USDT-Backed Northern Data Acquisition Signals Major AI Infrastructure Push

In a bold strategic move, Canadian video platform Rumble has announced a $1.17 billion all-stock acquisition of Northern Data, a Germany-based company backed by Tether, the issuer of the USDT stablecoin. This acquisition marks Rumble's significant pivot into artificial intelligence infrastructure, leveraging Northern Data's expertise in AI cloud services through its Taiga division and large-scale data center operations under Ardent. With Tether's endorsement as the controlling shareholder, this deal underscores the growing convergence of cryptocurrency and AI technologies, potentially setting the stage for innovative developments in both sectors. The transaction, valued at over a billion dollars, highlights the increasing importance of AI infrastructure in the digital economy and the pivotal role of stablecoin-backed investments in driving these advancements.

Rumble Announces $1.17B AI Infrastructure Play with Tether-Backed Northern Data Acquisition

Canadian video platform Rumble is making a strategic pivot into artificial intelligence infrastructure with a proposed $1.17 billion all-stock acquisition of Northern Data. The Germany-based target operates AI cloud service Taiga and large-scale data centers under its Ardent division.

Tether, the USDT stablecoin issuer and current controlling shareholder of Northern Data, has endorsed the deal. The cryptocurrency giant will become a key customer through a multi-year GPU procurement agreement, potentially positioning Rumble as a critical AI infrastructure provider for the digital asset ecosystem.

The acquisition builds on existing ties between the companies. Tether previously committed $775 million to Rumble in 2024, beginning with an initial $250 million investment. This move signals growing convergence between video platforms, AI infrastructure, and cryptocurrency ecosystems.

Bolivia's Crypto Revolution: A New Model for Crisis Economics

Bolivia's economic turmoil has birthed an unexpected experiment in cryptocurrency adoption. With inflation soaring to 25%—levels unseen in three decades—the boliviano's collapse has driven citizens toward digital assets as a lifeline. Digital payments surged fivefold to nearly $300 million in H1 2025, per Bloomberg data, revealing a grassroots shift absent government intervention.

Unlike speculative narratives, crypto in Bolivia functions as economic infrastructure. When black-market dollars trade at double the official rate, stablecoins like USDT become rational alternatives. This organic adoption underscores crypto's role beyond speculation—a tool for wealth preservation in failing economies.

BitPay Integrates Solana for Faster, Lower-Cost Crypto Payments

BitPay, a leading cryptocurrency payment processor, has expanded its platform to support solana (SOL) and Solana-based stablecoins USDC and USDT. This integration enables users and merchants to transact with faster settlement times and reduced fees—addressing two critical pain points in crypto payments.

The update allows direct transactions via BitPay's wallet while maintaining compatibility with popular Solana wallets like Phantom and Solflare. Luxury retailer The 1916 Company is among early adopters, signaling growing merchant acceptance. Notably, BitPay plans to introduce Solana-based payouts in future updates, further bridging crypto and traditional commerce.

Solana's integration follows Visa and Fiserv's adoption of its network for stablecoin settlements, underscoring its rising prominence in institutional payment infrastructure. "This strengthens our commitment to stablecoin payments," said BitPay CMO Bill Zielke, positioning the MOVE as part of a broader industry shift toward efficient blockchain settlements.