Today's publication will be dedicated to the high-profile IPO in the field of fintech, which was made by Stripe.
She specializes in online payments and is working on services for paying salaries to employees. The issuer also tries to fight fraud.
Stripe is known as a payment platform or API for some corporations. It was also noted in startups and various public companies. The management of the corporation focuses on the cloud architecture so that the company is more reliable and secure.
Thanks to the cooperation with Stripe, companies have the opportunity to control their expenses, prevent any fraudulent manifestations and develop in an international direction using corporate credit cards or loans for small businesses. Such giants as Amazon, Google, Spotify and Microsoft cooperate with the issuer. Every year, Stripe spends tens of billions of US dollars through its payments.
Today it is the most expensive private company in the financial and technological sphere. It was founded by John and Patrick – the Collinson brothers. Their goal was to create a service that would make it easier for small and medium-sized businesses to process payments. They wanted to turn the idea of outdated banking systems around, taking into account the prevention of PayPal errors. