Circle raises $222M to build AI-driven stablecoin infrastructure with $77B USDC circulation

Circle is expanding its stablecoin business by integrating AI and blockchain, with USDC circulation reaching $77 billion and on-chain volume hitting $21.5 trillion. The company launched the Agent Stack and Arc blockchain to support AI-native economic activity, raising $222 million in ARC token presale from major investors like BlackRock and Andreessen Horowitz. Circle aims to position stablecoins as the financial layer for autonomous AI agents, enabling micropayments and machine-to-machine commerce. This strategic shift diversifies Circle beyond reserve income, preparing for a future where AI-driven software requires blockchain-based financial systems.