MoonPay has acquired Helio, a blockchain payment processor based on Solana, for $175 million, its largest acquisition to date. This deal aims to enhance MoonPay’s crypto payment services and broaden solutions for merchants and marketplaces. MoonPay supports over 30 fiat currencies and 110 cryptocurrencies across 160 countries, and this acquisition is seen as a vital step in strengthening its infrastructure.
Initially, the acquisition was estimated at $150 million, but the final amount reached $175 million. Helio is known for its strong crypto checkout system, allowing businesses to accept major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. It currently serves over 6,000 merchants, including well-known platforms such as Shopify and Discord.
MoonPay plans to integrate Helio’s technology to simplify crypto payments and boost transaction efficiency. This is expected to increase trading volumes and improve services for merchants and developers. Helio has processed over $1.5 billion in transactions in just three years and is excited about the partnership, highlighting MoonPay’s global brand and regulatory expertise.
Crypto influencer Topo Gigio called this acquisition a milestone, marking the first nine-figure Web3 acquisition since 2022 and a significant achievement for Solana. MoonPay’s growth in 2024 has set the stage for this expansion, including becoming a licensed crypto business in the Netherlands under EU regulations.
In November 2024, MoonPay reported a 295% increase in daily Solana transactions compared to the previous year. Its partnership with PayPal in Q2 also simplified cryptocurrency purchases for US users.
This acquisition aligns with MoonPay’s strategy to influence crypto regulations in the US and demonstrates its commitment to social causes, such as donating $50,000 for California wildfire relief. Overall, MoonPay is solidifying its role in the Web3 and crypto payments landscape.
