host of The Bull Standard podcast, Twitter handle @btcbullrider; former traditional finance professional with 14 years experience, entered Bitcoin space via companies like MicroStrategy.
- Andrew Webley: Founder and CEO of Smarter Web, Twitter handle @asjwebley; experienced operator of a web design business for 15 years, leading the company’s Bitcoin treasury strategy.
- Jesse Myers: Advisor to Smarter Web, Twitter handle @Croesus_BTC; Bitcoin analyst and writer, former Bain consultant and Stanford MBA, known for valuation models used by Michael Saylor.
- Smarter Web Company: UK-based Bitcoin treasury firm, the most successful IPO in UK history (April 2025), focused on holding and growing Bitcoin holdings; operates web design services with high margins.
- Michael Saylor: CEO of MicroStrategy, mentioned as pioneer of Bitcoin treasury strategy; known for aggressive Bitcoin accumulation, Twitter @saylor, co-founder of MicroStrategy (NASDAQ: MSTR), a software company turned Bitcoin holder.
- MetaPlanet: Japanese Bitcoin treasury company referenced as a successful model; led by CEO Simon Gerovich, has grown rapidly with Bitcoin holdings, often compared to MicroStrategy in Asia.
- Dylan LeClair: Bitcoin analyst associated with MetaPlanet; young expert with large social media following, provides technical insights, Twitter @DylanLeClair_.
- Bain (Bain & Company): Global consulting firm where Jesse Myers worked; one of the “Big Three” management consultancies, known for strategy advising to Fortune 500 companies.
- Stanford (Stanford University): Prestigious US university where Jesse Myers earned an MBA; renowned for business and tech programs, alumni include many tech leaders.
- FCA (Financial Conduct Authority): UK financial regulator mentioned for unbanning Bitcoin products; oversees financial markets, protects consumers, equivalent to SEC in the US.
- MicroStrategy (MSTR): US company led by Michael Saylor, first major Bitcoin treasury adopter; software firm (NASDAQ: MSTR) holding billions in Bitcoin.
- Preston (Preston Pysh): Podcast host (likely Investors Podcast Network) where Andrew and Jesse appeared; Bitcoin advocate, Twitter @PrestonPysh, focuses on macroeconomics and investing.
- Tennyson: Broker firm helping Smarter Web with capital markets; small, well-connected UK team assisting with investor relations and raises.
- Croesus: Pseudonym used by Jesse Myers for early Bitcoin writings; references ancient wealthy king, symbolizing financial wisdom in crypto community.