Circle Raises $222M for Arc Blockchain Backed by BlackRock and a16z
Circle Internet Group raised $222 million in a token presale for its new Arc blockchain, valuing the network at $3 billion. Led by Andreessen Horowitz with participation from BlackRock and Apollo, the initiative targets institutional finance and AI agent integration. Concurrently, Circle reported strong Q1 2026 earnings, with revenue rising 20% to $694 million and USDC circulation reaching $77 billion. The company also launched an "Agent Stack" for AI-driven transactions. This strategic expansion beyond stablecoins into proprietary infrastructure significantly boosted investor confidence, driving Circle’s stock price higher.
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Circle Launches Arc: A Stablecoin-Native Layer-1 Blockchain Using USDC for Gas
Circle, the issuer of the USDC stablecoin, has introduced Arc, a new layer-1 blockchain specifically designed to support stablecoin-based financial applications. Unlike general-purpose networks like Ethereum, Arc aims to solve institutional adoption barriers by offering deterministic settlement, predictable fees denominated in USDC, and optional privacy features compliant with regulatory obligations. The network utilizes a Byzantine Fault Tolerant consensus engine called Malachite and currently operates with permissioned validators, with plans to transition to a permissioned Proof-of-Stake model. A key feature is the use of USDC for transaction gas, eliminating exposure to volatile native tokens. Circle also announced the ARC token, which will serve as a coordination mechanism for the network, with an initial supply of 10 billion tokens. While the public testnet launched in October 2025, the mainnet beta is scheduled for release in 2026. This development follows the passage of the GENIUS Act in July 2025, which has spurred greater interest in stablecoin infrastructure. Arc seeks to unify fragmented liquidity and provide a robust rail for enterprise-grade stablecoin transactions.
DecryptCircle Shares Surge 16% Following $222M Token Sale and Mixed Earnings Report
Shares of Circle Internet Group Inc. closed 15.9% higher after the company reported mixed first-quarter earnings, announced a significant token sale, and launched new developer tools. Although revenue of $694 million missed consensus estimates by $28 million, adjusted earnings per share beat expectations at $0.21, driving positive market sentiment. The USDC issuer revealed it raised $222 million in a presale of its Arc token, backed by major investors including Andreessen Horowitz, BlackRock, and Intercontinental Exchange. Arc, built on Circle’s enterprise-focused blockchain, aims to provide predictable transaction fees for institutional use cases like lending. Additionally, Circle debuted the Circle Agent Stack, a suite of tools enabling AI agents to execute payments and manage digital wallets with specific spending rules. This includes Nanopayments for micro-transactions and the Circle CLI for developers. CEO Jeremy Allaire emphasized that financial infrastructure is evolving to support an AI-driven economy. The total value of USDC in circulation reached $77 billion, with interest income from fiat deposits remaining the primary revenue source. These strategic moves highlight Circle's expansion beyond stablecoins into blockchain infrastructure and AI-integrated financial services.
SiliconANGLECircle Launches $3 Billion Arc Blockchain to Expand Institutional Infrastructure
Circle has announced the upcoming launch of its Arc blockchain, a new infrastructure layer valued at approximately $3 billion, backed by major investors including a16z crypto, BlackRock, and Apollo. Alongside mixed quarterly earnings, Circle revealed a $222 million token presale for Arc, aiming to position the network as an institutionally-ready system for digital finance. CEO Jeremy Allaire described Arc as an economic operating system designed to facilitate payments, asset issuance, and capital markets with high compliance and reliability standards. The initiative seeks to address fragmentation in blockchain infrastructure by offering features tailored for banks and corporations, such as configurable privacy and known validators. While Circle’s shares surged over 15% following the announcement, analysts remain cautious. Experts like Owen Lau view Arc as a potential second growth engine that could reinforce USDC adoption, yet they warn that its long-term value depends on future network activity and application development. The move occurs amidst evolving stablecoin legislation and increasing competition, raising questions about whether Circle should be valued primarily as a stablecoin issuer or a broader financial infrastructure provider.
