MoonPay has taken a significant step in the crypto payments sector by acquiring Helio, a payment processor operating on the Solana blockchain. This acquisition, valued at $175 million, marks the largest transaction in MoonPay’s history, as reported by Fox Business. By bringing Helio’s technology and team into its fold, MoonPay aims to enhance its offerings and broaden its impact on the market.
Helio, founded in 2022, has made a name for itself by simplifying cryptocurrency transactions for merchants and creators. The platform enables businesses to accept various cryptocurrencies, including SOL, ETH, and BTC, using a suite of advanced tools. With over 6,000 merchants and millions of users, Helio has processed more than $1.5 billion in transactions through its crypto checkout application. The platform also provides a developer API that allows the creation of tailored on-chain checkout solutions, and its integration spans popular platforms like Discord, WooCommerce, and Shopify. Notably, Helio is also behind the Solana Pay plugin, which has gained traction among its user base.
The acquisition aligns with MoonPay’s strategy to expand its ecosystem and boost trading and marketplace activity within its network. Ivan Soto-Wright, MoonPay’s co-founder and CEO, emphasized the significance of the acquisition, stating, “Helio’s technology and expertise strengthen our ability to deliver efficient, secure, and scalable solutions for crypto commerce, trading infrastructure, and marketplaces. With MoonPay and Helio combined, we now offer the most comprehensive product for on-chain payments.”
This strategic move also highlights MoonPay’s commitment to innovation in the crypto space. Earlier this month, the company received regulatory approval under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework, a milestone that reinforces its position as a reliable player in the industry. MoonPay’s infrastructure facilitates seamless exchanges between fiat and cryptocurrencies, supporting various payment methods such as debit and credit cards, local bank transfers, and digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
By integrating Helio’s robust technology, MoonPay is poised to offer a more extensive and unified solution for cryptocurrency payments. This acquisition underscores MoonPay’s vision of shaping the future of payments, setting a new standard for on-chain transactions and fostering growth in the crypto ecosystem.