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In the fast-evolving world of cryptocurrency, a new player is making waves. Atticus, a stealth stablecoin banking startup, is reportedly nearing a funding deal that could value the company between $1.5 billion and $2 billion, setting it up to become a unicorn in 2025. According to an Axios report, this funding round is led by Palmer Luckey, the co-founder of Oculus and CEO of defense-tech giant Anduril Industries, with support from crypto-focused Haun Ventures.
What Is Atticus?
Atticus is currently in stealth mode, so information about its offerings and activities is limited. Founded by Owen Rapaport, previously of Aer Compliance, and Jacob Hirschman, Circle’s former special counsel for products and regulatory affairs, the startup is poised to leverage its founders’ expertise in compliance and crypto regulation. While Atticus lacks a public website or social media presence, its high-profile backing and valuation suggest it’s building something big in the stablecoin space.
Stablecoins are digital currencies tied to the value of assets such as the U.S. dollar, have surged in popularity, with Ethereum-based stablecoins processing over $1 trillion in monthly on-chain volume since February 2025. Atticus appears ready to capitalize on this trend, potentially offering innovative banking or infrastructure solutions for stablecoin transactions.
Why the Buzz Around Atticus?
The involvement of Palmer Luckey, a tech visionary known for bold bets, adds significant credibility. His track record with Oculus and Anduril signals that Atticus could disrupt the stablecoin market. Haun Ventures, a leading crypto venture capital firm, adds to the growing confidence in the startup’s future prospects. The $1.5B–$2B valuation reflects investor optimism about stablecoins’ role in bridging traditional finance and DeFi (decentralized finance).
Stablecoins: The Future of Finance?
Stablecoins are increasingly vital to crypto markets, offering stability in a volatile ecosystem. With global adoption growing, startups like Atticus are well-positioned to innovate in areas like cross-border payments, remittances, or institutional-grade financial services. The startup’s focus on compliance, hinted at by its founders’ backgrounds, could make it a trusted partner for regulators and businesses alike.
Also Read: From Stablecoin to Stock Market: Circle’s NYSE Leap
What’s Next for Atticus?
While Atticus remains tight-lipped, its valuation and investor lineup suggest a major announcement may be imminent. Could it be a new stablecoin platform, a banking solution, or a compliance-focused infrastructure for crypto markets? As the stablecoin sector heats up, Atticus is one to watch in 2025.
FAQs
What is Atticus?
Atticus is a stealth-mode stablecoin banking startup founded by Owen Rapaport and Jacob Hirschman, aiming for a $1.5B–$2B valuation in 2025.
Who is backing Atticus?
The funding round is reportedly led by Palmer Luckey, with Haun Ventures also investing, as per the Axios report.
Why is Atticus considered a potential unicorn?
Its $1.5B–$2B valuation could make it the first stablecoin startup to achieve unicorn status in 2025, driven by strong investor support.
What are stablecoins, and why do they matter?
Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies pegged to stable assets like the dollar, widely used for transactions and DeFi due to their low volatility.