Tether-backed funding highlights growing role of Bitcoin Lightning in enterprise USDT transfers
Tether has led an $8 million funding round in Bitcoin-focused payments startup Speed, signaling increased momentum for stablecoin adoption on the Bitcoin Lightning Network. The investment reflects a broader push to combine the efficiency of Lightning with the global demand for stable, low-cost digital payments powered by USDT.
Speed Builds Stablecoin Payments on Bitcoin Lightning
Speed leverages the Bitcoin Lightning Network to enable fast and low-fee USDT transfers for consumers and businesses. The platform currently serves over 1.2 million users, including creators, merchants, and enterprise clients. Through its Speed Wallet and Speed Merchant tools, the company processes more than $1.5 billion in annual payment volume, highlighting growing real world usage.
Tether emphasized that Speed’s infrastructure demonstrates how stablecoins and Lightning can operate together at scale, while maintaining compliance standards and global accessibility. The funding round also included participation from Ego Death Capital, a firm known for supporting Bitcoin-native startups.
The deal fits into Tether’s strategy to expand USDT utility beyond traditional blockchain rails and support Bitcoin-centric payment systems. Tether has invested in more than 140 companies across sectors such as energy, artificial intelligence, finance, and digital infrastructure.
Backed largely by interest income from US Treasury bills, Tether reported over $10 billion in profit in the first three quarters of 2025, following $13.4 billion in profit in 2024. With a USDT market capitalization of approximately $186.3 billion, the company continues to deploy capital to strengthen global payment networks and settlement rails.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.