CoinDesk: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Crypto News and Price DataCircle Stock Surges Following BlackRock Investment in Arc Blockchain
Circle Internet Group (NYSE: CRCL) saw its stock price rise significantly after announcing a $222 million presale raise for Arc, its new institutional Layer 1 blockchain. Leading investors, including BlackRock, Bullish, ARK Invest, a16z Crypto, and Intercontinental Exchange, participated in the funding round, valuing the network at $3 billion fully diluted. The Arc blockchain, designed for institutional finance, utilizes USDC as its native gas token and features quantum-resistant technology. This investment aims to reduce USDC's reliance on external networks like Ethereum and Solana. Concurrently, Circle reported its first-quarter fiscal 2026 financial results. While quarterly revenue of $694 million missed analyst estimates of $715 million, the adjusted earnings per share of $0.21 exceeded expectations. Key growth metrics included a 28% increase in USDC circulation to $77 billion and a 263% surge in on-chain transaction volume to $21.5 trillion. Reserve income grew 17% year-over-year, driven by increased average USDC circulation. The combination of strategic investment news and strong operational metrics contributed to the positive market reaction for Circle's shares.
Yahoo FinanceCircle Internet Group Reports Q1 2026 Earnings Growth and ARC Token Presale
Circle Internet Group reported strong first-quarter 2026 financial results, with total revenue rising 20% year-over-year to $694 million and adjusted EBITDA increasing 24% to $151 million. The company maintained its full-year guidance while highlighting significant operational milestones, including a 28% increase in USDC circulation to $77 billion and a 263% surge in on-chain transaction volume. Circle also announced a successful presale of its ARC token, raising $222 million at a $3 billion valuation, led by prominent investors like a16z crypto and BlackRock. The ARC token supports the upcoming Arc blockchain network, designed for stablecoin-native payments and AI integration. CEO Jeremy Allaire emphasized expanding enterprise adoption, citing partnerships with Meta, DoorDash, and Visa, where USDC accounts for a majority of stablecoin commercial transactions. Additionally, Circle’s euro stablecoin EURC and tokenized money market fund USYC saw substantial growth. Despite a 32% rise in operating expenses due to infrastructure investments, the company demonstrated robust margin expansion and strategic positioning in the converging fields of blockchain and artificial intelligence.
Yahoo FinanceCircle Beats Q1 Earnings, Raises $222 Million for Arc Blockchain
Circle Internet Financial reported strong first-quarter 2026 financial results, driving an 11% surge in its stock price. The company posted top-line revenue and reserve income of $694 million, representing a 20% year-over-year increase, while adjusted EBITDA rose 24% to $151 million. Although net income from operations dipped 15% to $55 million due to a 76% rise in operating expenses linked to post-IPO stock-based compensation, investor sentiment remained positive. A key highlight was the 28% growth in USDC stablecoin circulation, reaching $77 billion. Additionally, Circle announced it raised $222 million for its new institutional blockchain, Arc Network, at a $3 billion valuation. The Arc Network aims to support stablecoin finance and real-world asset tokenization, featuring the new ARC digital asset. CEO Jeremy Allaire emphasized the strategic convergence of AI platforms and economic operating systems, highlighting the launch of the Agent Stack and the momentum behind the Arc network as steps toward building trusted infrastructure for AI-native economic activity.
Crowdfund InsiderCircle Launches AI Agent Stack and Raises $222M to Scale Stablecoin Infrastructure
Circle, the issuer of the USDC stablecoin, announced a strategic pivot during its first-quarter 2026 earnings call, positioning itself as an economic operating system for AI-driven commerce. The company revealed that USDC circulation has reached $77 billion, with on-chain volume hitting $21.5 trillion. To support autonomous AI agents, Circle launched the 'Agent Stack,' featuring nanopayments and agent wallets designed for machine-to-machine transactions. Additionally, the firm introduced Arc, an enterprise-grade Layer-1 blockchain optimized for financial settlement. Circle successfully raised $222 million in a presale of ARC tokens, achieving a $3 billion fully diluted valuation with backing from major investors including BlackRock, Andreessen Horowitz, and ARK Invest. CEO Jeremy Allaire emphasized that traditional payment rails are insufficient for software entities capable of executing millions of real-time micro-transactions. This move marks Circle's expansion beyond reserve-income dependence into AI and software infrastructure, aiming to provide the trusted financial layer for the next iteration of the internet's economic system.
