MoonPay, the fast-rising digital payments platform, has acquired Meso Network, a U.S.-based crypto payments startup, in a move designed to strengthen its position at the intersection of traditional finance and digital assets. While the financial details remain undisclosed, the acquisition marks a significant step toward building a seamless global network for both fiat and crypto payments—setting MoonPay in direct competition with industry giants such as Circle and Visa.
With Meso’s technology, MoonPay will now expand support for U.S. banking systems, including electronic and real-time payments. This integration is expected to streamline its developer platform, making it easier for businesses to embed MoonPay’s services into their products.
Meso’s co-founders, Ali Aghareza and Ben Mills, will join MoonPay’s executive team. Aghareza, who previously led engineering at PayPal’s Braintree, steps in as Chief Technology Officer. Mills, former head of product at Venmo, will serve as Senior Vice President of Product. Their backgrounds at two of the world’s most influential payment companies bring valuable expertise as MoonPay scales.
Founded in 2019, MoonPay connects users to both traditional money and digital assets through partnerships with banks, crypto exchanges, and DeFi platforms. The Meso acquisition is the company’s fourth in 2025, following deals with Iron, Helio, and Decent.xyz. Each has added capabilities ranging from virtual bank accounts to crypto-powered checkout options for platforms like Shopify.
“Our goal is simple: you should be able to walk into any business and pay with whatever currency you choose—dollars, euros, or Bitcoin,” said Ivan Soto-Wright, MoonPay’s CEO. “We’re building a platform that connects all these options and offers a smooth, unified experience.”
The acquisition comes as competition intensifies. Circle recently launched its own payments network, while Visa, PayPal, and Stripe continue to expand their digital asset offerings. MoonPay, profitable in 2024 and reportedly eyeing a new funding round this year, is targeting a valuation above the $3.4 billion it achieved in 2021.
As crypto and traditional finance increasingly converge, MoonPay’s acquisition of Meso Network—and its infusion of top fintech leadership—signals its ambition to lead the future of payments. The company is betting on a world where paying with dollars, euros, or Bitcoin is equally effortless.
