
Saturn raises $800K to launch USDat, a Bitcoin-backed stablecoin offering onchain yield through institutional digital credit.
Author: Kritika Gupta
Published On: Fri, 16 Jan 2026 08:15:12 GMT
16th January 2026– Saturn has secured $800,000 in funding from YZi Labs, Sora Ventures, and crypto angels to build USDat, a Bitcoin-backed stablecoin designed to generate over 11% yield. With this capital, the team aims to broaden access to onchain yield opportunities. USDat sources its backing from Bitcoin-linked exposure through Strategy’s STRC perpetual preferred stock, which pays monthly dividends. In turn, the protocol brings institutional-grade digital credit into DeFi.
High Signal Summary For A Quick Glance
Yield-bearing stablecoins began gaining real traction in DeFi in 2024. These assets aim to stay close to one dollar while generating yield for holders. Early pioneers proved there was strong demand.
Then in 2025, the sector expanded quickly. The yield-bearing stablecoin market grew from roughly $660 million to $9.5 billion early in the year. By late 2025 and early 2026, it crossed $20 billion.
At the same time, regulation improved. Progress like the U.S. GENIUS Act increased confidence in onchain yield products. Institutions also looked for low-volatility returns as interest rates stayed high.
Meanwhile, Bitcoin-linked yield experiments appeared. These included BTC liquid staking via Babylon. Other early protocols explored routing yield from instruments like Strategy’s STRC.
Market reactions during bull cycles were mostly positive. Products like USDe saw rapid inflows during Bitcoin rallies. Investors searched for sustainable, crypto-native yield. However, yields still fluctuate. Funding rates change, and short-term depegs have occurred.
Against this backdrop, Saturn’s USDat builds on clear momentum. It tokenizes exposure to STRC to offer transparent, Bitcoin-backed yields above 11 percent. In turn, it brings institutional digital credit onchain as the RWA and DeFi space matures.
Relative positioning against other yield-bearing stablecoin models
USDat aims to open global, onchain access to digital credit. It gives DeFi users exposure to high-yield opportunities that were once limited to traditional finance.
As a result, USDat targets users who want yield without heavy volatility. It also appeals to investors who value identifiable cash flows over purely crypto-native strategies.
This launch comes during a broader rise in tokenized real-world assets and Bitcoin-backed financial products. In particular, Strategy’s STRC has drawn attention from money market funds and traditional investors. Many view it as a way to gain Bitcoin-linked exposure with lower volatility.
By bringing this structure onchain, Saturn connects institutional finance with DeFi infrastructure. If execution stays strong, USDat could help shape how Bitcoin-backed digital credit operates in decentralized markets.
Overall, this funding round highlights growing interest in combining Bitcoin treasury strategies with DeFi infrastructure. Saturn turns Bitcoin-backed corporate credit into an onchain stablecoin that anyone can access.
Looking ahead, 2026 is shaping up to be a key year for stablecoins. As they become core financial infrastructure, products that offer real yield, clear backing, and DeFi composability may stand out.
If Saturn delivers as planned, USDat could become a popular high-yield digital dollar. Still, outcomes depend on market conditions, regulation, and execution.
Real voices. Real reactions.
Pretty significant news here from Saturn, which raised $800K from CZ's YZi Labs and Sora Ventures 💰 They will use the funds to build USDat, an 11%+ yield-bearing stablecoin backed by Strategy’s digital credit. The 11% yield comes from buying STRC and passing the interest paid https://t.co/Lj3fCcO9y8
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