PYMNTS | | PYMNTS.comCircle Raises $222 Million in Token Sale and Launches AI Agent Stack
Digital assets company Circle announced on May 11, 2026, that it raised $222 million through the presale of native tokens for its new Arc blockchain. The funding round featured prominent investors such as BlackRock, a16z crypto, General Catalyst, Haun Ventures, Bullish, and Standard Chartered Ventures. Concurrently with its quarterly earnings report, Circle unveiled the Agent Stack, a suite of tools designed to support the emerging agentic artificial intelligence economy. This infrastructure includes the Circle CLI for developers and an Agent Marketplace, enabling AI agents to hold assets, discover services, and execute transactions using USDC stablecoins. CEO Jeremy Allaire emphasized that blockchain infrastructure is evolving into a critical operating system for the global economy, comparable to mobile or cloud platforms. He stated that Circle is transitioning into a broader internet platform company, focusing on a multi-stakeholder distributed model. The new tools aim to address the historical lack of financial infrastructure designed for autonomous software, positioning AI agents as direct customers capable of programmatic commerce and governance within the digital economy.
PYMNTS | | PYMNTS.comCircle Raises $222M in ARC Token Presale Valued at $3B
Circle Internet Group, the issuer of the USDC stablecoin, has successfully raised $222 million through a private presale of its native ARC tokens. The funding round, led by a16z crypto and backed by major financial institutions including BlackRock and Standard Chartered Ventures, values the Arc blockchain network at $3 billion on a fully diluted basis. Circle sold 740 million ARC tokens at $0.30 each to support the development of Arc, a layer-1 blockchain designed as a settlement layer for stablecoin finance and tokenized assets. This strategic move coincides with Circle's strong first-quarter 2026 financial results, which reported a 20% revenue increase to $694 million and USDC circulation reaching $77 billion. Although net income dipped due to rising operating expenses, adjusted EBITDA grew significantly. The ARC token will serve as the native coordination asset for governance and security within Circle's new Economic OS blockchain, marking a significant expansion beyond simple stablecoin issuance into broader blockchain infrastructure.
Cointelegraph.com NewsCircle Raises $222 Million in Arc Token Presale Led by Andreessen Horowitz
Circle Internet Group has successfully raised $222 million through the presale of Arc, the native token for its new institutional-focused blockchain. This strategic move aims to diversify Circle's business beyond its core USD Coin (USDC) stablecoin operations. Andreessen Horowitz led the investment round with a $75 million purchase, while other major financial institutions, including BlackRock, Apollo, and Intercontinental Exchange, also participated. The presale values the Arc network at $3 billion. Circle plans to utilize the Arc blockchain to support an increasingly machine-operated global economy, specifically targeting artificial intelligence agents that manage transactions and payments. As a 25% stakeholder in the initial 10 billion token supply, Circle will operate validator infrastructure to generate fee revenue and staking rewards. Sixty percent of the tokens are allocated to network participants and contributors. Analysts suggest this initiative allows Circle to own more of the underlying infrastructure for USDC, reducing reliance on external networks like Ethereum and Solana. Following the announcement, Circle’s stock price has seen significant growth, rising 36% year-to-date to trade at $113.67 per share, reflecting strong market confidence in its expansion into blockchain infrastructure and AI-integrated financial services.
Yahoo FinanceCircle Raises $222M in Arc Token Presale at $3B Valuation
Circle Internet Group, the issuer of the USDC stablecoin, has successfully raised $222 million through a presale of its Arc network tokens, achieving a fully diluted valuation of $3 billion. The fundraising round was led by venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz with a $75 million investment, while prominent financial institutions BlackRock and Apollo Funds also participated. This move highlights Wall Street's increasing acceptance of tokenized capital formation. Alongside the raise, Circle published the Arc whitepaper, detailing a layer-1 blockchain designed with modular privacy features using zero-knowledge proofs to balance compliance and confidentiality. The initial token supply is set at 10 billion, with allocations for the company, network participants, and long-term reserves. Concurrently, Circle reported strong Q1 results, noting a 28% increase in USDC circulation to $77 billion and a 263% surge in on-chain transaction volume. CEO Jeremy Allaire described the initiative as a shift toward becoming a broader internet platform, predicting that corporate tokenization will become standard for stakeholder engagement and governance in the future.
