Ethereum News Today: Stripe partners with Paradigm to build Tempo, a payments-focused blockchain

Stripe, a leading fintech firm with a valuation of $92 billion, is reportedly working in secrecy on a new blockchain project called Tempo, developed in partnership with Paradigm, a prominent crypto venture capital firm [1]. A job posting initially published on the Blockchain Association’s website described Tempo as a high-performance, payments-focused blockchain, indicating that it is being built from the ground up rather than as a layer on top of an existing network. The project is currently in stealth mode, with only a small team of five developers [2].

The job listing, which was later removed after media inquiries, sought a product marketing professional with experience targeting Fortune 500 companies [3]. This suggests that Tempo may eventually be positioned for enterprise-level adoption, a key demographic for Stripe’s broader growth strategy. The blockchain is reportedly compatible with Solidity, the primary programming language of Ethereum, potentially enabling broader integration with existing smart contract ecosystems [4].

This initiative represents the latest move in Stripe’s expanding engagement with blockchain and stablecoin infrastructure. In late 2024, Stripe acquired Bridge for $1.1 billion, a firm that facilitates the issuance and use of stablecoins. Earlier this year, it also acquired Privy, a developer of crypto wallets, further consolidating its presence in the digital asset space [5].

Industry observers suggest that Tempo could offer Stripe greater control over stablecoin transaction processing, reducing costs and increasing efficiency for global businesses [6]. The project aligns with the growing institutional interest in stablecoins and the broader adoption of blockchain-based payment solutions. While Stripe has not publicly stated whether it plans to issue its own cryptocurrency, the development of a proprietary blockchain could provide a more scalable and cost-effective infrastructure than existing networks.

The move is also seen as a strategic response to the rising importance of Ethereum-based ecosystems, particularly in light of record inflows into U.S. spot Ethereum ETFs, driven by major asset managers like BlackRock and Fidelity [7]. This trend highlights a growing institutional preference for Ethereum’s smart contract capabilities and broader utility in decentralized finance [8].

By integrating blockchain technology into its core services, Stripe is positioning itself at the intersection of traditional fintech and digital innovation. The Tempo project reflects a broader industry shift toward building proprietary infrastructure that supports faster, more reliable, and more cost-efficient digital payments.

Sources:

[1] AInvest (https://www.ainvest.com/news/stripe-teams-paradigm-build-tempo-payments-focused-layer-1-blockchain-2508/)

[2] The (https://www.cryptotimes.io/2025/08/12/stripe-secretly-building-tempo-blockchain-with-paradigm/)

[3] inkl (https://www.inkl.com/news/exclusive-fintech-giant-stripe-building-tempo-blockchain-with-crypto-vc-paradigm)

[4] Coinfomania (https://coinfomania.com/stripe-blockchain-payments-tempo/)

[5] Gate.com (https://www.gate.com/post/status/12961676)

[6] Binance (https://www.binance.com/en/square/post/08-12-2025-stripe-develops-new-blockchain-tempo-for-stablecoin-payments-28205687343786)

[7] Coinfomania (https://coinfomania.com/us-spot-ethereum-etf-1b-inflows/)