The stablecoin giant has led an $8 million funding round in the startup Speed to boost its technological infrastructure capabilities. This capital injection aims to massify stablecoin payments on the Lightning Network at a corporate level, confirmed Paolo Ardoino, Tether’s CEO, who highlighted the network’s ability to move money at high scale with reduced fees.
The investment round also featured strategic participation from Ego Death Capital, a firm focused exclusively on the Bitcoin ecosystem. Speed has managed to consolidate a solid base, serving over 1.2 million users including consumers and creators, currently processing more than 1.5 billion dollars in annual payment volume through its wallet products and merchant solutions.
On the other hand, the architecture developed by Speed demonstrates how layer-2 technology can operate alongside stable assets to offer global reach. Ardoino noted that Speed’s execution and adoption are clear signals that Bitcoin-rooted networks are ready to support mainstream commerce, reducing the friction existing in traditional settlement systems.
Are Bitcoin-Based Networks Ready for Global Mass Commerce?
This bet aligns perfectly with Tether’s broader strategy to diversify its investments beyond mining and artificial intelligence sectors. The company seeks to back teams building practical infrastructure, so supporting Bitcoin-focused payments platforms is fundamental to expanding the real utility of USDT in the modern financial market.
Likewise, Tether’s immense profits, which exceeded $10 billion in the first three quarters of 2025, allow financing these strategic initiatives. The company continues to use interest generated by its US Treasury bill reserves to expand its portfolio to over 140 companies, consolidating its position as one of the most profitable and diversified firms in the cryptocurrencies sector.
Finally, integrating stablecoins into fast networks like Lightning could redefine speed and efficiency standards in international transactions. This collaboration is expected to accelerate institutional adoption, facilitating access to reliable settlement rails and opening new opportunities for companies to operate globally without the limitations of traditional banking.