Yahoo FinanceCircle Raises $222M in Arc Token Presale at $3B Valuation
Circle, the prominent issuer of the USD Coin (USDC) stablecoin, has successfully secured $222 million in a presale for its new Arc token. This significant fundraising round values the specific token initiative at $3 billion, marking a major expansion into the tokenization sector. The announcement was made alongside the company's first-quarter financial results, highlighting strong institutional confidence in Circle's strategic direction. Notable investors participating in this round include Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) and BlackRock, two of the most influential entities in both venture capital and traditional asset management. This collaboration underscores the growing convergence of traditional finance and blockchain technology, as major financial institutions increasingly explore digital asset infrastructure. The Arc token is expected to play a pivotal role in Circle's broader ecosystem, potentially facilitating enhanced liquidity and utility within decentralized finance applications. By attracting backing from such high-profile investors, Circle reinforces its position as a leading bridge between conventional banking systems and the crypto economy. The move signals a robust market appetite for regulated, institutional-grade blockchain solutions, setting a precedent for future tokenization projects within the industry.
DecryptCircle Raises $222 Million from BlackRock, Apollo, and a16z for New Blockchain
Circle, the prominent issuer of the USDC stablecoin, has successfully secured $222 million in funding through a token presale for its new institutional blockchain initiative. The significant investment round featured participation from major financial and technology giants, including BlackRock, Apollo Global Management, and Andreessen Horowitz (a16z). This strategic capital injection values Circle's new blockchain network at $3 billion on a fully diluted basis. The funding is aimed at accelerating the development and deployment of Arc, Circle's dedicated blockchain designed to cater specifically to institutional clients and enterprise-grade financial applications. By leveraging the expertise and resources of these high-profile investors, Circle aims to enhance the infrastructure for digital asset transactions, offering greater efficiency, compliance, and scalability for institutional users. This move underscores the growing intersection of traditional finance and blockchain technology, as established financial institutions increasingly seek robust platforms for digital asset integration. The announcement highlights Circle's continued expansion in the crypto sector and its ambition to lead the next generation of institutional blockchain solutions.
QuartzCircle Raises $222M in Arc Token Presale Led by BlackRock and a16z
Circle has successfully raised $222 million in a presale for the native token of Arc, its new public blockchain designed for institutional finance. The fundraising round values the network at $3 billion on a fully diluted basis and was led by Andreessen Horowitz with a $75 million investment. Prominent participants include BlackRock, Apollo Funds, Intercontinental Exchange, and Standard Chartered Ventures. Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire described Arc as an operating system for economic activity, specifically targeting AI-driven transactions and expanding beyond stablecoin payments. The token launch features a 10 billion supply, with Circle retaining a 25% stake for validator operations, while 60% is allocated to ecosystem development. This move marks a significant milestone as Circle becomes the first publicly listed company to conduct a token presale, reflecting a shifting regulatory landscape under the Trump administration. Concurrently, Circle reported strong first-quarter financial results, with total revenue reaching $694 million and USDC circulation growing to $77 billion, although net income saw a slight decline. The initiative underscores Circle's strategic pivot toward becoming a broader internet platform company leveraging distributed network models.
Yahoo FinanceCircle Raises $222 Million for Arc Blockchain Token Sale at $3 Billion Valuation
Circle, the prominent stablecoin issuer, has successfully raised $222 million through a token presale for its new Arc blockchain. The fundraising event values the network at $3 billion and features significant backing from major Wall Street institutions, including BlackRock, Apollo Global Management, Bullish, Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), and Standard Chartered Ventures, alongside crypto-native firm a16z crypto. The ARC tokens sold in this presale are designed to support governance mechanisms, validator security, and overall operations within the Arc blockchain ecosystem. This strategic move highlights Circle's expansion beyond its USDC stablecoin into broader blockchain infrastructure, aiming to attract institutional adoption. The involvement of traditional finance giants underscores growing confidence in tokenized assets and blockchain technology among established financial players. This development occurs amidst a broader trend of financial institutions exploring digital asset integration, as seen in parallel moves by other networks like Canton Network. The successful capital raise positions Circle to further develop its proprietary blockchain infrastructure, potentially challenging existing layer-1 solutions with a focus on regulatory compliance and institutional-grade security features.
