Celebrities including Justin Bieber, Snoop Dogg, and Drake have invested tens of millions of dollars in cryptocurrency startup MoonPay, raising the company's valuation to $3.4 billion. This round of funding adds to the previously announced $555 million, bringing the total raised by MoonPay to $87 million.
Crypto Firm MoonPay Soars to $3.4 Billion Valuation, Backed by Star-Studded Investor Consortium
In a groundbreaking development within the cryptocurrency industry, MoonPay, a Miami-based crypto startup, has secured an additional $87 million in funding, bolstering its previous $555 million funding round. This latest investment surge has propelled MoonPay's valuation to an impressive $3.4 billion, solidifying its position among the most prominent crypto companies in the United States.
The investment round witnessed a remarkable influx of 60 high-profile celebrities, musicians, sports stars, and actors, many of whom have previously demonstrated their keen interest in the crypto space through investments in NFTs and crypto-related endorsements. Among the notable investors are renowned musicians Justin Bieber, Snoop Dogg, and Drake, signifying the growing adoption of cryptocurrencies by mainstream figures.
"Hollywood is embracing smart contracts and blockchain technology to safeguard their artistic and intellectual property rights," stated Ivan Soto-Wright, CEO and co-founder of MoonPay. "Major sports franchises are leveraging digital tokens and NFT collectibles to revolutionize fan engagement, while recording artists are exploring NFTs as a means to enhance their control over royalty rights. These advancements herald a transformative era for the creative economy."
MoonPay's user base has surpassed 10 million globally, utilizing its user-friendly platform to trade and invest in cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) through conventional payment methods, including credit cards and mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Additionally, users can purchase NFTs through MoonPay's platform, as evidenced by actress Gwyneth Paltrow's acquisition of a coveted Bored Ape Yacht Club token in January.
Ms. Paltrow, who participated in the latest investment round, expressed her belief in MoonPay's mission to simplify access to the crypto economy. "Web3 is inspiring the entertainment industry and commerce in general to rethink how we create communities, engage with fans, generate value, and manage intellectual property," she said. "Our investment in MoonPay stems from our conviction that their technology offers the most accessible gateway to cryptocurrency participation."
MoonPay's impressive valuation and star-studded investor base underscore the surging interest in cryptocurrencies and the transformative potential of blockchain technology across various sectors. As more individuals and organizations embrace crypto assets, the availability of user-friendly platforms like MoonPay becomes increasingly critical, empowering users to seamlessly participate in the rapidly evolving digital economy.
