4 ms·
I had the opportunity to meet both John and Patrick recently. Like most, I've met many people over my life thus far. I'm a social person by nature. I feel as t
by stevenj 14y ago
I had the opportunity to meet both John and Patrick recently.
Like most, I've met many people over my life thus far. I'm a social person by nature. I feel as though I understand people. I've got a good sense for them. I'm not sure how else to explain it.
When I was with them, something felt different. I just felt like they are going to do important things with their lives. Have a huge impact (with Stripe and whatever else they decide to do).
As the article points out, they're both quite intelligent. During our conversation, it was immediately apparent to me that they're also ambitious.
But what probably stood out to me the most, given the other two qualities, was their true sense of integrity. They just seemed like nice people. Unpretentious. Would do anything for their friends that they could, as well as for well-meaning strangers.
I think Stripe will make it big.
But I'm mostly rooting for them for another reason: for being good people.
For caring.
I think the way in which they apply that quality may be what sets them apart in the end.
- smalter 14y agoAt the close of their beta, I received a handwritten note from the Stripe guys thanking us using them. It was a kind gesture and unexpected humility coming from such a high-profile startup.
- patrickk 14y agoBeing from Ireland myself, hugely proud of the Collisons and what they've achieved. But I'm rooting for them for another reason. A few years ago when I was in college, I randomly emailed Patrick looking for advice on where to begin on the path to eventually doing a startup. I was only half expecting a response, I mean he doesn't know me from Adam and it was an email out of the blue from me. Instead, he gave me his mobile number and told me to ring him to have a proper conversation. I had like a half hour+ conversation, about web frameworks, visa advice for the US, and so on. Incredibly guy, unbelievable generosity. I was floored by it. I've no doubt Stripe will go public some day (unless it gets bought for a huge sum by Visa or someone), I'll be rooting for those guys all the way.