Tether Targets Massive $500B Valuation in Upcoming Capital Raise, CEO Confirms

Tether's aiming for the stratosphere with a valuation that would make traditional finance giants blink.

The $500 Billion Question

CEO Paolo Ardoino drops the bombshell that stablecoin issuer Tether plans a capital raise at a half-trillion-dollar valuation. This isn't just another funding round—it's a statement about crypto's staying power.

Stablecoin Dominance

Tether's USDT continues to dominate transaction volumes across exchanges globally. The proposed valuation reflects the sheer scale of assets tethered to its ecosystem.

Market Implications

A successful raise at this valuation would cement Tether's position as infrastructure bedrock for digital asset markets. It also signals institutional confidence in stablecoin economics—or perhaps just how much traditional finance hates leaving fees on the table.

Watch traditional bankers suddenly discover 'blockchain expertise' if this funding round closes.

Tether eyes growth beyond stablecoins

The deal, still in early discussions, could elevate Tether’s valuation to levels comparable to private tech giants such as OpenAI and SpaceX. OpenAI’s recent fundraising valued the company at $300 billion, according to CNBC.

Tether’s plans also signal its ambition to expand in the U.S., where it recently appointed a CEO for its U.S. operations and its new institutional arm, USAT. Further, this MOVE also comes amid growing interest in crypto-friendly regulations under the GENIUS Act.

According to CoinMarketCap data, USD Tether (USDT), pegged to the U.S. dollar, now has a market cap exceeding $172 billion, making it by far the largest stablecoin. Its main competitor, Circle’s USDC, has a market cap of around $74 billion.

While Tether has faced past criticism, including accusations of being a “go-to cryptocurrency” for criminals, the company has steadily worked to strengthen its legitimacy and expand its global footprint. 

The suggested fundraising would have the means to expand its operations and venture into new areas, making it a more diversified crypto company.

The negotiations are still in its infancy and the final terms such as the size of the offering can vary. The fundraising would be one of the biggest private crypto deals ever completed in case it is completed, which would indicate that Tether continues to have an impact in the digital asset arena.

Also Read: Tether Launches New U.S. Stablecoin, USAT, Tapping Bo Hines as CEO