Usual Labs Raises $7 Million for USD0 Stablecoin Launch

Usual Labs has secured $7 million in funding and $75 million in total value locked (TVL) for the release of USD0, a permissionless stablecoin backed by real-world assets and offering yield to holders. The company plans to launch USD0 on the Ethereum mainnet in Q2 following the completion of the testnet phase, partnerships with industry leaders, and smart contract audits.

Usual Labs Secures $7 Million in Funding for USD0 Stablecoin Launch

Paris-based Usual Labs, the company behind the decentralized finance (DeFi) protocol Usual, has garnered $7 million in a recent fundraising round, led by renowned investors IOSG Ventures and Kraken Ventures. This strategic investment will bolster the company's launch of USD0, an innovative permissionless stablecoin backed by real-world assets.

In a significant testament to its credibility, Usual Labs has secured a remarkable $75 million in total value locked (TVL) for USD0, indicating strong support within the DeFi ecosystem. The funding round attracted over a hundred firms, including notable names such as GSR, Mantle, Starkware, Flowdesk, Avid3, Bing Ventures, Breed, Hypersphere, Kima Ventures, Psalion, Public Works, and X Ventures.

This capital infusion will enable Usual Labs to meticulously prepare for the pre-launch of USD0 on the Ethereum mainnet in the second quarter of 2023. The company's multifaceted plan encompasses the completion of the testnet phase, forging partnerships with industry titans, and conducting comprehensive smart contract audits to ensure the protocol's unwavering security and unparalleled efficiency.

USD0 distinguishes itself in the crowded stablecoin market by its innovative approach. As a permissionless stablecoin backed by tangible real-world assets, USD0 offers holders the tantalizing prospect of yield generation. This unique feature sets it apart from its competitors and aligns with the company's unwavering commitment to providing a safe and empowering experience for users.

The stablecoin market has witnessed a meteoric rise, with the cumulative supply of the top three stablecoins—USDT, USDC, and DAI—surging to a staggering $141.4 billion, marking a record high since May 2022. These behemoths command a dominant market share of over 90%, leaving little room for new entrants.

In an interview, Pierre Person, CEO and co-founder of Usual Labs, shed light on the company's strategy to navigate this competitive landscape. "We recognized the immense competition within the stablecoin market," Person explained. "To differentiate ourselves, we embarked on an ambitious mission to create a stablecoin that adheres to the highest safety standards and empowers users with both value and governance."

The adoption of stablecoins for cross-border settlements has gained momentum, with payments firms, fintech companies, and consumer platforms embracing their transformative potential. Bernstein, a leading research firm, highlighted this trend in a recent report, underscoring the growing importance of stablecoins in global transactions.

USD0's launch is poised to reshape the stablecoin landscape, offering users a unique blend of stability, yield generation, and decentralized control. Usual Labs' strategic approach, coupled with the support of a formidable investor consortium, positions the company for success in this highly competitive market.