MoonPay Acquires Helio to Bolster Crypto Payment Capabilities

MoonPay has bought Hel.io for $175 million, stepping up its game in the crypto payment space. This move integrates Helio’s tech and team into MoonPay, aiming to boost trading and marketplace activity.

Hel.io specializes in crypto payments on the Solana blockchain, enabling merchants and creators to easily process transactions. Now under MoonPay, users can swap cryptocurrencies like SOL, ETH, and BTC directly within Ledger Live, making transactions simple and more secure.

MoonPay, a Miami-based startup, was founded in 2019 by Ivan Soto-Wright and Victor Faramond. Focusing on NFT purchases that were trending in that season, it had rapidly emerged as one of the largest cryptocurrency payment facilitators. Currently, it provides on- and off-ramp crypto services and crypto merchant services with multiple payment methods, including credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and local bank transfers. According to the information on its website, it operates in over 180 countries, serves more than 20 million users, and has processed nearly $6 billion in transactions.

Ivan Soto-Wright, MoonPay’s co-founder, said this acquisition enhances their capacity to offer scalable solutions for crypto commerce. With Helio already integrated into platforms like Discord and Shopify, MoonPay is set to expand its reach in the crypto payment sector. In a statement on X, they called the move "just the beginning of an exciting new chapter!"