# Stripe and Paradigm Launch Tempo L1 Blockchain

*Author: Bankless*
*Published: Sep 4, 2025*
*Source: https://www.bankless.com/read/stripe-and-paradigm-launch-tempo-l1-blockchain*

---

Stripe has partnered with Paradigm to launch a new payments-focused L1 blockchain called Tempo, which entered private testnet this week. The project marks Stripe’s most ambitious move yet into crypto infrastructure.

### What’s the Scoop?
- **Purpose-Built Layer 1:** Tempo is designed as a high-scale blockchain specifically for financial services applications, including remittances, tokenized deposits, and micro-transactions.
- **Stripe’s Crypto Push:** The launch follows Stripe’s $1.1B acquisition of stablecoin infra firm Bridge in 2023, its Base integration with Coinbase in 2024, and its acquisition of wallet provider Privy earlier this year.
- **Enterprise Adoption:** Stripe CEO Patrick Collison said Tempo is already working with OpenAI, Anthropic, Deutsche Bank, Nubank, Shopify, DoorDash, and Revolut.
- **Leadership and Backing:** Tempo is an independent company with initial investment from Stripe and Paradigm. Paradigm co-founder Matt Huang is leading the initiative.

### Bankless Take:
The crypto industry was no doubt excited to get a better look at a major fintech player's proprietary blockchain, but unanswered questions remain about Stripe's approach. For starters, how can Tempo embody "decentralization" and "neutrality" as core principles with a restricted validator set and concentrated token holdings among insiders?

> > Decentralization and neutrality are core principles of the Tempo chain design.Why not an L2?— RYAN SΞAN ADAMS - rsa.eth 🦄 (@RyanSAdams) [September 4, 2025](https://twitter.com/RyanSAdams/status/1963690106272850420?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)