MoonPay Buys Helio for $175M to Boost Crypto Payments

MoonPay has acquired Helio, a Solana-based blockchain payment processor, for $175 million, marking its largest acquisition to date. The deal aims to enhance MoonPay’s crypto payment services and expand solutions for merchants and marketplaces. Supporting over 30 fiat currencies and 110 cryptocurrencies in 160 countries, MoonPay sees this as a key step in strengthening its infrastructure. Earlier reports in December estimated the acquisition at $150 million, but the finalized figure reached $175 million . Helio is recognized for its robust crypto checkout system, enabling businesses to accept Bitcoin , Ethereum, Solana, USDC, and other major cryptocurrencies. It currently powers payments for over 6,000 merchants, including platforms like Shopify, Discord, and WooCommerce, making it a leader in e-commerce and subscription services. MoonPay aims to integrate Helio’s technology to simplify crypto payments and improve transaction efficiency. This move is expected to increase trading volumes and enhance services for both merchants and developers. Helio, which has facilitated over $1.5 billion in transactions in just three years, expressed excitement about joining forces with MoonPay. “Their strong global brand, regulatory expertise, and position bridging traditional finance and DeFi will accelerate Helio’s growth,” the company shared on X (formerly Twitter). Crypto influencer Topo Gigio called the acquisition a milestone, describing it as the first 9-figure Web3 acquisition since 2022 and a significant success for Solana. MoonPay’s growth in 2024 set the stage for this expansion. In December, it became a licensed crypto business in the Netherlands under the EU’s MiCA regulations, with approval from the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets. This development is part of MoonPay’s broader push to expand in Europe . MoonPay also reported a 295% rise in daily Solana transactions in November 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Additionally, its Q2 partnership with PayPal allowed US users to easily purchase cryptocurrencies through the payment giant, further simplifying the crypto buying process. The acquisition reflects MoonPay’s strategy to influence crypto-friendly regulations in the US. It has become a prominent donor to Trump’s inauguration, alongside Ripple, Kraken, and Ondo Finance. Beyond business, MoonPay recently demonstrated its commitment to social causes by donating $50,000 to aid California wildfire relief efforts. With this acquisition, MoonPay continues to solidify its position as a key player in the Web3 and crypto payments space, leveraging Helio’s capabilities to redefine how businesses and consumers engage with digital assets.