Circle Internet Group, the company behind the stablecoin USDC, is finally going public. After years of speculation, false starts, and behind-the-scenes drama, Circle has filed for an IPO on the New York Stock Exchange. The ticker? CRCL.
Now here’s where it gets interesting.
Before heading down the IPO road, rumors swirled that both Coinbase and Ripple were eyeing Circle for a $5 billion acquisition. Yes, two crypto giants — one a leading exchange, the other pushing its own stablecoin (RLUSD) — were reportedly ready to write a huge check. But Circle said “no thanks.”
Instead, it chose to go solo.
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Circle Chose IPO Over Acquisition
Let’s be real. Most companies would’ve jumped at the chance for a $5B buyout, especially from names like Coinbase or Ripple. But Circle? It’s making a statement.
By going public, Circle is telling the world it’s not just a crypto company — it wants to play in the big leagues.
It’s offering 24 million Class A shares — with 9.6 million from Circle itself and 14.4 million from existing stakeholders cashing out. The price? Somewhere between $24 and $26 per share.
At the high end of that range, Circle could raise nearly $250 million, while stakeholders could walk away with $375 million.
Circle and its Journey to IPO
This isn’t Circle’s first dance with the public markets.
Back in 2021, it tried to go public via a SPAC (those fast-track mergers everyone loved at the time). But that deal? It collapsed.
Since then, Circle has been biding its time. Filing the paperwork. Tweaking the plan. Waiting for the right moment. There were even whispers that the company was considering delaying this IPO too.
So, what changed?
Maybe it’s confidence in USDC. Maybe it’s the desire to own its narrative. Maybe it's just tired of waiting.
CRCL Is Coming
Circle will be listed under the ticker CRCL. And the big guns are backing the IPO: J.P. Morgan, Citigroup, and Goldman Sachs are leading the charge.
This is more than just another listing — it’s a signal.
Circle is betting that Wall Street and Main Street are ready to embrace crypto in a more mature, regulated form. It’s not chasing hype anymore. It’s planting roots.
Why You Should Care
If you use USDC, invest in crypto, or just like watching bold business moves — this IPO matters.
Circle could have taken the easy route. Let Coinbase or Ripple take over. Walk away with billions and a nice exit.
But instead, it’s going public. On its own terms. At a time when confidence in crypto companies is shaky at best.
That’s gutsy.
And honestly? That makes Circle one to watch because recently USDC got green light in the UAE too.
