Stripe Valued at $91.5B, IPO Plans Delayed

Stripe has announced a tender offer for employees and shareholders, valuing the company at $91.5 billion, approaching its 2021 peak valuation of $95 billion. This tender, which includes share repurchases from current and former employees, highlights the company's strategy to provide liquidity without pursuing an IPO in the near term. Stripe's total payment volume grew by 38% to $1.4 trillion in 2024, marking profitability and significant growth, partly attributed to its investments in AI. The company remains a pivotal player in fintech, with a client base that includes prominent AI startups and half of the Fortune 100 companies. Despite the valuation rebound, Stripe's delay in going public reflects broader venture capital trends and concerns over sustainable returns.