Tether, the leading stablecoin provider, has spearheaded an $8 million strategic investment in Speed, a payment infrastructure firm that integrates Bitcoin’s Lightning Network with stablecoin transactions to facilitate real-time money transfers.
According to a press release, Speed processes over $1.5 billion in annual payment volume and caters to approximately 1.2 million users and businesses through its wallet and merchant solutions.
The platform utilizes Lightning for its rapid payment processing and allows users to settle transactions in USDT for consistent value.
Tether indicated that this investment is part of its initiative to enhance Bitcoin-related financial infrastructure and broaden the use of USDT beyond trading. CEO Paolo Ardoino highlighted Speed as proof that Lightning networks can facilitate genuine commerce when integrated with a stable digital dollar.
“Crypto has been trapped in speculation for too long,” remarked Speed CEO Niraj Patel. “Speed is making it functional — instantly, globally, and at scale. Lightning provides speed; stablecoins offer universal access; our infrastructure unites it all for consumers, creators, and merchants.”
This agreement coincides with Tether’s ongoing strategy of using its substantial profits to invest broadly across various sectors. These include a controlling stake in Latin American agricultural company Adecoagro (AGRO), a privacy-centric health application, and a stake in the video-sharing platform Rumble (RUM).
The firm reported more than $10 billion in profit during the first three quarters of the year, mainly fueled by interest from U.S. Treasury holdings that support USDT.
