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Circle

Last Updated July 29, 2025

Circle Internet Financial is a fintech firm founded in 2013 that develops blockchain-based financial services. Its platforms have included Circle Pay for peer-to-peer payments, Circle Invest for digital asset trading, and Circle Trade, an over-the-counter desk for institutional cryptocurrency transactions. In 2018, Circle acquired Poloniex, a digital asset exchange. The company participates in the cryptocurrency and digital finance sector, supporting infrastructure for asset transfer and trading on a global scale.
Company Overview: Circle
Circle is a digital financial technology company known for issuing USD Coin (USDC), a U.S. dollar-referenced stablecoin. The firm provides payment, treasury, and developer APIs that enable transfers and settlement across traditional and blockchain networks. Circle participates in the global digital assets and payments infrastructure market.
Investment Highlights

Valuation & Growth

  • Went public on the NYSE in June 2025 via a $1.1B IPO, valuing the company between $6.9B and $8.1B.

  • Revenue grew from ~$15M in 2020 to $1.7B in 2024, with Q1 2025 revenue reaching $578M.

  • Net income in 2024 reached ~$65M, with EBITDA projected at ~$500M in 2025.

Funding History

  • Raised ~$400M in a Series G in 2022.

  • Largest historical raise: ~$486M in Series E.

  • Total capital raised is estimated between $1.1B and $1.5B across multiple rounds.

Major Investors

  • BlackRock

  • Fidelity

  • IDG Capital

  • Marshall Wace

  • Digital Currency Group

  • Coinbase

  • Fin Capital

  • Alameda Research

  • GS Growth

  • Coatue

Product & Technology Leadership

Core Products

  • USD Coin (USDC): A fully backed, regulated digital dollar used for payments, DeFi, trading, and treasury management.

  • EURC: A fiat-backed euro stablecoin.

  • Circle Trade: Institutional-grade crypto trading and liquidity services.

  • APIs & Infrastructure: Tools for developers to integrate stablecoins into wallets, payment apps, and marketplaces.

Enterprise Capabilities

  • Circle’s infrastructure integrates with major banks, fintechs, and payment rails.

  • Offers wallet-as-a-service, on/off-ramps, programmable money APIs, and multi-chain stablecoin support.

  • USDC is currently supported across Ethereum, Solana, Avalanche, Polygon, Arbitrum, and others.

 Market Position & Strategic Advantage

Global Impact & Clients

  • USDC is the second-largest stablecoin globally, used across exchanges, merchant platforms, and financial applications.

  • Deep partnerships with Coinbase, Visa, Stripe, FIS, and leading banks.

  • Integrated across dozens of blockchains and fintech ecosystems.

  • Frequently referenced in stablecoin legislation and U.S. digital currency policy discussions.

Competitive Moats

  • Early regulatory licenses and compliance reputation.

  • Trusted reserve management with assets held in U.S. Treasuries and managed by BlackRock.

  • Yield-generating model via reserve interest—providing sustainable revenue while maintaining 1:1 backing.

  • Strategic position to benefit from increasing global interest in tokenized dollars.

Financial Opportunity

Market Opportunity

  • Global stablecoin market expected to exceed $2T by 2030.

  • Rapid adoption of USDC in business payments, DeFi, commerce, and cross-border finance.

  • Emerging utility across smart contracts, real-time payments, and treasury operations.

Growth Drivers

  • Expanding developer adoption through API products.

  • Deepening enterprise integration via partnerships with banks and infrastructure providers.

  • Regulatory clarity boosting demand for compliant stablecoins.

  • Interest income from reserve assets driving revenue growth.

Revenue Streams

  • Interest earned on reserves backing USDC.

  • Transactional fees from institutional and OTC trading.

  • API monetization from enterprise-grade developer integrations.

  • Stablecoin usage volume and cross-chain liquidity products.

Key Stats

Founded: 2013

Total Raised: ~$1.1B–$1.5B

IPO Valuation: ~$6.9B–$8.1B (June 2025)

2024 Revenue: ~$1.7B

Q1 2025 Revenue: ~$578M

Net Income (2024): ~$65M

USDC in Circulation: ~$60B

Monthly Trading Volume: $2B+

Headquarters: New York City, NY, USA

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About Circle

Circle is a pioneering internet finance company that was established in 2013 with the aim of leveraging blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies to revolutionize the way financial transactions are conducted. The company has emerged as a significant player in the global fintech industry, offering a range of innovative products and services that cater to both individual and institutional customers.

One of Circle’s flagship offerings is Circle Pay, a user-friendly mobile payment platform that allows individuals to send and receive money instantly, securely, and at no cost. By utilizing blockchain technology, Circle Pay enables seamless peer-to-peer transactions, eliminating the need for traditional banking intermediaries and reducing transaction costs for users. This innovative approach positions Circle Pay as a compelling alternative to traditional money transfer methods.

In addition to Circle Pay, the company also operates Circle Invest, a platform that enables individuals to easily buy, sell, and store various cryptocurrencies. Circle Invest provides a user-friendly interface and a curated selection of cryptocurrencies, making it accessible to individuals who may be new to the world of digital assets. This platform empowers users to participate in the growing cryptocurrency market and diversify their investment portfolios.

Recognizing the demand for institutional-grade cryptocurrency trading services, Circle offers Circle Trade, an over-the-counter (OTC) trading desk specifically tailored to meet the needs of large-scale cryptocurrency investors. Circle Trade provides liquidity and executes trades for institutional clients, including hedge funds, asset managers, and high-net-worth individuals. With a deep understanding of the cryptocurrency market, Circle Trade offers competitive pricing and a secure trading environment, bolstering confidence among institutional investors.

Circle has built a robust reputation for its commitment to regulatory compliance and security. The company operates under the supervision of various financial regulatory bodies, ensuring adherence to relevant laws and regulations. This approach has helped Circle foster trust and establish strong partnerships within the traditional financial ecosystem.

A significant milestone in Circle’s growth occurred in February 2018 when it acquired Poloniex, a leading cryptocurrency exchange. This strategic move expanded Circle’s reach and solidified its position as a comprehensive financial services provider in the cryptocurrency space. The acquisition of Poloniex provided Circle with a robust trading platform, enabling customers to access a wide array of cryptocurrencies and trade with liquidity from a global customer base.

With a monthly trading volume surpassing $2 billion in crypto assets, Circle has established itself as a major player in the cryptocurrency market. The company’s commitment to innovation, user-friendly interfaces, and regulatory compliance has positioned it as a trusted and reliable partner for individuals and institutions seeking to engage with cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology.

As the adoption of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology continues to gain momentum, Circle remains at the forefront of driving innovation and shaping the future of internet finance. The company’s diverse portfolio of products and services, combined with its emphasis on security and regulatory compliance, positions Circle as a key player in the evolving digital financial landscape.