Stripe Expands Crypto Footprint with Valora Team Acquisition
Stripe's strategic push into cryptocurrency infrastructure accelerates with the acqui-hire of Valora's engineering team. The move signals a focused shift toward stablecoin adoption as blockchain payment systems gain traction globally.
Valora's mobile wallet expertise—particularly its work on Celo blockchain integration—will bolster Stripe's capabilities in self-custody solutions. The transaction notably excludes intellectual property rights, with Valora's app reverting to cLabs for continued development.
This pivot marks Stripe's full-throated return to digital assets after its 2018 Bitcoin retreat. The company now prioritizes programmable money through three pillars: stablecoin rails, wallet infrastructure, and blockchain settlement efficiencies.