Fintechs Become Winners by Staying Private

In the world of fintech, it pays to stay private. Take payments giant Stripe.

Valuations for top private fintech firms have been labeled "beyond nonsensical.” (Photo: Coolcaesar, Wikimedia Commons) 

After a stellar 2025, the company reached a valuation of $159 billion—nearly five times higher than its publicly traded Dutch rival Adyen, Chris Dobstaff reported for Forbes Daily

In what is becoming a more common trend, many fintech firms that have gone public in recent years have seen their stocks stagnate or decline, while private equity firms and venture capitalists continue to support valuations of private players.

However, such lofty valuations may invite a reckoning.

Michael Gilroy, a former general partner at Coatue and cofounder of Marathon Management, said valuations for top private fintech firms “are beyond nonsensical.”