- Tether is seeking $15–20 billion in financing at a $500 billion valuation, with SoftBank and Ark in talks.
- A $500 billion valuation could make Tether one of the largest private companies in the world.
- Support from SoftBank and Ark could strengthen Tether’s push for mainstream legitimacy.
Tether Holdings SA, issuer of the world’s largest stablecoin, is in early discussions with major investors including SoftBank Group Corp. and Ark Investment Management LLC about a multibillion-dollar funding round that could elevate the company to one of the most valuable private firms globally, Bloomberg reported.
The fundraising could value Tether at as much as $500 billion.
The company aims to raise between $15 billion and $20 billion in exchange for roughly a 3% stake through a private placement.
Potential $500 Billion Valuation
If completed, this would represent Tether’s largest attempt to secure external capital and could place the firm among the highest-valued private companies in the world.
At a $500 billion valuation, Tether would surpass many global blue-chip companies in size, reflecting both the scale of its token issuance and the financial returns generated by its reserves.
Tether’s dollar-backed stablecoin, USDT, is widely used to move value across crypto markets and beyond, offering investors a means to trade outside traditional banking rails.
The company’s reserves—largely composed of liquid-like assets such as U.S. Treasuries—have produced substantial interest income.
Paolo Ardoino serves as CEO, while co-founder Giancarlo Devasini remains chairman and the largest shareholder.
Bloomberg estimated that a $500 billion valuation would value Devasini’s personal stake at nearly $224 billion.
Strategic Backing from SoftBank and Ark
SoftBank, based in Tokyo and led by founder Masayoshi Son, has a history of bold tech bets ranging from autonomous vehicles and semiconductors to artificial intelligence.
An investment in Tether would align with the firm’s strategy of pursuing disruptive opportunities, similar to its planned multibillion-dollar investments in AI ventures.
Ark Investment Management, led by Cathie Wood, has also shown strong interest in digital assets.
Ark previously invested in Circle Internet Financial, a leading competitor to Tether in the stablecoin market.
Circle’s USD Coin (USDC) currently has a market capitalization of about $74 billion, compared with roughly $173.5 billion in tokens issued by Tether.
Participation by SoftBank and Ark could help Tether expand its footprint in mainstream finance and bolster its regulatory credibility—particularly in the U.S., where the company has faced scrutiny over allegations that its tokens facilitated illicit activity.
Advisory Role and Industry Impact
Cantor Fitzgerald LP, the New York investment bank led by current U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, is advising Tether on the fundraising effort.
The firm also provides custody services for Tether’s assets, underscoring its central role in the company’s financial operations.
The capital raise comes at a time when stablecoins are garnering increased attention from investors, regulators, and governments.
As U.S. authorities prepare tighter oversight of digital assets, securing high-profile backers could prove critical to Tether’s positioning in global markets.
Should talks advance and financing be finalized, a $500 billion valuation would mark a milestone not only for Tether but for the broader cryptocurrency ecosystem, signaling further integration of digital assets into mainstream finance.