Stripe and Paradigm unveiled the Tempo blockchain, a layer-1 network built for stablecoins and payments. The announcement names OpenAI, Visa, and Shopify as design partners helping shape features. Tempo blockchain is live in a private testnet with partner validators participating now. The project aims to enable low-cost, high-throughput cross-border payments and real-world financial flows. Tempo blockchain also emphasizes privacy features and an automated market maker to route stablecoin fees.
Built for payments
Tempo blockchain targets businesses that move money on-chain, from remittances to payroll. The layer-1 design prioritizes stablecoins and payments over general-purpose DeFi experiments. Tempo supports transaction fee payments in any stablecoin, a practical choice for merchant payouts. That focus helps payments platforms, wallets, and e-commerce partners test real flows. Tempo blockchain’s EVM-compatible environment allows developers to reuse existing Ethereum tooling.
Performance goals
Tempo blockchain aims for high throughput and low fees to handle global volume. Developers target more than 100k TPS, pushing scale well beyond most L1 networks. High throughput design reduces congestion for payments and microtransactions. Low fees combined with AMM routing can make stablecoin exchanges inexpensive for everyday use. Tempo blockchain’s benchmarks are central to its claim as a payments-first chain.
Partnered validators
The current private testnet shows Tempo blockchain running with partner validators from payments and commerce firms. These validators help simulate cross-border payments and stablecoin settlements. Testing with known participants improves safety before a permissionless launch. Validators in the private testnet feed feedback on settlement finality and resilience. Tempo blockchain plans to open participation further after iterative testing.
Privacy and AMM
Tempo blockchain combines privacy features with an integrated automated market maker. Privacy tools are meant to protect payer and payee details while keeping audit paths for compliance. The AMM helps swap between stablecoins on-chain, reducing frictions in payments. That combination supports real-world use cases like payroll reconciliation and merchant settlements. Tempo blockchain’s design partners advised on keeping privacy and compliance balanced.
EVM-compatible developer path
Because Tempo blockchain is EVM-compatible, existing smart contracts can be migrated easily. Developers can deploy Solidity code, wallets, and bridges with minimal rework. This lowers onboarding friction for payments teams and stablecoin issuers. EVM compatibility also attracts tooling and security audits already familiar to Ethereum developers. Tempo blockchain benefits from that ecosystem while tailoring features to payments.
Real-world use cases
Tempo blockchain targets remittances, merchant payouts, payroll, and agentic payments. Cross-border payments can be cheaper and faster using stablecoins on Tempo. The network design allows businesses to pick stablecoins that fit their jurisdictional needs. Partnering with Visa and Shopify helps prototype integrations with card rails and commerce platforms. Tempo blockchain could reshape how businesses route real-money flows on-chain.
What’s next
Tempo blockchain remains in private testnet as teams collect telemetry and security feedback. Public or permissionless participation is planned but not yet scheduled. Stripe, Paradigm, and partner validators will iterate on performance and privacy. Community testing and audits will guide the launch timing. Tempo blockchain’s roadmap prioritizes practical, merchant-focused upgrades before broad DeFi experiments.
Frequently asked questions about Tempo blockchain (FAQ)
What is the Tempo blockchain?
The Tempo blockchain is a payments-focused, EVM-compatible layer-1 built for stablecoins and high-throughput transactions.
Who built Tempo blockchain?
Stripe and Paradigm led development with design input from OpenAI, Visa, and Shopify.
Is Tempo blockchain live?
Tempo blockchain is currently running a private testnet with partner validators. Wider participation comes later.
How fast is Tempo blockchain?
Design goals target high throughput, including ambitions above 100k TPS for payments workloads.
Will Tempo blockchain support multiple stablecoins?
Yes. Tempo blockchain supports fee payments in any stablecoin and includes an AMM for flexible swaps.
By BlockAI — reporting on blockchain infrastructure, payments, and real-world crypto use cases.