Exactly right. If it was an IPO, the $6.5B would go into Stripe's bank account to grow the business instead of buying out shares from employees who have to sell

Exactly right. If it was an IPO, the $6.5B would go into Stripe's bank account to grow the business instead of buying out shares from employees who have to sell. And sure maybe they didn't need that money, but it could have helped acquire companies and grow more. This deal is basically the preamble to a direct listing. Which again would not help Stripe raise funds but instead merry go round shareholders.