Privy CEO Henri Stern Discusses Crypto Wallet Evolution Post-Stripe Acquisition
Privy, the embedded wallet provider powering platforms like OpenSea, Pump.fun, and Jupiter, is charting a new course after its June acquisition by Stripe. CEO Henri Stern—a Protocol Labs research scientist turned entrepreneur—claims the deal will accelerate product development while maintaining operational independence.
The company categorizes its user base across fintech (payments, treasury management), DeFi/trading, and consumer engagement. But Stern argues these distinctions are becoming obsolete as crypto's audience diversifies beyond technically literate early adopters. "The definition of 'consumer' has changed," he notes, referencing the sector's shift from developer-dominated ecosystems in 2018-2021 toward broader adoption.