'Stablecoin Summer': Stripe Makes Tender Offer at $159 Billion Valuation

Decrypt

by Logan Hitchcock

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Stripe, the payments giant, has launched a tender offer to repurchase shares from current and former employees, valuing the company at $159 billion. This move comes as the firm experiences significant growth, with business volumes surging 34% year-over-year and its stablecoin-focused initiatives thriving. The company'sBridge platform, acquired for $1.1 billion last year, has seen transaction volumes quadruple, while its new Tempo blockchain, developed in collaboration with crypto venture capital firm Paradigm, is expected to launch soon. Stripe's focus on stablecoins aligns with the growing demand for reliable payment solutions in the cryptocurrency space, as highlighted by the Collison brothers in their annual letter. The tender offer, primarily funded by investors like a16z and Thrive Capital, reflects Stripe's confidence in its future growth potential. The company now powers over 5 million businesses globally, including major tech giants, blue-chip companies, and startups. Its programmable financial services have become integral to the operations of some of the world's largest enterprises, from AI companies to Dow Jones Industrial Average stalwarts. This scale underscores Stripe's position as a critical player in modern payments infrastructure. Stripe's emphasis on stablecoins is particularly noteworthy. Despite the broader crypto market facing challenges, stablecoins have emerged as a resilient and indispensable tool for facilitating real-world transactions. The company'sBridge platform has already achieved significant growth, processing $390 billion in payments last year, according to McKinsey. This focus on stablecoin orchestration not only supports its existing payment services but also positions Stripe at the forefront

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Originally published on Decrypt on 2/24/2026