Stripe to build new L1 is a major step in the company’s evolving crypto strategy.
The project, named Tempo, will focus on high-performance blockchain payments and is being developed in partnership with Paradigm. According to a Fortune report, the initiative remains in stealth, with a five-person team leading development. Sources say the blockchain will be layer 1 and compatible with Ethereum’s coding language, positioning it for wide developer adoption.
Tempo reflects Stripe’s ambition to control more of the payment ecosystem, especially with stablecoins. The company has been building a robust tech stack to support digital currency transactions. This includes wallet software, payment integration tools, and now, its own blockchain infrastructure. Such a move positions Stripe as a competitor to both fintech and big tech companies exploring crypto.
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Stripe to build new L1 with stablecoin focus
In October, Stripe announced a $1.1 billion acquisition of stablecoin infrastructure provider Bridge. This followed its June purchase of crypto wallet developer Privy. With these moves, Stripe now controls critical infrastructure that could make stablecoin payments seamless for millions of merchants. The GENIUS Act, signed in July, has boosted interest in stablecoins, but Stripe’s swift action has put it ahead of rivals like Meta, Apple, and Airbnb.
Industry experts say launching a layer 1 blockchain gives Stripe more control over transaction speeds, costs, and user experience. Ethereum compatibility ensures that developers can easily port applications, giving Tempo a head start in adoption. Still, building a new blockchain from scratch is a complex and competitive endeavor.
Ethereum compatibility could accelerate adoption
If successful, Tempo could make Stripe the default choice for stablecoin-powered payments globally. It would also open new opportunities in emerging markets where traditional banking is limited. With its payments expertise, strategic acquisitions, and now blockchain ambitions, Stripe could redefine the role of fintech in the Web3 economy.