Tether, the cryptocurrency market's largest stablecoin company, has begun to make a name for itself not only with its blockchain technologies but also with its venture capital. On July 23, CEO Paolo Ardoino publicly announced some of the companies Tether has invested in. However, this announcement drew both criticism and applause from the crypto community.
Secret portfolio revealed
Tether's investment list, along with a screenshot, was shared on Ardoino's X (formerly Twitter) account. Ardoino stated in his post that the portfolio includes more than 120 companies and announced that the detailed list can be accessed on Tether's official website. These companies include Bitdeer, Crystal Intelligence, Juventus, Rumble, Shiga Digital, Zengo, Blackrock Neurotech, and many other notable names.
Investments cover a wide range of areas, from Bitcoin mining and brain-computer interfaces to sports clubs and artificial intelligence. Tether stated that all of these investments were financed from the company's profits. He emphasizes that USDT or other stablecoin reserves are not being used in this process.
These investments, made under the Tether Ventures umbrella, are based on strategic areas such as payment infrastructure, renewable energy, agricultural technologies, artificial intelligence, Bitcoin, and tokenization. According to the company's statement, the goal is to support projects that promote not only technology but also individual freedom and decentralization.
In this context, investments in alternative media platforms like Rumble, security solutions powered by blockchain analysis tools like Crystal Intelligence, and advanced technology companies like Blackrock Neurotech reflect Tether's strategy of "expanding beyond financial infrastructure."
Tether community reacts: "Where did all this USDT come from?"
However, Ardoino's post wasn't limited to just the investment list. The CEO also announced that the circulating USDT supply had reached 162 billion. This statement triggered harsh criticism within the crypto community.
Many users accused Tether of "printing money out of thin air" and questioned the auditability of this USDT supply. The criticisms have frequently led Tether to be compared to allegations that the US Federal Reserve is printing dollars without backing.
Ardoino, as he has repeatedly responded to these criticisms, reiterates that USDT is backed not only by dollar deposits but also by US Treasury bonds and highly liquid assets. The company also states that it regularly publishes independent audit reports.
Currently, USDT is the largest stablecoin with a market capitalization of $162 billion. Its closest competitor, USDC, lags far behind. However, the size of its investment portfolio and the growing supply of USDT are also fueling demands for greater transparency from the company.
