MoonPay Acquires Helio for $175 Million in Strategic Expansion
Deal News | Jan 13, 2025 | EIN
MoonPay has acquired Helio, a blockchain payment processor based on Solana, for $175 million. This acquisition is established as MoonPay's largest to date and is aimed at enhancing its payment processing capabilities and expanding its market reach. Before finalizing at $175 million, the acquisition was initially valued at $150 million. Helio is known for its comprehensive platform that supports major cryptocurrencies, facilitating transactions for over 6,000 merchants as of 2025. Through this acquisition, MoonPay aims to integrate Helio's technology to boost trading volumes and service offerings to merchants and developers. Expansion activities by MoonPay include gaining licensure in the EU and collaborating with PayPal, alongside influencing crypto regulations in the US. The move is seen against a backdrop of increasing mergers under the current US administration, with MoonPay being active in both industry growth and philanthropic efforts.
Sectors
- Blockchain and Cryptocurrency
- Financial Technology (FinTech)
Geography
- United States – The mention of Trump's administration and the regulatory efforts in the US highlighted in the article imply a significant geographical focus.
- Europe – MoonPay's licensing in the Netherlands as part of the EU's MiCA framework indicates a geographic focus in Europe.
Industry
- Blockchain and Cryptocurrency – This industry is relevant as both MoonPay and Helio operate within the blockchain and cryptocurrency payment processing environments.
- Financial Technology (FinTech) – MoonPay's acquisition of Helio involves enhancing payment processing capabilities, a core aspect of the FinTech sector.
Financials
- $175 million – The finalized acquisition value for Helio by MoonPay.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MoonPay | Acquirer | Company | A financial technology company bridging traditional finance and blockchain technology. |
| Helio | Target Company | Company | A Solana-based blockchain payment processor known for its crypto checkout platform. |
| Trump's Administration | Government | Government | Mentioned as a potential backdrop for increasing crypto mergers. |
| Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets | Regulatory Body | Government | Issued the crypto business license to MoonPay under the EU MiCA framework. |