Stripe tackles 'cold start problem' with the launch of fiat-to-crypto onramp

Internet payment processor Stripe has introduced a fiat-to-crypto onramp for Web3 companies in an effort to address the “cold start problem” of customers not having “crypto in their wallets to carry out transactions.”

According to a May 4 statement, Stripe’s newly launched fiat-to-crypto onramp service will enable Web3 companies to provide their US-based customers with the ability to purchase crypto “at the precise moment they need it.”

It was noted that the feature was implemented in an effort to optimize “conversion and authorization rates, to improve the likelihood of “legitimate purchases going through.”

It was added that built-in tools were implemented into the onramp including fraud tools and identity verification to support companies in meeting Know Your Customer (KYC) and compliance requirements.

We’re introducing a Stripe-hosted fiat-to-crypto onramp (no code required) and unlocking the waitlist for the embeddable onramp. https://t.co/U9OW2cjFrZ pic.twitter.com/jjmkDUiOqc

— Stripe (@stripe) May 4, 2023

The statement emphasized that Web3 companies often face the challenge of their customers not possessing crypto in their wallets when seeking to offer crypto and blockchain services. It noted:

“Companies interested in offering cryptocurrency- and blockchain-enabled experiences often face a cold start problem: Their customers don’t have the crypto in their wallets to carry out transactions”

Stripe’s hosted service has been implemented by various Web3 companies including privacy-focused browser Brave, decentralized finance (DeFi) protocol 1inch and blockchain protocol Lens Protocol.

James Mudgett, vice president of Web3 products at Brave stated that the service will allow the platform to “reach new Web3 users.”

Meanwhile, Sergei Kunz, cofounder at 1inch highlighted the importance of building “bridges between Web2 and Web3.”

Stani Kulechov, founder of Lens Protocol said the feature will “reduce payment friction and encourage content monetization.”

Speaking to Cointelegraph, Ohm Shah, co-founder of Wallet Guard stated that Stripe’s new offering could “allow for many people to easily enter into Web3.”

However, Shah stressed the importance of conducting due diligence before purchasing digital assets, even if a well-known brand is providing the onramp to buy crypto. He noted:

“While on-ramping with Stripe to purchase your very first NFT can be exciting, it’s important to consider how easy it is to lose your assets as all it takes is one malicious signature.”

This comes after mobile payments service Venmo announced its own fiat-to-crypto payment service on April 28.

During an interview at Consensus 2023, PayPal executive Jose Fernandez da Ponte said that starting in May the company is going to be “enabling on-chain transfers from Venmo wallets.”

Robinhood also announced its own fiat-to-crypto on-ramp – Robinhood Connect – at Consensus 2023, allowing users to directly purchase and sell cryptocurrency using a credit or debit card, either in their self-custody wallet or natively in DApps.

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