Patrick Collison: The Paymaster

Early Life and Education

Born on 9 September 1988 in the picturesque village of Dromineer, County Tipperary, Patrick Collison exhibited early signs of technological prowess. Raised in a family that valued education, he embarked on a journey of self-discovery, taking his first computer course at the University of Limerick at the tender age of eight. The eldest of three boys, Collison's passion for computer programming ignited at the age of ten.

Educated at Gaelscoil Aonach Urmhumhan and later at Castletroy College in County Limerick, Collison's formative years were marked by a thirst for knowledge and a burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit.

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Path to Entrepreneurship

Collison's trajectory into entrepreneurship commenced with his entry into the Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition, where, at the age of sixteen in 2005, he clinched the first-place title for his project on artificial intelligence. This early success foreshadowed his future impact on the technological landscape.

After attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Collison veered off the traditional academic path to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams. In 2007, he co-founded 'Shuppa', an auction management system for online sellers, setting the stage for his entrepreneurial journey that would lead to a merger with Auctomatic.

Auctomatic and Early Success

Automatic, a US-based Y-combinator-backed startup, achieved remarkable success. In 2008, on Good Friday, the Collison brothers sold Auctomatic to Canadian company Live Current Media, catapulting them into the realm of millionaires. At the age of nineteen, Patrick Collison and his brother became a director of engineering at the company's Vancouver base, attributing their success to the foundation laid during the Young Scientist Exhibition.

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Stripe's Inception and Meteoric Rise

In 2010, Patrick Collison co-founded Stripe with his brother John, aiming to simplify online payments. Stripe quickly garnered attention and investment, receiving $2 million, including contributions from Elon Musk and Peter Thiel. The Collison brothers' strategic vision propelled Stripe to unprecedented heights, reaching a valuation of $9.2 billion in 2016.

The following year, they became the world's youngest self-made billionaires. Stripe continued its upward trajectory, with the Collison brothers each amassing a net worth of at least $3.2 billion in 2017. Their strategic contributions extended beyond fintech, as evidenced by a $1 million contribution to California YIMBY in 2018.

Visionary Leadership and Philanthropy

Under the leadership of the Collison brothers, Stripe has maintained a steep trajectory of success. In 2019, the company raised an additional $250 million at a valuation of $35 billion. Beyond Stripe, Patrick and John Collison have been featured on a young Irish person's rich list, showcasing their impact.

In the philanthropic arena, Patrick Collison's endeavours include founding Fast Grants in 2020 to accelerate COVID-19-related science. His commitment to broader societal discussions is evident in his co-authored pieces on science funding and the advocacy for a new academic discipline called "Progress Studies."

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Beyond Entrepreneurship

Patrick Collison's interests extend beyond Stripe and the business world. An avid reader with diverse interests, he actively shares his reading list on his website. His engagement in discussions about progress, science funding, and social issues showcases a multifaceted individual committed to shaping the world beyond the realm of technology.

Key Takeaways

Patrick Collison's journey from a small village in Ireland to the pinnacle of the fintech industry exemplifies the power of vision, innovation, and strategic leadership. As he continues to shape the future of online payments with Stripe, Collison's impact extends beyond business success. His commitment to philanthropy, societal discussions, and advocacy for progress positions him as a trailblazer in the ever-evolving landscape of technology and entrepreneurship. Patrick Collison, the innovation architect, continues redefining what's possible in fintech and beyond.