Tether, a major player in the stablecoin market, has spearheaded an $8 million funding round for Bitcoin startup Speed, aiming to enhance enterprise stablecoin payments on the Bitcoin layer-2 Lightning Network.
“Speed’s framework illustrates how Lightning and stablecoins can cooperate to facilitate high-volume transactions with minimal fees, robust compliance, and a global footprint,” Tether declared in a statement on Tuesday.
Tether’s CEO, Paolo Ardoino, further noted, “Speed’s implementation and uptake suggest that Bitcoin-centric networks are ready for mainstream commerce.”
The Bitcoin-focused Ego Death Capital also participated in Speed’s $8 million funding round.
Speed caters to more than 1.2 million consumers, creators, platforms, and enterprise merchants utilizing its Speed Wallet and Speed Merchant services, processing upwards of $1.5 billion in annual payment volume.
This initiative aligns with Tether’s goal to bolster Bitcoin-oriented payment platforms and expand the utility of the Tether (USDT) stablecoin, Ardoino remarked.
“We support teams developing practical infrastructure that minimizes friction in payments and enhances access to reliable settlement solutions.”
Tether Diversifies Its Investments
This investment is part of Tether’s growing portfolio, which now encompasses over 140 companies as the stablecoin issuer branches out from Bitcoin mining into AI, energy, finance, and even sports teams.
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Many of these investments derive from Tether’s remarkable profits in recent years, primarily sourced from interest on US Treasury bills backing USDT, the world’s leading stablecoin, with a market cap of $186.3 billion.
Tether’s Impressive Profit Margins
In 2025, Tether reported profits exceeding $10 billion during the first three quarters, following $13.4 billion in profit in 2024.
This positions Tether among the most profitable companies globally when evaluated on a per-employee basis.
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