Tether leads $8M funding for Lightning startup focused on stablecoins

cointelegraphPublished on 2025-12-17Last updated on 2025-12-17

Abstract

Tether has led an $8 million funding round for Bitcoin Lightning startup Speed, which focuses on enabling enterprise stablecoin payments on the Lightning Network. Tether’s CEO Paolo Ardoino highlighted Speed’s architecture for facilitating high-scale, low-fee, and compliant global transactions. The investment aligns with Tether’s strategy to support Bitcoin-based payment infrastructure and expand the utility of its USDT stablecoin. Speed currently serves over 1.2 million users and processes more than $1.5 billion in annual payments. This move is part of Tether’s broader investment approach, which spans over 140 companies across sectors like AI, energy, and finance, funded by its substantial profits—exceeding $10 billion in the first three quarters of 2025.

Stablecoin giant Tether has led an $8 million investment round in Bitcoin startup Speed to support its mission in enabling more enterprise stablecoin payments on the Bitcoin layer-2 Lightning Network.

“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 in a statement on Tuesday.

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

The Bitcoin ecosystem-focused Ego Death Capital also contributed to Speed’s $8 million investment round.

Speed serves over 1.2 million consumers, creators, platforms, and enterprise merchants using its Speed Wallet and Speed Merchant products, processing more than $1.5 billion in annual payment volume.

The move also aligns with Tether’s strategy to support Bitcoin-focused payments platforms and broaden the utility of the Tether (USDT) stablecoin, Ardoino said.

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

Tether has been spreading bets across several sectors

The investment adds to over 140 companies that Tether already backs as the stablecoin issuer expands from Bitcoin mining to AI, energy, finance, and even football teams.

Related: The Bitcoin-to-gold ratio fell 50% in 2025: Here’s why

Many of those investments have come from Tether’s eye-popping profits over the last few years, which mostly come from interest on US Treasury bills that back USDT, the world’s largest stablecoin with a $186.3 billion market cap.

Tether continues to rake in billions of dollars of profit

Tether banked a profit of more than $10 billion across the first three quarters of 2025, building on the $13.4 billion in profit in 2024.

It is one of the most profitable companies in the world on a per-employee basis.

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UNDP and DFINITY to Collaborate on AI Infrastructure Development

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UNDP and DFINITY to Collaborate on AI Infrastructure Development

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Algorand Introduces Protocol for Managing AI Agents

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Algorand Introduces Protocol for Managing AI Agents

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U.S. Bonds, AI, Inflation: You Can't Have All Three – What's Bitcoin Betting On?

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U.S. Bonds, AI, Inflation: You Can't Have All Three – What's Bitcoin Betting On?

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HBM is Being Redefined

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The Era of Earning 200,000 from a 3,000 Investment Is Over; AI Comic Dramas Are Not a Get-Rich-Quick Trend

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The absence of information regarding the founding team can raise questions among potential investors about the project’s accountability and direction. Who are the Investors of Doge Matrix ($doge m)? As it stands, there is no publicly available information detailing the investors or investment foundations that back Doge Matrix. The project appears to rely primarily on community support rather than institutional investment. This model aligns with the community-driven nature of the initiative, fostering an environment where the direction of the project is shaped by its participants rather than being dictated by a select few financial backers. How Does Doge Matrix ($doge m) Work? The specifics regarding the operational mechanisms of Doge Matrix are somewhat vague, reflecting a broader trend of projects in the meme coin space where innovative functionalities are not always clearly articulated. 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What is $M

