Collisons' Stripe negotiating staff share sales of €83bn-plus

It could help the Silicon Valley payments start-up regain some of the capitalization it lost during a post-covid slump

John and Patrick Collison are the co-founders of Stripe which has grown into a major financial institution since its founding more than a decade ago.

Stripe is in discussions to arrange sales of stock by employees at an $85bn (€82.5bn) valuation, people familiar with the matter said, a deal that could help the Silicon Valley payments start-up regain some of the capitalization it lost during a post-covid slump.

That transaction could add $15bn (€14.6bn) to the valuation of one of Silicon Valley’s largest private firms, which was worth $70 billion in a similar tender offer last year. 

It would still remain some way off its peak value of $95bn (€92.2bn) when Stripe last raised money during the 2021 technology boom.

The financial transaction is still being negotiated and the terms could change, said the people, asking not to be identified discussing private information. Stripe representatives declined to comment. The Information earlier reported on the deal.

Stripe, led by Limerick brothers Patrick and John Collison, has grown into a major financial institution since its founding more than a decade ago. 

Investors have long watched the upstart as a potential contender for a blockbuster initial public offering, though the company has repeatedly said it’s in no rush to list.

Earlier this year, Stripe moved to lay off 300 people. At the same time, the company isn’t slowing its hiring. The fintech plans to reach a headcount of 10,000 by the end of the year, up from 8,500 employees in January.

Bloomberg