Why Tether’s Bold Bet on Speed Could Rewrite the Future of Bitcoin Lightning—and Your Portfolio
Ever wonder what happens when the heavyweight champ of stablecoins throws its weight behind the nimble newcomer powering Bitcoin’s Lightning Network? Well, Tether just did exactly that, leading an $8 million funding round for Speed, a startup that’s not just talking the talk but walking the walk with over $1.5 billion in annual payment volume. This isn’t your regular venture capital story—it’s a bold move to turbocharge instant, low-cost Bitcoin and USDT payments across the globe, serving millions of users from creators to enterprise merchants. If you think the marriage of stablecoins and Lightning is just a tech buzzword, think again—this partnership could reshape how we think about frictionless, lightning-fast digital payments today and tomorrow. Ready to dive deep into what makes Speed tick and why Tether’s backing might just be the spark for the next payment revolution? LEARN MORE
Tether aims to bridge stablecoins and Bitcoin Lightning to drive instant, low-fee payments for businesses and consumers worldwide.
Key Takeaways
- Tether led an $8 million funding round for Speed1, Inc., supporting Bitcoin Lightning Network and stablecoin payment infrastructure.
- Speed enables over $1.5 billion in annual payment volume with instant BTC and USDT settlement for consumers and merchants.
Share this article
Tether announced Tuesday that the company had made a strategic investment in Speed, a payments infrastructure provider leveraging the Bitcoin Lightning Network and stablecoins for instant settlement.
Tether led Speed’s $8 million funding round alongside ego death capital, supporting a platform that already processes more than $1.5 billion in annual payment volume.
Speed’s products serve over 1 million users and businesses, offering instant payments with native BTC and USDT settlements across consumers, creators, platforms, and enterprise merchants.
“Speed is showing what Lightning can achieve when paired with a stable, liquid digital dollar like USDT,” said Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino. “We support teams building practical infrastructure that reduces friction in payments and expands access to reliable settlement rails. Speed’s execution and adoption signal that Bitcoin-rooted networks are ready for mainstream commerce.”
“Crypto has lived in the world of speculation for too long. Speed is making it usable – instantly, globally, and at scale. Lightning gives us speed; stablecoins give us universal access; our infrastructure brings it all together for consumers, creators, and merchants,” said Niraj Patel, CEO of Speed1, Inc.
The investment reflects Tether’s commitment to expanding the Bitcoin-aligned infrastructure and increasing USDT’s utility beyond trading, positioning Lightning-based networks as viable settlement rails for global commerce.
- Login
- Sign Up
Amazon Kindle 16 GB (newest model) - Lightest and most compact Kindle, now with faster page turns, and higher contrast ratio, for an enhanced reading experience - Matcha
$89.99 (as of December 17, 2025 04:35 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Hint Fruit-Infused Bottled Water, Best Sellers Variety Pack - Sugar Free Flavored Water with Zero Calories, Natural Fruit Essences, and No Artificial Sweeteners - 16 Fl Oz (Pack of 12)
$13.97 (as of December 17, 2025 05:49 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
The Original Donut Shop Regular Keurig Single-Serve K-Cup Pods, Medium Roast Coffee, 72 Count
$41.95 (as of December 17, 2025 05:49 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Roku Streaming Stick HD 2025 — HD Streaming Device for TV with Roku Voice Remote, Free & Live TV
$19.99 (as of December 17, 2025 04:35 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Post Comment