Tether Holdings SA, the company behind the dominant stablecoin USDT with a $173 billion market cap, is in early-stage talks to raise up to $20 billion from a select group of high-profile investors, including SoftBank Group and ARK Investment Management, according to a Bloomberg report on September 26, 2025. The funding round, structured as a private placement for approximately 3% equity, could value Tether at $500 billion, placing it among the world’s most valuable private companies alongside SpaceX and OpenAI. For crypto investors, fintech analysts, and market watchers searching SoftBank ARK Tether funding, Tether $20B raise $500B valuation, or stablecoin investment 2025, CEO Paolo Ardoino confirmed the exploration of this capital infusion to “maximize the scale” of Tether’s diversification into AI, commodity trading, energy, communications, and media. Advised by Cantor Fitzgerald—a Tether shareholder—the round reflects surging institutional interest in stablecoins as critical infrastructure, with Tether’s Q2 2025 net profits of $4.9 billion and $162.5 billion in reserves providing a robust foundation. While neither SoftBank nor ARK commented, their potential involvement signals a maturing crypto landscape, with Tether eyeing expansions beyond USDT amid a projected $1.9 trillion stablecoin market by 2030.
Funding Round Details: $15-20 Billion for 3% Equity
Tether is targeting $15-20 billion in exchange for roughly 3% of the company through a private placement, implying the headline $500 billion valuation. Cantor Fitzgerald is advising the process, with a data room already open for due diligence. The funds will support diversification, including AI, energy, and commodity trading, as Tether’s USDT processes $96 billion in daily volume.
| Funding Parameter | Details | Implications |
|---|---|---|
| Raise Amount | $15-20 Billion | Largest Crypto Private Raise |
| Equity Stake | ~3% | $500B Valuation Potential |
| Adviser | Cantor Fitzgerald | Shareholder Expertise |
| Use of Funds | AI, Energy, Commodities | Beyond Stablecoin Core |
Investor Interest: SoftBank and ARK’s High-Stakes Bet
SoftBank and ARK, known for bold tech wagers, are among a “very small group” of shortlisted investors. SoftBank’s Masayoshi Son, who pledged $30 billion to OpenAI, and ARK’s Cathie Wood, a Circle backer, see Tether’s $4.9 billion Q2 profits and $162.5 billion reserves as a foundation for growth.
Market Reactions: Optimism Amid Scrutiny
USDT’s market cap holds at $173 billion, with daily volumes at $96 billion. The news sparked optimism, with Tether’s valuation talks validating stablecoins’ infrastructure role in a $1.9 trillion market by 2030. However, Tether USA CEO Bo Hines denied fundraising plans for the US arm, and scrutiny over reserves persists.
Conclusion: Tether’s $500 Billion Ambition Takes Shape
Tether’s $20 billion funding talks with SoftBank and ARK at a $500 billion valuation is a seismic vote of confidence in stablecoins’ future, funding diversification beyond USDT. As Ardoino scales, it could redefine crypto infrastructure. For stablecoin bulls, it’s a milestone—will the round close, or falter on due diligence? The reserves build.
