The short answer: Stripe is a private payments company founded in 2010 by brothers Patrick and John Collison. It processes payments for internet businesses, handled $1.9 trillion in total volume in 2025, and was valued at $159 billion in a February 2026 tender offer. In August 2026 it agreed to acquire the AI model marketplace OpenRouter.
A company profile from The Pomp Podcast, hosted by Anthony Pompliano. Last updated: October 24, 2026.
Key takeaways
Stripe is a private payments company founded in 2010 by brothers Patrick and John Collison.
It handled $1.9 trillion in total volume in 2025 and was valued at $159 billion in a February 2026 tender offer.
In August 2026 it agreed to acquire the AI model marketplace OpenRouter.
What is Stripe?
Stripe builds software that lets businesses accept payments and move money online. Its total payment volume reached $1.9 trillion in 2025, up 34% from the year before, CNBC reported. Patrick Collison is CEO.
Who founded Stripe?
Brothers John and Patrick Collison founded Stripe in 2010, according to CNBC.
How much is Stripe worth?
In February 2026, Stripe set up a tender offer that valued the company at $159 billion, with Thrive Capital, Coatue and Andreessen Horowitz among the buyers, CNBC reported. Stripe has stayed private. John Collison said an IPO "would be a solution in search of a problem."
What has Stripe bought?
Stablecoin company Bridge, for $1.1 billion, and crypto wallet company Privy, per CNBC.
Billing company Metronome, per CNBC.
In August 2026, Stripe agreed to acquire OpenRouter, an AI model gateway. The New York Times reported the price at about $7.5 billion. As of October 24, 2026, the deal was still under review by Australia's ACCC. See What Is OpenRouter?.
What did The Pomp Podcast say about Stripe?
Stripe came up on two recent episodes with Jordi Visser. He used it as an example of a lean, tech-driven company taking on big banks. Quotes below are from the episodes, with timestamps.
On the October 10, 2026 episode, "Bitcoin Is the Toll Collector of the AI Economy | Jordi Visser":
"Stripe is not a bank, but Stripe is competing with all of them."
He compared Citibank, which he described as a $200 billion company with 200,000 people, to Stripe, which he said has 10,000 people. Those headcounts are his figures. Later in the episode, he said anyone can now build an app and collect revenue online:
"Believe it or not, because of Stripe you can do that."
On the October 17 episode, "Is Bitcoin Ready To Rip While Wall Street Breaks? | Jordi Visser", Jordi came back to the deal:
"You mentioned OpenRouter. Who just bought OpenRouter?"
"So, Stripe bought OpenRouter, why? They're not a, they're not a routing company."
One clarification: on the show, the deal is described as done. Stripe has agreed to acquire OpenRouter, and the deal was still under regulatory review as of October 24, 2026.
Every Pomp Podcast episode that discussed Stripe
Stripe came up in 2 recent episodes of The Pomp Podcast. Each link opens the YouTube video at that moment.
Oct 10, 2026: Bitcoin Is the Toll Collector of the AI Economy | Jordi Visser. Jordi argued Stripe competes with big banks with far fewer people. Timestamps: 6:56 (Stripe vs. the banks), 27:38 (building apps with Stripe).
Oct 17, 2026: Is Bitcoin Ready To Rip While Wall Street Breaks? | Jordi Visser. Jordi used the OpenRouter deal to argue fast-moving companies are outpacing banks. Timestamps: 43:53 (Stripe and OpenRouter).
Watch or listen to the episode
Bitcoin Is the Toll Collector of the AI Economy | Jordi Visser, released October 10, 2026. Stripe comes up at 6:56.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Stripe?
Stripe is a private payments company that lets businesses accept payments and move money online. It handled $1.9 trillion in total volume in 2025.
Who founded Stripe?
Brothers Patrick and John Collison founded Stripe in 2010.
How much is Stripe worth?
A February 2026 tender offer valued Stripe at $159 billion, CNBC reported.
Is Stripe public?
No. Stripe is private. John Collison has said an IPO would be "a solution in search of a problem."
Did Stripe buy OpenRouter?
Stripe agreed to acquire OpenRouter in August 2026. As of October 24, 2026, the deal was still under review by Australia's ACCC.
Sources
Last updated: October 24, 2026
Anthony Pompliano is an entrepreneur, investor, and author who serves as Chairman and CEO of Silvia, Inc (SVIA) and invests through Pomp Investments. He is the host of The Pomp Podcast, where he interviews founders, investors and economists about bitcoin, markets, AI and the economy.
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This profile is for informational purposes only and reflects reporting available as of October 24, 2026, plus opinions shared on The Pomp Podcast. It is not investment advice. Do your own research before making any investment decision.
