Billionaire Profile
Patrick Collison
Global Rank
#306

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Patrick Collison

CEO, Stripe
IE
Real-Time Net Worth
$10.1B
As of December 2025
Age
37
Source
Payment software
Industry
technology
Citizenship
IE

Biography

Patrick Collison is an Irish entrepreneur and the co-founder and CEO of Stripe, a leading financial infrastructure platform. Born in 1988, he is renowned for his contributions to the technology industry and his innovative approach to online payment processing. Collison's early career began with the founding of Auctomatic, which he sold at a young age. He subsequently co-founded Stripe in 2010 with his brother, John Collison. As CEO, Patrick has overseen Stripe's growth into a global leader in payment software, with a current estimated net worth of $10.1 billion. His wealth source is primarily his stake in Stripe. Collison is also known for his philanthropic efforts and his interest in scientific advancement.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Patrick Collison was born on September 9, 1988, in Dromineer, County Tipperary, Ireland. He displayed an early interest in computers and technology, taking his first computer course at the University of Limerick at the age of eight. By ten, he was already learning computer programming. Collison attended Gaelscoil Aonach Urmhumhan and Castletroy College, where he excelled academically.

Rise to Success

In 2005, at sixteen, Patrick won the 41st Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition for his project Croma, a LISP-type programming language. In 2007, he co-founded Shuppa, later merged with Auctomatic, which he sold in 2008. In 2010, he co-founded Stripe with his brother John. Stripe allows businesses to accept payments online. The company quickly gained traction, attracting significant investments and growing rapidly.

Key Business Strategies

Stripe's success is attributed to its user-friendly API, which simplifies online payment processing. This approach, combined with strategic partnerships and continuous innovation, has enabled Stripe to become a leader in the fintech industry. Stripe focuses on providing developers with the tools to integrate payment systems seamlessly into their websites and applications.

Philanthropy

In 2020, Patrick Collison founded Fast Grants to accelerate COVID-19-related science. He co-founded Arc Institute in 2021, a nonprofit research organization.

Career Milestones

2005

Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition Winner

Won the 41st Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition with his programming language project, Croma.

2008

Sold Auctomatic

Sold his first company, Auctomatic, for $5 million.

2010

Co-founded Stripe

Co-founded Stripe, a financial infrastructure platform.

2020

Founded Fast Grants

Founded Fast Grants to accelerate COVID-19-related science.

2021

Co-founded Arc Institute

Co-founded Arc Institute, a nonprofit research organization.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Scientific Research

Fast Grants

$XB

Founded to fund COVID-19-related science.