Stripe IPO: Common Questions About Your Employee Equity
Right now, Stripe is one of the most anticipated IPO candidates around. While the company has not yet set a date for a public listing, plenty of current and former employees already have questions about what it will mean for their equity. Here are answers to some of the most important questions.
When will Stripe go public?
Stripe hasn't announced a date for an IPO yet, nor has it filed the paperwork with the SEC. Co-founders Patrick and John Collison have said publicly that going public isn't a top priority. Most analysts expect a listing in 2027 at the earliest.
What will happen to my shares once Stripe goes public?
Once Stripe completes an IPO, your shares will typically be subject to a lockup period, often 90 to 180 days, during which you're restricted from selling. Once the lockup expires, you'll be free to trade your shares on the open market.
Can I sell my Stripe shares before an IPO?
Yes, though not on the open market. Stripe has run several tender offers over the past few years, most recently in February 2026. During those periods, current and former employees can sell a portion of their shares to investors like Thrive Capital, Coatue, and Andreessen Horowitz, as well as to Stripe itself. Outside of a company-organized tender, accredited investors can buy Stripe shares through secondary market platforms like Forge Global and Hiive, but as an employee, you'll typically need company approval to transfer shares this way.
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Will my RSUs or stock options vest automatically at IPO?
For most of your RSUs, yes. Stripe RSUs have a time-based schedule for vesting, but they also need a liquidity event before they actually vest. An IPO satisfies that condition, so any shares that are old enough would vest all at once during an IPO. RSUs can also vest during a tender offer.
Stock options will vest on their own time-based schedule, unaffected by the IPO. Once they do vest, you will have the option to exercise them by paying the strike price, at which point you own them outright.
How will my Stripe shares be taxed?
When you sell your shares, several factors will determine your tax bill:
Whether your equity came from RSUs, stock options (ISOs or NSOs), or a direct purchase, since each is taxed differently
Your cost basis, or what you paid (or were taxed on) when you received the shares
How long you've held the shares (long-term capital gains rates are generally lower than short-term or ordinary income rates)
The size of your position relative to your overall income and portfolio
The rules can get complicated fast, so it’s worth talking to a financial advisor before making any final decisions. There are also a number of strategies you can use to reduce your taxes and preserve more of your wealth, which your advisor can explain.
Should I sell all my Stripe shares after an IPO, or hold onto them?
There's no single right answer, but holding a large, concentrated position in any single stock carries real risk. Diversifying your portfolio is generally a good idea. However, selling too much too quickly can mean paying a high tax bill. In most cases, it’s best to diversify gradually rather than selling all at once. Other strategies can help, such as:
An exchange fund
Donor-advised fund
Charitable remainder trust
Tax-loss harvesting
…and more. A fiduciary financial advisor can help you pick the right strategy for your case.
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TrueWealth Is Here to Help
As a current or former Stripe employee, an IPO could be the most important financial event of your career. The sooner you start building a plan for your equity, the better.
At TrueWealth Financial Partners, we can help you:
Build a diversification strategy for your stocks
Plan for a distribution strategy that works for you in retirement
Reduce your tax burden year over year
Draw up an estate plan that protects your legacy
Prepare for long-term care and other unexpected events
Schedule a free 15-minute intro call today, and we'll be happy to talk through your options.
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