Tether Invests in Lightning Payment Infrastructure and Hardware Wallets Launch Holiday Promotions

Tether Invests $8 Million in Lightning Payment Firm Speed

Tether has led an $8 million funding round for Speed1, Inc., a payment infrastructure company focused on settlement systems based on the Bitcoin Lightning Network and stablecoins ^[1]. The round was co-led with ego death capital ^[1].

Speed provides payment infrastructure for consumers, content creators, platforms, and enterprise merchants ^[1]. According to the company, Speed processes more than $1.5 billion in annual payment volume and supports approximately 1.2 million users and businesses through its Speed Wallet and Speed Merchant products ^[1]. These services enable near-instant transactions with Bitcoin and USDt settlement and offer global routing for enterprise integrations ^[1].

Tether stated that the investment is intended to support broader efforts to expand the use of USDt in payment and settlement applications while contributing to Bitcoin-related financial infrastructure ^[1].

"Speed demonstrates what Lightning can achieve when combined with a stable, liquid digital dollar like USDt," said Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether ^[1]. "We support teams building practical infrastructure that reduces friction in payments and expands access to reliable settlement rails. Speed's execution and adoption signal that Bitcoin-based networks are ready for mainstream commerce" ^[1].

How the Speed Platform Works

Speed's system enables users and merchants to transact over the Lightning Network while settling in stablecoins when price stability is required ^[1]. The company has positioned this structure for use cases such as international remittances, content creator payouts, merchant payments, and platform-level settlement ^[1].

Niraj Patel, CEO of Speed1, Inc., explained: "Crypto has lived in the world of speculation for too long. Speed makes it usable—instant, global, and scalable. Lightning gives us speed; stablecoins give us universal access; our infrastructure brings it all together for consumers, creators, and merchants" ^[1]. Speed indicated that the funding will be used to expand infrastructure and support additional integrations with merchants and platforms utilizing Lightning and stablecoin-based payment systems ^[1].

BitBox and Trezor Launch Holiday Promotions

Parallel to developments in payment infrastructure, hardware wallet manufacturers are offering special holiday deals. BitBox is focusing on specially curated holiday packages designed specifically as gifts ^[2]. At the center are the BitBox02 and BitBox02 Nova, complemented by themed accessories ^[2].

The BitBox02 Holiday Package combines a BitBox02 with a limited-edition red "Open Source Everything" beanie, along with Bitcoin Christmas cards and gift tags ^[2]. The BitBox02 Nova Holiday Package is based on the premium BitBox02 Nova variant, which, unlike its predecessor, is also compatible with iPhones and iPads ^[2].

Trezor Offers Discounts Until January 5

At Trezor, the holiday season focuses primarily on discounts for devices and accessories ^[2]. The promotion runs from December 10 through January 5 ^[2]. The offer includes 30 percent off Trezor Safe 3 and Safe 5, while a free privacy screen is offered for the Trezor Safe 7 ^[2]. Various bundles are offered with discounts ranging from 10 to 25 percent ^[2].

Additionally, Trezor offers free worldwide shipping with promo code HOLIDAY25 ^[2].