Tether Invests €10 Million in Be Water, Gains 30.4% Stake

Tether, the issuer of the widely-used stablecoin USDT, has expanded its investment portfolio beyond the realm of financial technology. On March 27, the company announced a €10 million investment in Be Water, an Italian media firm. This strategic move will grant Tether a 30.4% equity stake in Be Water by the end of the month.

Be Water is known for its production and distribution of film, television, audio, and live content. Tether's investment is aimed at accelerating Be Water's international expansion and enhancing its digital infrastructure through the integration of blockchain and advanced technology tools. This partnership is expected to bolster Be Water's ability to distribute independent content across global platforms, ensuring a broader reach and impact.

Tether's growing investment portfolio now spans various sectors, including media, biotech, sports, and video platforms. Previous notable investments include a $775 million deal in Rumble, a stake in Juventus Football Club, and a $200 million investment in BlackRock Neurotech, a company focused on developing brain-computer interface technology. These investments reflect Tether's diversified approach to expanding its influence and capabilities beyond the financial sector.

Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino emphasized the importance of preserving editorial independence in media. He stated that the investment in Be Water would help the company avoid commercial pressures and maintain its creative freedom. Ardoino highlighted that Tether's support would ensure Be Water remains solid, visionary, and independent, free from the influence of sponsored narratives.

Despite Ardoino's assurances, the investment has led to changes in Be Water's ownership structure. The updated shareholder list includes Guido Maria Brera, Giancarlo Devasini, and Paolo Ardoino from Tether, along with industry professionals such as Mario Calabresi, Roberto Condulmari, Saverio Costanzo, and Barbara Salabè. Additionally, Be Water's board will see changes, with Brera named Chairman and Salabè stepping in as CEO. Other board members include Claudia Lagorio, Tether’s COO, and Sabrina Giovannetti, Be Water’s CFO.

Be Water is also rolling out a major development plan. This includes investing in next-generation digital infrastructure, expanding its investigative journalism arms, Chora and Will, and partnering with international film, TV, and documentary production talent. These initiatives are aimed at strengthening Be Water's position in the media landscape and enhancing its content offerings.

While Tether continues to venture into new sectors, its core business remains robust. In a social media post, Ardoino noted that the USDT stablecoin recently crossed 400 million users worldwide, making it the largest in the industry with a market cap of over $140 billion. Ardoino described USDT as a grassroots solution that bridges financial gaps where traditional systems fall short, emphasizing Tether's focus on adoption from the ground up.