Circle’s Grand Larceny: Interop Labs’ Team & IP Snatched, While Axelar Stays Sassy!

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In the spirit of a cunning fox cornering a quaint little team of pheasants, Circle has inked a deal to snatch Interop Labs’ personnel and their proprietary tech, much to the delight of their Arc blockchain and CCTP endeavors. One might say, “How dashing!” 🦊

The transaction, slated to close in early 2026 (if one can trust the patience of a snail in a race), will see Interop Labs’ staff and IP whisked away, while the Axelar Network, its foundation, and the AXL token remain as independent as a cat refusing to nap in a sunbeam. 🐾

Interop Labs, the original tinkerer behind Axelar’s cross-chain marvel, will now see their inventions integrated into Circle’s Arc blockchain and CCTP, much like a Victorian inventor’s clockwork bird finding a new perch. 🛠️

Meanwhile, Common Prefix, another Axelar contributor, will step in as the handyman to maintain the open-source network, ensuring continuity. One might call it “the cavalry arriving just in time for tea.” 🍵

Circle claims this acquisition will turbocharge Arc’s interoperability, spruce up developer tools, and fuel their product pipeline. The price? A mystery, but perhaps it involves a few too many brandies and a whispered “old chap.” 🥃

Circle, issuer of USDC (the stablecoin that’s 25% of the market, or roughly 25% more popular than a soggy crumpet), continues to dominate the scene. 🧁

In January, Circle’s latest treasure hunt brought Hashnote into its fold, much like a magpie hoarding shiny things. 🦜

Stablecoin titans have been busy in 2025, acquiring like squirrels hoarding acorns for a winter that may never come. Paxos, for instance, scooped up Fordefi for a cool $100 million, claiming it strengthens their custody infrastructure. One might say, “How pragmatic!” 🐾

Tether, the stablecoin colossus, has been dabbling in gold royalties and precious metals, much like a gold-digging billionaire with a penchant for shiny things. 💎

In June, they acquired 32% of Elemental Altus Royalties for $89 million. In November, they dipped their toes into Versamet Royalties, purchasing shares with the subtlety of a bulldozer in a china shop. 🏗️

And in a harebrained scheme that would make a Victorian inventor blush, Tether attempted to buy Juventus Football Club. The Agnelli family, ever the polite hosts, “unanimously rejected” the offer with the grace of a cat swatting a fly. ⚽

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2025-12-16 01:11