In a move that extends far beyond its core cryptocurrency business, Tether Investments has announced a significant €70 million investment in Generative Bionics, a leading European humanoid robotics startup. This strategic funding, part of a wider round, represents a major bet on “Physical AI” and marks Tether’s deliberate entry into the rapidly advancing and capital-intensive world of advanced robotics.
A Strategic Investment in “Made in Italy” Innovation
Generative Bionics is no ordinary startup. Spun out of Italy’s prestigious Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) in 2024, it is the institute’s largest-ever commercial spinoff. The company boasts an immense research foundation, leveraging two decades of IIT work that produced over 60 advanced humanoid prototypes. This deep scientific heritage is now being commercialized by a core team of approximately 70 engineers and AI scientists from IIT, bringing a cumulative 600 years of expertise in robotics and Physical AI. Tether’s investment, made alongside lead investor CDP Venture Capital’s AI fund and others like AMD Ventures, will accelerate the company’s journey from prototype to production. The funds are earmarked for critical steps including industrial validation, the development of a first production facility, and initial deployment programs targeted for sectors like manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare.
Betting on a Multi-Trillion Dollar Future
Tether’s foray into robotics coincides with surging global interest and capital flowing into humanoid technology. The sector witnessed major deals in 2025, including Figure AI’s $675 million raise. Financial analysts project a staggering long-term opportunity. Morgan Stanley has projected the market could reach $5 trillion by 2050, while other analyses suggest it could exceed €200 billion by 2035. RBC Capital Markets has outlined an even more ambitious combined hardware and software opportunity worth roughly $12 trillion. The driving thesis is that humanoid robots will revolutionize industries by filling labor shortages and performing repetitive or high-risk tasks in environments like factories and warehouses. For Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino, this investment aligns with a broader philosophy of backing technologies that “strengthen global digital and physical infrastructure and expand human potential”, while reducing reliance on centralized systems.
A Diversification Play with Clear Milestones
This investment is a definitive step in Tether’s strategic diversification. The company, which earns substantial profits from its stablecoin operations, is actively deploying capital into frontier technologies that intersect with real-world utility. This portfolio already spans artificial intelligence, brain-computer interfaces, and digital media. The robotics bet, however, carries distinct risks. The field is noted for high startup attrition, and past humanoids have often struggled to move from captivating demonstrations to widespread commercial deployment due to technical challenges in dexterity and reliability.
For the market, Tether’s move is more than a financial transaction; it’s a signal of legitimacy and a long-term commitment to a nascent industry. The next major milestone is firmly on the calendar: Generative Bionics plans to unveil its first complete humanoid robot concept to the world at CES 2026 in Las Vegas. This debut will be the first major public test of the technical progress Tether is betting on, offering a tangible look at the future it is helping to build.
