Tether Investments Invests $81 Million in Generative Bionics

Tether has participated in a €70 million (about $81 million) funding round for Generative Bionics – an Italian startup that develops AI-based intelligent humanoid robots – to deploy Physical AI.

12/9/20252 min read

Investing in Artificial Intelligence

In a high-profile move that underscores the company’s growing ambitions, Tether — best known as the issuer of the USDT stablecoin — has joined a €70 million (about $81 million) funding round for Generative Bionics.

Generative Bionics is an Italian robotics startup, spun out of the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), specializing in what the company calls " Physical Artificial Intelligence " — combining advanced robotics, sensors, and artificial intelligence to create humanoid robots that can operate in real-world environments.

Tether's involvement signals a clear strategic shift: from primarily a cryptocurrency/stablecoin company to a broader investment vehicle, targeting cutting-edge technologies like robotics, AI, and industrial-scale automation. According to Tether's leadership, the investment fits into the company's " evolutionary " strategy — supporting technologies that could reshape global physical and digital infrastructure.

Transformation for the Robot Industry

If Generative Bionics succeeds in commercializing humanoid robots with real-world adaptability, the consequences could be huge.

  • Transforming labor: Robots capable of handling complex tasks in manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, or retail could address labor shortages, reduce workplace hazards, and improve productivity.

  • Accelerating “Physical AI” Adoption: The success of Generative Bionics could validate “ robotics + AI ” as a mainstream infrastructure sector—potentially driving greater capital flows, factory expansion, and broader deployment.

  • Cross-industry innovation: With robotics infrastructure in place, we could see new business models—from service robots, to automated warehouses, to elder care robots—reshape how we think about work, services, and automation.

For the robotics industry in Europe and globally, this investment could help bridge the gap between cutting-edge research (common in academia) and mass-production industrial robotics — a step forward that has previously been difficult to consistently fund.

Importance for Investment Trends & Crypto

Tether's involvement shows that some crypto companies are reshaping themselves as multi-purpose investment vehicles — focusing not just on digital assets but also on bridging digital finance and physical infrastructure. As the crypto market matures and becomes more regulated, capital may increasingly flow into "real economy" initiatives rather than pure token speculation.

If successful, this model could redefine how stablecoin issuers or crypto companies are viewed and valued, not just as financial utilities, but also as advocates of pioneering technology, infrastructure, and long-term industrial transformation.

Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is the author's personal opinion in the cryptocurrency field. It is not intended to be financial or investment advice. Any investment decision should be based on careful consideration of your personal portfolio and risk tolerance. The views expressed in this article do not represent the official position of the platform. We recommend that readers conduct their own research and consult with a professional before making any investment decisions.