Forbes StaffPatrick Collison is an Irish entrepreneur and the co-founder and CEO of Stripe, a global financial technology company that has revolutionized online payments. Known for his intelligence, humility, and innovative mindset, Patrick has become a leading figure in the fintech world, transforming how businesses and individuals transact in the digital economy.
Born on September 9, 1988, in Dromineer, County Tipperary, Ireland, Patrick showed an extraordinary aptitude for technology and problem-solving from a young age. He began programming as a child and won the Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition in Ireland at the age of 16 for a programming project. After briefly studying at MIT, he dropped out to focus on entrepreneurship alongside his brother, John Collison.
In 2010, Patrick and John co-founded Stripe with the goal of simplifying online payments for businesses. Frustrated by the complexities and inefficiencies of existing payment systems, they designed Stripe to offer a seamless API that developers could easily integrate into websites and apps. The platform quickly gained traction for its simplicity, scalability, and reliability, attracting high-profile clients such as Amazon, Google, and Shopify.
Under Patrick’s leadership, Stripe has grown into one of the world’s most valuable private companies, with a valuation exceeding $95 billion. The company has expanded its offerings beyond payments to include tools for fraud prevention, global scaling, and financial management, empowering millions of businesses in over 120 countries.
Patrick’s approach to leadership is deeply rooted in long-term thinking and a commitment to solving meaningful problems. Beyond Stripe, he is a vocal advocate for scientific research and innovation, frequently discussing ways to accelerate progress in fields like biotechnology, clean energy, and space exploration.
Patrick Collison has been recognized as one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 and TIME’s 100 Most Influential People, earning widespread admiration for his vision and impact on the global economy. His work at Stripe continues to reshape the financial landscape, proving that technology can drive economic growth and empower businesses of all sizes. Patrick’s journey from a small Irish town to Silicon Valley exemplifies the power of curiosity, determination, and a relentless drive to build for the future.
