Circle is a digital currency company best known for its USD Coin stablecoin, which commands the 6th largest market capitalization of any cryptocurrency ($77.1 billion as of April 2026). Circle initially announced plans to go public in 2021 through a merger with a special-purpose acquisition company called Concord Acquisition Corp, but the deal was terminated in December 2022. The company later pursued a traditional IPO, which was successfully completed in 2025.
Key takeaways:
- Circle became a publicly traded company in July 2025 following its IPO.
- Previous funding rounds suggested a valuation in the $7–9 billion range ahead of the public listing.
- Circle is a digital currency company offering a suite of products and services catering to both individual and institutional users in the cryptocurrency space.
- Circle is best known for its USD Coin (USDC) stablecoin, and also offers Euro Coin (EURC), a euro-backed alternative.
About Circle
Circle was founded in 2013 by Internet entrepreneur Jeremy Allaire. The company received $135 million in venture capital between 2013 and 2016, including a $50 million investment by Goldman Sachs. Over the years, Circle secured additional funding from major institutions such as BlackRock and Fidelity Investments.
At its core, Circle offers a range of products and services designed to cater to both individual and institutional users in the cryptocurrency space. One of its flagship offerings is USD Coin (USDC), a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar and one of the few MiCA-compliant stablecoins. USDC is built on blockchain infrastructure and aims to provide price stability in an otherwise volatile market. The company also offers Euro Coin (EURC), a euro-backed stablecoin.
The market cap of USDC has been continuously growing, increasing by over +28% since last year. (Source: TradingView)
In addition to stablecoins, Circle provides payment infrastructure that enables fast and cost-effective cross-border transactions. The company also offers trading services, allowing users to buy, sell, and manage digital assets.
Circle serves both retail and institutional clients. Through its Circle Invest offering, the company provides investment tools and trading capabilities tailored to institutions entering the crypto market.
When did Circle go public?
Circle went public in July 2025 after completing its IPO in the United States. The company had previously filed confidentially for an IPO in January 2024, according to Reuters, and spent over a year preparing for the listing.
The IPO followed earlier attempts to go public, including a planned SPAC merger in 2021 that was ultimately canceled in 2022. By mid-2025, Circle opted for a traditional IPO route, allowing it to become a publicly traded company.
Is Circle publicly traded?
Yes, Circle is publicly traded as of July 2025. Investors can buy and sell Circle stock through supported brokerage platforms, just like shares of other publicly listed companies.
Prior to its IPO, Circle was valued between $7 billion and $9 billion in private funding rounds:
- In February 2022, Circle was valued at $9 billion based on its planned SPAC merger.
- In April 2022, a $400 million funding round led by BlackRock and Fidelity valued the company at $7.7 billion.
These valuations provided a baseline for investor expectations leading up to the company’s public debut.
How to invest in Circle?
Since Circle is now publicly traded, you can buy its stock through most online brokerage platforms. The process is similar to purchasing any other publicly listed company.
Here’s how to buy Circle stock:
- Open a brokerage account: Choose a platform that provides access to the exchange where Circle is listed. Popular options include SimpleFX and eToro.
- Fund your account: Deposit funds using a bank transfer, card, or other supported payment methods.
- Search for Circle stock: Use the company’s ticker symbol on your broker’s platform.
- Place a buy order: Enter the number of shares you want to purchase and execute the trade at the current market price or a limit price.
If you want a more detailed look at how to buy stocks, particularly on eToro, check out the video below. The process is similar across brokers, though fees and features can vary.
The bottom line
Circle is now a publicly traded company following its July 2025 IPO, giving investors direct access to one of the key players in the stablecoin market. With strong backing from institutions like BlackRock and Fidelity and a leading position in the stablecoin sector, Circle has established itself as a major force in the digital asset industry.
If you want to read more about companies that have recently gone public or may do so in the future, check out the following articles: