Internet payment processor Stripe has introduced a fiat-to-crypto onramp to address the “cold start problem” faced by Web3 companies, as a result 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 – which will be hosted by Stripe itself – will allow Web3 companies to offer US-based customers the ability to purchase crypto “at the precise moment they need it,” without the need to embed any code into a website or app.
Instead, customers will be directed to a link to convert their fiat into crypto.
Guillaume Poncin, head of engineering for crypto at Stripe said compliance-related tasks for Web3 companies using the onramp will be handled by Stripe – such as conversion and authorization optimization, identity verification and fraud prevention – in an effort to help “customers start using Web3 services quickly and safely.”
It was noted that built-in tools for fraud detection and identity verification were implemented to support companies in meeting its 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 implementation of the new onramp service is aimed at supporting Web3 companies provide a user-friendly way for customers to top up their crypto wallets. 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.”
Several Web3 companies including privacy-focused browser Brave, decentralized finance (DeFi) protocol 1inch and blockchain protocol Lens Protocol, have implemented Stripe’s fiat-to-crypto onramp, according to the statement.
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…
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