CoinDesk: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Crypto News and Price DataBlackRock Backs Circle's $222 Million Arc Raise, Sparking Stock Surge
Circle Internet Group has successfully raised $222 million in a presale for its new Arc blockchain token, a strategic move that significantly boosted investor sentiment and drove up Circle’s stock price in premarket trading. The fundraising round, which values the Arc network at $3 billion, was led by Andreessen Horowitz with a $75 million investment and featured prominent backing from financial giants including BlackRock, Apollo Global Management, and Intercontinental Exchange. Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire described Arc as a blockchain 'operating system' designed for institutional finance, aiming to support financial contracts, governance systems, and AI-driven applications beyond simple stablecoin transfers. This initiative allows Circle to gain greater control over its infrastructure and create new revenue streams through validator operations and transaction fees. The event occurs amidst evolving U.S. regulatory landscapes, with legislation like the GENIUS Act fostering a more favorable environment for compliant blockchain fundraising. By expanding beyond its flagship USDC stablecoin, Circle aims to reshape how traditional financial institutions interact with blockchain technology, focusing on developer adoption and institutional participation as key metrics for future success.
Yahoo FinanceCircle Reports Revenue Boost as Stablecoin Demand Rises Amid Market Volatility
Circle reported higher quarterly revenue and reserve income, driven by increased adoption and circulation of its USDC stablecoin. The company's shares rose nearly 5 percent in pre-market trading following the announcement. Market volatility and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East prompted investors to shift capital from cryptocurrencies to stablecoins for safety. This trend was corroborated by Coinbase's recent results, which showed declining trading volumes. Additionally, regulatory developments such as Europe's MiCA framework and the U.S. GENIUS Act have steered users toward regulated digital assets, boosting USDC adoption. USDC circulation increased 28 percent year-over-year to $77 billion, while total revenue grew 20 percent to $694 million. Circle benefits from interest earned on cash reserves invested in bank deposits and short-dated U.S. Treasuries, making its income sensitive to Federal Reserve policy changes. Rate cuts in late 2025 further supported the company's financial performance. Since its public listing on the New York Stock Exchange last year, Circle's stock has surged, closing at $113.67, significantly above its IPO price.
Latest NewsCircle Reports Revenue Boost as Stablecoin Demand Rises Amid Market Volatility
Circle reported a significant increase in quarterly revenue and reserve income, driven by heightened adoption and circulation of its USDC stablecoin. This financial performance led to a nearly 5 percent rise in its shares during pre-market trading. The growth was fueled by market volatility and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which prompted investors to shift capital from volatile cryptocurrencies into stablecoins for safety. Additionally, regulatory developments, including Europe's MiCA framework and the U.S. GENIUS Act, encouraged users to adopt regulated digital assets like USDC. Circle’s USDC circulation grew 28 percent year-over-year to $77 billion, while total revenue increased 20 percent to $694 million. The company also benefited from interest earned on reserves invested in U.S. Treasuries and bank deposits, aided by rate cuts in late 2025. CEO Jeremy Allaire noted that further reductions in borrowing costs in 2026 would be beneficial. Since its public listing last year, Circle’s stock has surged, closing at $113.67, reflecting strong investor confidence in the expanding stablecoin market.
Latest NewsCircle Raises $222 Million in Arc Token Presale Led by Andreessen Horowitz
Circle Internet Group has successfully raised $222 million through the presale of Arc, the native token for its new institutional-focused blockchain network. This fundraising round values the Arc network at $3 billion on a fully diluted basis. Andreessen Horowitz led the investment with a $75 million commitment, joined by prominent financial institutions including BlackRock, Apollo Funds, Intercontinental Exchange, and Standard Chartered Ventures. The initiative marks Circle's strategic expansion beyond its core USDC stablecoin business into broader blockchain infrastructure and application development. CEO Jeremy Allaire described Arc as an operating system for the future economy, designed to support AI agents and institutional finance. Unlike previous networks built for individual enthusiasts, Arc aims to provide robust infrastructure for major corporations. Circle will retain a 25% stake in the initial token supply to participate in validator operations and generate revenue, while 60% of tokens are allocated to network contributors. This move positions Circle to reduce dependency on external networks like Ethereum and capture more value from the growing digital asset ecosystem.
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