Tether, the company behind the world’s largest stablecoin USDT, has announced a $200 million investment in digital marketplace Whop, signaling a major push to expand stablecoin payments in online commerce. The deal values Whop at $1.6 billion, according to CEO Steven Schwartz.
Whop operates a fast-growing online marketplace where creators monetize digital products such as software tools, trading communities, online courses, and exclusive membership groups. The platform reports 18.4 million users, with sellers collectively earning around $3 billion annually. Whop’s growth trajectory is strong, with gross transaction volume rising approximately 25% month-over-month, highlighting increasing demand for digital goods and creator-driven economies.
As part of the partnership, Whop will integrate Tether’s crypto wallet technology, enabling users to hold and transact in stablecoins, including USDT and the U.S.-focused USAT, directly within the platform. This integration allows creators to accept digital dollar payments, settle transactions globally, and reduce reliance on traditional banking systems and card networks. By leveraging blockchain-based payments, Whop aims to provide faster, borderless, and more cost-efficient transactions.
The funding will also support Whop’s international expansion across Latin America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. In addition, the company plans to introduce decentralized finance (DeFi) tools, including lending and borrowing features, to enhance financial flexibility for users and creators.
For Tether, this investment represents a strategic move to deepen USDT adoption in consumer-facing platforms and everyday e-commerce. With a market capitalization of approximately $185 billion, USDT remains a leading tool for accessing U.S. dollars in emerging markets. By embedding stablecoin payments into mainstream digital marketplaces, Tether continues strengthening its position in the evolving global crypto payments ecosystem.
