- Tether seeks $15–20B funding for 3% stake, aiming for a $500B valuation, says Bloomberg.
- Ark Invest and SoftBank are in talks to join Tether’s record-setting fundraising effort.
- Tether plans U.S. stablecoin launch, expanding into regulated markets under CEO Bo Hines.
Tether, the issuer of the USDT stablecoin, is preparing for one of the largest funding rounds in crypto history. The company is seeking between $15 billion and $20 billion in exchange for a minority stake. If successful, the raise could lift Tether’s valuation to $500 billion.
Tether Pursues Record Fundraising Round
According to a Bloomberg report, Tether is seeking to raise $15 billion to $20 billion for about a 3% stake. This would value the firm at $500 billion, placing it among the most valuable private companies worldwide.
Ark Invest, led by Cathie Wood, and SoftBank, managed by Masayoshi Son, are in discussions to participate. Ark previously invested in Circle, which issues the USDC stablecoin. Circle’s token has a market value of around $74 billion, while Tether’s USDT circulation exceeds $173 billion.
Cantor Fitzgerald is advising on the transaction. The financial services firm also serves as custodian of Tether’s assets. Its chairman, Howard Lutnick, now U.S. Commerce Secretary, further ties the company to Washington’s financial policymaking circles.
Stablecoin Expansion and Market Role
Tether is also preparing to introduce a new U.S.-based stablecoin called USAT. The initiative will be led by Bo Hines, who has been named chief executive of the new project. The launch is part of Tether’s efforts to expand its footprint in regulated financial markets.
Chief executive Paolo Ardoino and chairman Giancarlo Devasini lead the firm. Bloomberg estimates Devasini’s stake could be worth $224 billion at the projected valuation, surpassing the wealth of Warren Buffett. Tether invests in the U.S. Treasuries and other short-term instruments, earning billions of dollars in interest.
USDT is widely used for international transfers without reliance on banks, supporting its global adoption. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission has also introduced a stablecoin collateral program for derivatives markets. If successful, the fundraising would confirm institutional confidence in Tether and mark one of the largest capital raises in the digital asset industry.
