Stripe Acquires Valora Team to Bolster Crypto Infrastructure Push

Stripe's Crypto Expansion: A Strategic Move into Stablecoin Payments

Stripe has taken another major step in its crypto journey by acquiring the team behind Valora, a mobile-first crypto payments app built on the Celo network according to reports. The move comes as the company continues to expand its stablecoin offerings and strengthen its blockchain infrastructure. Valora founder Jackie Bona announced the acquisition in a blog post, stating the team's expertise would help Stripe accelerate its mission to expand global access to financial systems.

Stripe recently acquired stablecoin infrastructure firm Bridge and crypto wallet company Privy, signaling a broader strategy to integrate blockchain and digital assets into its payment ecosystem as per reports. The company also co-developed the Tempo blockchain, a payments-focused network designed specifically for stablecoin transactions. Tempo is already in a test phase and could play a pivotal role in Stripe's vision for cross-border and on-chain payments.

The Valora team is expected to bring deep experience in crypto wallet infrastructure and on-chain developer tools, which will bolster Stripe's ability to deliver scalable and user-friendly blockchain solutions. While Valora's app will continue to operate under cLabs, the parent organization of Celo, the integration of Valora's talent into Stripe reflects a strategic shift toward building a robust crypto infrastructure.

A New Era for Stablecoin Payments

Stripe is rolling out USD-settled stablecoin payments on Ethereum, Base, and Polygon starting December 12, 2025 according to plans. This move allows merchants to accept USDC and other stablecoins via digital wallets while receiving funds in US dollars. The integration is fully embedded in Stripe's Optimized Checkout Suite, requiring no changes to existing merchant integrations. This seamless adoption strategy aims to make crypto payments accessible without the volatility risks associated with other digital assets.

The fee structure for stablecoin transactions has sparked debate.

Stripe charges a flat 1.5% fee per transaction with no additional flat fee according to financial reports. Critics argue the rate is excessively high compared to on-chain costs, which can be as low as fractions of a cent. For instance, sending $200 USDC on Base costs just $0.000193 in transaction fees, while Stripe would charge $3 for the same transfer. Some developers have criticized the fee as "ludicrously unreasonable" given the low cost of blockchain transactions.

Defenders of the fee, however, argue that Stripe's offering includes more than just raw blockchain processing. The company handles custody, conversion to fiat, and deposit into merchants' bank accounts - services that traditional payment processors also provide according to industry analysis. Compared to credit card fees, which can exceed 3% plus a fixed cost per transaction, Stripe's 1.5% rate is relatively competitive.

Strategic Implications and Long-Term Vision

Stripe's latest moves indicate a broader ambition to position itself as a bridge between traditional finance and blockchain-based systems. The company has shown a clear commitment to stablecoins, which it views as a way to streamline cross-border payments and reduce friction in global commerce. The Tempo blockchain, co-developed with Paradigm, is a direct response to the need for a blockchain optimized for stablecoin transactions. By building its own infrastructure, Stripe aims to control the user experience and reduce dependency on third-party networks.

The integration of the Valora team is a key part of this strategy. Valora's focus on mobile-first crypto payments and self-custody solutions aligns with Stripe's long-term vision. While the company is not acquiring Valora's intellectual property, the talent and experience of its team will strengthen Stripe's ability to innovate in crypto and blockchain-based payments.

Stripe's expansion into crypto reflects broader trends in the fintech and digital asset space. As stablecoins grow in popularity - particularly in emerging markets - companies are seeking ways to integrate these tools into everyday commerce. Stripe's approach, which combines infrastructure development with user-friendly tools, positions it to capitalize on this shift.

What This Means for Investors

Investors are watching closely as Stripe builds out its crypto infrastructure and expands into new markets. The company's recent acquisitions, including Bridge and Privy, suggest a long-term strategy rather than a short-term experiment according to industry observers. With the Valora team joining and the Tempo blockchain in development, Stripe is laying the groundwork for a more robust and scalable crypto platform.

The financial performance of Stripe's crypto initiatives remains to be seen, but the company's market position and resources give it a strong advantage. By lowering entry barriers for merchants and consumers, Stripe could accelerate the adoption of stablecoins and crypto-based payments. This could open up new revenue streams and reinforce its dominance in the global payments sector.

The broader crypto industry is also paying attention. Stripe's involvement adds credibility to stablecoins and blockchain-based payments, potentially encouraging more institutional and corporate adoption. As stablecoin market capitalization continues to grow, Stripe's ability to integrate these assets into its platform could become a significant competitive edge.