Tether Backs Ark Labs in $5.2 Million Round to Advance Bitcoin Stablecoins and Payments
Ark Labs is developing Arkade, a Bitcoin execution layer designed to address the main blockchain’s limitations in transaction speed and programmability. It allows wallets, fintech companies and institutions to build payment, lending and digital asset services. The initiative could enable stablecoins such as USDT to be issued, transferred and settled directly through Bitcoin, expanding their use in payments.
On March 12, 2026, Tether announced its participation in Ark Labs’ $5.2 million seed funding round. The figure represents the total raised in the round, and Tether’s individual investment was not disclosed. Sats Ventures, Contribution Capital and Anchorage Digital were among the other participants, bringing Ark Labs’ total funding to $7.7 million. The proceeds will be used to expand Arkade, the team and partnerships.
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The history behind this eventTether Invests $200 Million in Whop to Expand Stablecoin Payments
Whop is a digital goods marketplace serving creators, consumers and online entrepreneurs, reaching more than 18.4 million users across 144 countries and processing about $3 billion in payments annually. The investment by USDT issuer Tether reflects stablecoins’ shift from crypto trading tools to cross-border commerce settlement and could reduce reliance on banks and card networks.
On February 25, 2026, Tether announced a $200 million investment in Whop, valuing the company at $1.6 billion. Whop will integrate Tether’s Wallet Development Kit to support USDT and USAT payments and allow users to retain control of their funds. The investment will also fund expansion in Latin America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, as well as the development of AI tools.
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