TechFlow reports that, according to the Financial Times on February 4, Tether—the world’s largest stablecoin issuer—has lowered its fundraising target from an initial $15–20 billion to as low as $5 billion, amid investor skepticism over its $50 billion valuation goal.
Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, stated in an interview that the $15–20 billion fundraising figure was a “misunderstanding”: it represented only the maximum amount of equity the company would be willing to sell—not its actual target. He emphasized that the company is highly profitable and “very satisfied” even without selling any equity.
Ardoino also drew a comparison between Tether and AI companies, saying: “AI companies generate the same amount of profit as we do—except with a minus sign in front.” It is reported that Tether’s profits last year totaled approximately $10 billion, primarily derived from returns on its asset holdings; however, its 2025 profits declined by roughly 25% year-on-year.
In September last year, news emerged that Tether, the stablecoin giant, sought up to $20 billion in funding at a $50 billion valuation.
