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Tether Backs Bitcoin Startup Speed to Expand Stablecoin Payments on Lightning Network
Tether – Stablecoin giant Tether has led an $8 million investment round in Bitcoin-focused payments startup Speed, deepening its push into enterprise-grade stablecoin payments built on the Bitcoin Lightning Network. The round also included participation from Ego Death Capital, a venture firm focused on the Bitcoin ecosystem.
Powering Stablecoin Payments on Lightning
According to Tether, Speed’s technology showcases how stablecoins and the Lightning Network can work together to enable high-volume, low-cost global payments. In a statement released Tuesday, Tether highlighted Speed’s ability to combine scalability, low fees, compliance, and global reach within a Bitcoin-rooted infrastructure.
Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino emphasized that Speed’s progress signals growing readiness for mainstream commerce on Bitcoin-based networks. He added that the company supports teams building practical payment infrastructure that reduces friction and expands access to reliable settlement rails.
Speed’s Growing Footprint
Speed currently serves more than 1.2 million consumers, creators, platforms, and enterprise merchants through its Speed Wallet and Speed Merchant products. The company processes over $1.5 billion in annual payment volume, underscoring rising demand for Lightning-based payment solutions that integrate stablecoins.
The investment aligns with Tether’s broader strategy to expand the real-world utility of its flagship stablecoin, USDT, while supporting Bitcoin-centric payment platforms.
Part of a Broader Tether Expansion
This latest deal adds to a portfolio of over 140 companies backed by Tether, as the issuer continues to expand beyond stablecoins into sectors such as Bitcoin mining, AI, energy, finance, and sports, including football teams. Many of these investments are fueled by Tether’s substantial profits, largely generated from interest on US Treasury bills backing USDT.
With a $186.3 billion market cap, USDT remains the world’s largest stablecoin.
Billions in Profits, Lean Operations
Tether reported profits of more than $10 billion across the first three quarters of 2025, following $13.4 billion in profit in 2024. The company is widely regarded as one of the most profitable businesses globally on a per-employee basis, highlighting the financial strength behind its growing investment activity.
