USDT-Backed Northern Data in $1.17 Billion AI Infrastructure Play with Rumble

In a significant move that underscores the growing intersection of cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence, video platform Rumble has proposed a $1.17 billion all-stock acquisition of Tether-backed German AI firm Northern Data. The deal, announced on August 12, 2025, would grant Rumble control over Northern Data's Taiga cloud business and Ardent data center division, marking a major expansion into AI infrastructure. This strategic acquisition highlights the increasing role of stablecoin issuers like Tether (USDT) in backing high-value tech ventures, as Northern Data's controlling stake is held by the USDT parent company. The transaction not only positions Rumble as a stronger competitor in the AI space but also demonstrates how cryptocurrency reserves, including Rumble's notable Bitcoin treasury, are being leveraged for large-scale technological investments. This development could signal further consolidation between crypto-backed firms and cutting-edge tech sectors moving forward.

Rumble Proposes $1.17 Billion Acquisition of Tether-Backed AI Firm Northern Data

Video platform Rumble, known for its Bitcoin treasury holdings, has announced a bid to acquire German AI cloud firm Northern Data in an all-stock deal valued at $1.17 billion. The transaction would grant Rumble control of Northern Data's Taiga cloud business and Ardent data center division, significantly expanding its AI infrastructure capabilities.

Tether, the stablecoin issuer that holds a controlling stake in Northern Data, has endorsed the proposed acquisition. The USDT issuer WOULD become a key Rumble customer under a multi-year GPU procurement agreement. This move follows Tether's $775 million investment commitment to Rumble last year, beginning with an initial $250 million cash injection.

In a parallel development, Northern Data has agreed to sell its bitcoin mining operation, Peak Mining, to private miner Elektron Energy for $235 million. The deal signals continued consolidation in the crypto mining sector as companies streamline operations.

Blue Origin Accepts Crypto for Space Tourism

Jeff Bezos' space exploration company, Blue Origin, now accepts cryptocurrency payments for commercial spaceflights through a partnership with Shift4 Payments. The initiative supports major digital assets including Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), and solana (SOL), alongside stablecoins like USDT and USDC. Integration with wallets such as Coinbase and MetaMask streamlines transactions.

"We're revolutionizing commerce by simplifying payments—even beyond Earth," said Shift4 CEO Taylor Lauber. The $150,000 deposit requirement positions the offering for high-net-worth individuals, exemplified by TRON founder Justin Sun's $28 million auction win for a recent flight.

Latin America Emerges as Cryptocurrency Powerhouse with Bitcoin Leading the Charge

El Salvador's Legislative Assembly has passed the Investment Banking Law, setting stringent financial requirements for institutions serving high-net-worth clients. The law mandates a $50 million minimum capital and restricts services to clients holding at least $250,000 in liquid assets—including Bitcoin, gold, or tokenized securities. "The goal is to position El Salvador as a regional operational base for private capital," stated the legislative body.

Meanwhile, Bolivia's grassroots crypto adoption is accelerating. After lifting its decade-long digital asset ban, the country has seen crypto payments surge fivefold to nearly $300 million in early 2025. Stablecoins like USDT circulate widely, from coffee shops to universities, as inflation hits 34-year highs.

Brazil joins these nations in embracing cryptocurrencies, fueling speculation that Latin America could become the global epicenter of digital asset adoption. Bitcoin remains the dominant force, with El Salvador's regulatory framework and Bolivia's organic usage demonstrating the region's multifaceted approach to crypto integration.