After the breakthrough in Mastercard's acquisition, it shifts focus to investing in Zerohash to maintain independent operations

RektRecovery · 2026-01-21T00:26:10+00:00

Payment giant Mastercard, after failing to acquire blockchain provider Zerohash, is now exploring strategic investments, demonstrating its ongoing focus and commitment to blockchain infrastructure.

RektRecovery

2026-01-21 00:26:10

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【ChainNews】Payment giant Mastercard recently changed its strategic direction after negotiations to acquire blockchain infrastructure provider Zerohash stalled. The two parties had previously engaged in serious discussions last October regarding a potential acquisition, with a valuation range of $1.5 billion to $2 billion, but Zerohash’s insistence on maintaining independent operations became a stumbling block for the deal. Currently, Mastercard has not given up on this relationship—sources revealed that both sides are shifting towards exploring the possibility of strategic investment. This shift reflects the traditional payment giant’s continued interest in the blockchain infrastructure sector, even if a direct acquisition has not succeeded, as they are still seeking to establish a presence in this field through investment.

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ReverseTradingGuru

· 3h ago

zerohash's move is quite interesting. If you don't want to be eaten up, you can still talk about investment, and you can get a good sense of MC's temper.

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BearMarketNoodler

· 3h ago

Investing and acquiring are essentially about changing positions. Zerohash really has some backbone, even though 1.5-2 billion USD can't get it done. But to be honest, Mastercard still wants that piece of the cake; it's just a different approach.

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NotSatoshi

· 3h ago

Haha, Zerohash refuses to be acquired at all costs. They prefer investment but want to stay independent. I like this spirit.

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CrossChainMessenger

· 4h ago

Haha, Zerohash's move is brilliant. They prefer to stay independent rather than be acquired. This is the true spirit of Web3. Is Mastercard being played? Or are they genuinely interested in investing? The temptation of 1.5-2 billion USD is hard to resist. Does this team have integrity or confidence? Follow-on investment is the smart choice—wanting both fish and bear paws. I believe in Zerohash. Only by remaining independent can they build real infrastructure. Traditional giants still don't understand our circle; they insist on forcing their way in. Their persistent pursuit of further investment shows they truly have something. They were rejected but still came back. Mastercard is a bit like a sycophant, haha. Independent operation is the long-term way; otherwise, can they still be autonomous after being acquired? Waiting to see the subsequent funding rounds—valuation will definitely soar.

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