Palmer Luckey, co-founder and CEO of defense-tech firm Anduril, will spearhead new financing for Atticus, a stablecoin startup operating in stealth, Axios reports.
Sources familiar with the matter say this funding effort could propel Atticus toward a valuation between $1.5 billion and $2 billion. If the round closes at that range, Atticus may become this year’s first stablecoin unicorn.
Atticus Remains Under the Radar
Owen Rapaport and Jacob Hirschman were the ones who founded Atticus. Rapaport previously launched Aer Compliance, a firm focused on digital asset management and securities trading compliance.
Hirschman served as special counsel for products and regulatory affairs at Circle, the issuer of USD Coin. Despite the heavyweight names behind the venture, Atticus does not yet have a public website or social media presence.
Early Backing from Haun Ventures
Though Atticus has not shared many details publicly, the venture capital firm Haun Ventures has already invested in the company. Haun Ventures is known for funding prominent crypto enterprises.
With Luckey now leading the fundraising effort, Atticus is poised to attract even more attention and capital from the broader crypto investment community.
Also Read: Stablecoins Surge $4.78B in One Week, Total Market Value Nears $240 Billion
Founders’ Experience in Crypto Compliance
Owen Rapaport built his reputation at Aer Compliance, helping firms navigate complex rules around digital securities. Jacob Hirschman’s tenure at Circle gave him deep insight into stablecoins and regulatory requirements.
Their combined experience in compliance and product development underpins Atticus’s strategy to launch a stablecoin that meets strict regulatory standards.
Political Moves on Stablecoin Regulation
On Capitol Hill, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is preparing an amendment to the GENIUS Act, also known as the Guarding the Economy and National Interests Using Stablecoins Act. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Jeff Merkley have joined Schumer in planning this amendment.
The goal is to bar U.S. presidents and top officials from profiting, directly or indirectly, from any stablecoin initiative. This effort reflects growing concern about potential conflicts of interest if policymakers hold stakes in digital assets they regulate.
Stablecoin Market on Watch
As Atticus moves toward a high-profile funding round, regulators and lawmakers are keeping a close eye on stablecoin projects. The upcoming amendment to the GENIUS Act shows that federal leaders want clear rules around who can benefit from these digital currencies.
Meanwhile, investors are eager to find the next big stablecoin success story. Atticus will need to balance rapid growth with strict compliance to thrive in this shifting regulatory environment.
Also Read: Senate Advances Cross-Party GENIUS Act To Regulate Stablecoins With Procedural Vote 66-32