12 March 2026 – Tether Investments today announced a strategic investment in Ark Labs, the team behind Arkade, the programmable Bitcoin infrastructure, to expand global stablecoin access on the largest and most liquid network. This investment was part of a $5.2 million funding round, reinforcing Tether’s integral role and ongoing expansion into the Bitcoin ecosystem.
Ark Labs is creating the foundation of an open financial infrastructure on Bitcoin, enabling instant, programmable transactions for users and financial institutions. By delivering an open, neutral, and scalable execution layer, the company is in a unique position to power the next generation of commerce and retail payments. This latest round brings Ark Labs’ total funding to $7.7 million, allowing the company to cater to the growing retail and institutional demands for access to Bitcoin infrastructure.
Tether’s investment will also help accelerate the development of stablecoin infrastructure on Bitcoin. By strengthening the technical foundation required for scalable stablecoin settlement, Arkade aims to make Bitcoin a more practical network for everyday financial activity. This is a testament to how Tether is strengthening the Bitcoin network by driving innovations and boosting scalability. Moreover, it closely aligns with Tether’s ambitions to invest in technology that generates positive, real-world impact while enhancing USD₮ accessibility across markets.
“Stablecoins were born on Bitcoin, and expanding access on the Bitcoin network remains a priority for us,” said Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether. “Ark Labs is building infrastructure that makes it easier to issue, move, and settle stablecoins directly on Bitcoin. Improving access to USD₮ on the most secure and widely recognized blockchain supports greater financial inclusion, more efficient cross-border payments, and stronger global liquidity.”
“Bitcoin is the most liquid digital asset in the world, but it has lacked the programmable infrastructure that financial applications require” said Marco Argentieri, CEO of Ark Labs. “Arkade changes that. Our partners are building payments, lending, and digital assets solutions on Bitcoin, and Tether’s involvement will be key to accelerate these efforts.”
By supporting programmable infrastructure on Bitcoin, Tether continues to invest in technologies that improve resilience, access, and real-world utility across digital asset markets.
About Tether Investments
Tether Investments is the independent investment arm of Tether, the largest company in the digital assets industry. Based in El Salvador, the company deploys capital from Tether’s profits and excess reserves across a wide range of sectors where technology, infrastructure, and real-world utility intersect.
Its portfolio includes investments in artificial intelligence, financial services, energy, biotechnology, education, and digital media, as well as strategic stakes in industries such as commodities, remittances, and sports and entertainment. Tether Investments supports ventures with long-term potential to improve access, efficiency, and resilience in both emerging and developed markets. Its work supports Tether Group’s broader mission to strengthen decentralized systems, promote infrastructure resilience, and expand real-world access to open, transparent technologies.
