PayPal pops nearly 7% on report fintech startup Stripe is weighing an acquisition
Hacker News
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
PayPal's stock saw a significant boost of nearly 7% following reports that fintech startup Stripe is exploring an acquisition of PayPal or part of its business. This news comes as PayPal has been facing challenges, including slowing growth and intensifying competition in the financial payments sector. The company’s stock had already dropped by over 19% since the start of the year and lost nearly a third of its value in 2025. Meanwhile, Stripe continues to grow rapidly, recently hitting a $159 billion valuation after a secondary stock sale.
Stripe has positioned itself as one of the most valuable private companies, with a revenue suite projected to reach an annual run rate of $1 billion this year. The startup has also expanded its portfolio through acquisitions, such as the recent purchase of billing platform Metronome. Despite its rapid growth, Stripe co-founder John Collison emphasized that the company is not yet considering an IPO, focusing instead on product and business development.
This potential acquisition could reshape the fintech landscape, particularly as PayPal seeks to stabilize its position in a competitive market. The news highlights the ongoing strategic shifts within the industry, where established players like PayPal are under pressure from emerging startups like Stripe. For tech enthusiasts and investors, this situation underscores the dynamic nature of fintech innovation and the potential for significant business reconfigurations.
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Originally published on Hacker News on 2/24/2026