Stripe builds programmable financial infrastructure that helps businesses accept payments, manage billing, and move money. Its products connect online commerce, software platforms, subscriptions, and new ways for AI agents to transact.
In a16z’s published conversations with Stripe’s founders, payments are infrastructure for new kinds of internet businesses. Software can make moving money part of the product itself.
Patrick Collison and Alex Rampell explored programmable commerce in 2016. In 2018, John Collison and Rampell discussed how Stripe found room to innovate in a market many considered settled. These conversations connect Stripe’s developer focus with the changing needs of businesses online.
Patrick and John Collison founded Stripe in 2010. Its focus: software that makes it easier for businesses to accept payments and operate online.
Patrick CollisonCofounder & CEOGrew up in Ireland and studied at MIT. Also cofounded the Arc Institute for biomedical research.Patrick Collison · About ↗
John CollisonCofounder & PresidentCofounded Stripe with Patrick and serves as its president.Stripe · Leadership ↗
Will GaybrickPresident, Technology and BusinessLeads the technology and business organizations behind Stripe’s financial infrastructure.Stripe · Leadership ↗
Steffan TomlinsonChief Financial OfficerBrings finance experience from Confluent, Google Cloud, and Palo Alto Networks.Stripe · CFO announcement ↗
Rob McIntoshChief People OfficerLeads Stripe’s people organization.Stripe · Leadership ↗
Tyler BrysonChief Revenue OfficerJoined Stripe in 2025 to lead Americas Revenue and Global Solutions after more than two decades at Microsoft.Stripe · CRO appointment ↗
Patrick and John host company conversations featuring customer feedback, employee demos, and visiting experts.

Teams meet each December to reflect and plan ahead, a tradition dating to 2014.

Books, shared tables, and room to concentrate.

Hardware prototypes and design drawings share Stripe’s maker space.

Stretch assignments, mentorship, feedback, and an annual education stipend support learning.
Employees can use AI tools, including Stripe-built Kai and minions.
Teams debate assumptions, share information, and reconsider ideas.

Interns, apprentices, and new graduates tackle business problems with support from a manager and mentor.