San Francisco, USA — Global payment giant Stripe is deepening its commitment to blockchain technology with the development of Tempo, a high-performance Layer 1 blockchain designed for stablecoin-powered payments. Built in collaboration with leading crypto venture capital firm Paradigm, Tempo aims to deliver speed, scalability, and interoperability for payment-focused use cases, positioning Stripe as a major force in the evolving stablecoin ecosystem.
A Stealth Project with Strategic Backing
Currently in stealth mode, Tempo is being developed by a small team of five, according to internal job postings and sources familiar with the matter. The blockchain will be Ethereum-compatible, enabling developers to use existing smart contract tools while benefiting from a faster, purpose-built infrastructure.
Paradigm, co-founded by Matt Huang—who also serves on Stripe’s board—is contributing early-stage expertise, ensuring Tempo integrates the latest advancements in scalability, security, and blockchain architecture.
Building the Infrastructure for Stablecoin Payments
Tempo is the latest step in Stripe’s multi-year push into the crypto sector. Recent acquisitions include Bridge, a stablecoin infrastructure firm, and Privy, a crypto wallet developer. Together with Tempo, these moves suggest Stripe’s intent to control multiple layers of the stablecoin payment stack—reducing reliance on third-party networks and strengthening its competitive edge.
In testimony before U.S. lawmakers in March 2025, Stripe CEO Patrick Collison confirmed that there is “meaningful business interest in stablecoins” as the technology matures. The development of Tempo also aligns with the passage of the GENIUS Act in July 2025, which introduced clearer regulations for stablecoin operations, potentially accelerating institutional adoption.
A Different Approach to Blockchain Launches
Unlike many Layer 1 blockchains, Stripe has not announced plans to issue a native cryptocurrency for Tempo. While most blockchain networks use native tokens to incentivize participation, this absence signals a more enterprise-oriented focus—aimed at efficiency, adoption, and integration into global payment systems rather than speculative trading.
Targeting Global Transactions and Enterprise Use
If successful, Tempo could transform global payments by enabling near-instant settlements for e-commerce, cross-border transfers, and digital asset transactions. Stripe’s massive existing merchant network offers a ready-made user base, potentially giving the project a rapid adoption curve from launch.
Industry analysts note that Tempo could challenge both traditional payment processors—such as PayPal, Visa, and Mastercard—and existing crypto payment solutions by delivering faster, lower-cost alternatives with enterprise-grade security.
High-Profile Rollout in the Works
Job postings for Tempo indicate a focus on marketing expertise targeted at Fortune 500 companies, suggesting Stripe is preparing for a strategic, high-visibility launch. Partnerships with large financial institutions and corporate players are expected to form part of its go-to-market strategy.
The company’s emphasis on stealth development, combined with its proven track record in payments and its deep relationships with enterprise clients, suggests that when Tempo is unveiled, it will arrive with significant market impact.
Positioning Stripe for the Future of Finance
The development of Tempo underlines Stripe’s ambition to integrate blockchain technology into its core payment infrastructure, bridging the gap between traditional finance and decentralized systems. By focusing on stablecoin payments and interoperability, Stripe could redefine the speed, cost, and reach of global transactions.
As the project moves toward its eventual public launch, the financial and crypto industries will be watching closely to see how Tempo reshapes the competitive landscape in digital payments.