Understanding Mantis ($M): A New Era in Cross-Chain Interoperability In the continually evolving landscape of Web3 and cryptocurrency, new projects strive to offer innovative solutions aimed at enhancing the user experience and expanding functional possibilities within the decentralized financial ecosystem. One such project garnering attention is Mantis ($M), a pioneering protocol founded on the principles of cross-chain interoperability and intent-based settlements. This article delves into the essential aspects of Mantis, including its core functionality, creators, investment backing, innovative features, and critical milestones. What is Mantis ($M)? Mantis is described as a multi-domain intent settlement protocol that simplifies cross-chain interactions, enabling users to execute complex financial transactions across various blockchain platforms seamlessly. The protocol operates through three primary layers: Intent Expression: Users can articulate their transaction goals using natural language facilitated by the DISE LLM, an advanced AI language model. For instance, a user might express a desire to swap Ethereum (ETH) for Solana (SOL) with a specific slippage tolerance of 1%. Execution: This layer employs a network of solvers that compete to fulfill user intents. Transactions are executed using mechanisms such as Coincidence of Wants (CoWs) and Order Flow Auctions (OFAs), which ensure that user demands are met optimally. Settlement: Leveraging the Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol, Mantis enables atomic cross-chain transactions, allowing users to operate across various supported chains, including Ethereum, Solana, and Cosmos. Mantis is engineered to introduce native yield generation for idle assets, employing cryptographic proofs to maintain the integrity of transactions throughout the entire process. Creators & Development Team Mantis was conceived by the Composable Foundation, a research-driven organization notable for its emphasis on blockchain interoperability solutions. This foundation collaborates with esteemed academic institutions, including Harvard University and the University of Lisbon, contributing to extensive research and development efforts that inform Mantis's architecture and functionality. The Composable Foundation’s commitment to fostering innovation in the blockchain space positions Mantis as a robust solution for the growing demand for interoperability among multiple blockchain networks. Investors & Backing While specific details about individual investors have not been publicly disclosed, Mantis enjoys substantial backing from various entities, including: Ecosystem grants from IBC-enabled chains, which support the protocol's growth and integration within decentralized finance ecosystems. Strategic partnerships with infrastructure providers that enhance Mantis's network capabilities and deployment strategies. Funding through the Composable Foundation's treasury, ensuring sustained financial support for ongoing development and operational costs. These collaborative efforts reflect a consensus among stakeholders about the importance of enhancing cross-chain functionality and the potential utility of Mantis's infrastructural innovations. Key Innovations Mantis sets itself apart through several pioneering innovations that enhance its functionality and utility: Chain-Agnostic Intents: Users can initiate transactions from any supported chain while settling on another. This flexibility empowers users, driving increased interaction among different platforms. AI-Powered Interface: The integration of DISE LLM allows users to conduct complex DeFi operations using natural language, thereby simplifying interactions and making blockchain technology accessible to a broader audience. Cross-Domain MEV Capture: Mantis creates an internal market for maximal extractable value (MEV) through competitions among solvers. This innovative approach allows for greater efficiency and value extraction in complex transactions. Modular Settlement Layer: The protocol supports various verification methods, including zero-knowledge proofs and optimistic rollups, providing a versatile framework that can adapt to emerging blockchain technologies. Historical Timeline Mantis's development is marked by several critical milestones that chart its trajectory and growth: | Year | Milestone | |————|————————————————————————-| | 2022 | Initial concept development within the Composable Foundation's research division. | | Q3 2024 | Launch of the testnet with bridging capabilities between Solana and Ethereum. | | Q1 2025 | Anticipated Token Generation Event (TGE) alongside the mainnet launch. | | Q2 2025 | Expected integration of DISE LLM and expansion of cross-chain capabilities. | | 2025 H2 | Planned support for over 15 chains through further IBC upgrades. | This timeline outlines Mantis's evolution, from conceptual discussions to active implementation and future growth phases. Ecosystem Growth Strategy Mantis's strategy for ecosystem growth includes several initiatives designed to encourage user participation and developer engagement: Credits System: Users can earn protocol credits by providing liquidity and engaging in referral programs. These credits are redeemable for incentives in the future, fostering a robust user community. Modular Software Development Kit (SDK): This toolkit empowers developers to create applications based on intent-driven models utilizing Mantis's infrastructure, thus promoting innovation within its ecosystem. Governance Model: As the protocol matures, $M token holders will have a voice in protocol governance, allowing them to vote on proposed upgrades and changes, thereby enhancing community engagement and decentralization. Mantis represents a significant advancement in the realm of cross-chain architecture. By seamlessly integrating advanced AI algorithms with a robust settlement framework, Mantis seeks to tackle the problems of fragmentation within multi-chain ecosystems. Its innovative approach prioritizes improved user experiences while adhering to the foundational principles of decentralization and security, setting a new standard for the future interoperability of blockchain technologies. As Mantis continues its journey of growth and implementation, it promises to be a project to watch closely in the competitive landscape of Web3 and decentralized finance. With its focus on crossing boundaries and elevating user engagement, Mantis is poised to be an integral part of the future developments in the cryptocurrency space.

898 Total ViewsPublished 2025.03.18Updated 2025.03.18

How to Buy M

Welcome to HTX.com! We've made purchasing MemeCore (M) simple and convenient. Follow our step-by-step guide to embark on your crypto journey.Step 1: Create Your HTX AccountUse your email or phone number to sign up for a free account on HTX. Experience a hassle-free registration journey and unlock all features.Get My AccountStep 2: Go to Buy Crypto and Choose Your Payment MethodCredit/Debit Card: Use your Visa or Mastercard to buy MemeCore (M) instantly.Balance: Use funds from your HTX account balance to trade seamlessly.Third Parties: We've added popular payment methods such as Google Pay and Apple Pay to enhance convenience.P2P: Trade directly with other users on HTX.Over-the-Counter (OTC): We offer tailor-made services and competitive exchange rates for traders.Step 3: Store Your MemeCore (M)After purchasing your MemeCore (M), store it in your HTX account. Alternatively, you can send it elsewhere via blockchain transfer or use it to trade other cryptocurrencies.Step 4: Trade MemeCore (M)Easily trade MemeCore (M) on HTX's spot market. Simply access your account, select your trading pair, execute your trades, and monitor in real-time. We offer a user-friendly experience for both beginners and seasoned traders.

9.3k Total ViewsPublished 2025.07.02Updated 2026.06.02

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Welcome to the HTX Community. Here, you can stay informed about the latest platform developments and gain access to professional market insights. Users' opinions on the price of M (M) are presented below.