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Tether leads $8M funding for Lightning stablecoin startup

Written by Heidi Cuthbert Published Dec. 17 2025Last Updated Dec. 17 2025

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Stablecoin issuer Tether has led an $8 million funding round for Bitcoin payments startup Speed, which focuses on stablecoin transfers over the Lightning Network.

The investment was made alongside Bitcoin-focused venture firm Ego Death Capital.

Speed is building infrastructure that enables enterprise-grade stablecoin payments using the Bitcoin layer-2 Lightning Network.

The company’s platform allows USDT transfers with low fees, fast settlement and global reach.

“Speed’s architecture demonstrates how Lightning and stablecoins can operate together to move money at high scale with low fees, strong compliance, and global reach,” Tether said.

Tether chief executive Paolo Ardoino said the investment reflects growing confidence in Bitcoin-native payment rails.

“Speed’s execution and adoption signal that Bitcoin-rooted networks are ready for mainstream commerce,” Paolo Ardoino said.

Speed currently serves more than 1.2 million consumers, creators, platforms and enterprise merchants.

Its products include the Speed Wallet and Speed Merchant tools designed for large-scale payment processing.

The company processes more than $1.5 billion in annual payment volume, according to figures shared with investors.

Ardoino said the funding aligns with Tether’s strategy to expand the real-world utility of USDT through scalable payment infrastructure.

“We back teams building practical infrastructure that reduces friction in payments and increases access to reliable settlement rails,” Ardoino said.

The investment adds to a growing list of companies supported by Tether across multiple sectors.

Tether has invested in more than 140 companies spanning Bitcoin mining, artificial intelligence, energy, finance and professional sports.

Much of Tether’s investment activity has been fuelled by record profits generated in recent years.

The company earns most of its revenue from interest on US Treasury bills that back USDT reserves.

USDT remains the world’s largest stablecoin with a market capitalisation of about $186.3 billion.

Tether reported profits of more than $10 billion across the first three quarters of 2025.

This followed a reported $13.4 billion profit for the full year in 2024.

The company is considered one of the most profitable firms globally on a per-employee basis.

Industry observers say the Speed investment highlights growing interest in combining stablecoins with Bitcoin’s Lightning Network.

At the time of reporting, Bitcoin price was $86,288.42.