Crypto payments firm MoonPay has taken a significant step in expanding its capabilities by acquiring Meso, a startup co-founded by former executives from PayPal. Meso’s mission aligns closely with MoonPay’s goal of bridging the gap between traditional finance and digital assets. While the financial terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed, industry experts view this move as part of a broader strategy by MoonPay to strengthen its position in the evolving crypto landscape.
Earlier this year, MoonPay also acquired Helio, a crypto payments processor, and Iron, a provider of stablecoin infrastructure. With these acquisitions, MoonPay aims to create a unified, global payments network that encapsulates various financial mechanisms.
As part of the acquisition, Ali Aghareza, who was instrumental in the creation of Braintree and later played a vital role at PayPal, has been appointed as MoonPay’s chief technology officer. Aghareza co-founded Meso in 2022 and brings a wealth of experience in engineering and technology to his new role. Ben Mills, his co-founder at Meso and a seasoned professional with experience at Braintree and Venmo, will take on the role of senior vice president of product at MoonPay.
Ivan Soto-Wright, CEO of MoonPay, expressed confidence in the new leadership team’s capabilities, stating, “We’ve built trusted ramps that brought millions into crypto, now we’re building the global network that will move money across every form and in every market.” He emphasized the importance of integrating various financial technologies, including banks, card networks, stablecoins, and blockchains, into a cohesive system.
The acquisition of Meso is seen as part of a strategic vision for MoonPay, as it seeks to facilitate smoother transactions and expand its service offerings in the rapidly changing world of digital finance. As the line between traditional finance and the burgeoning crypto ecosystem continues to blur, moves like this underscore the importance of innovative solutions that cater to diverse financial needs.
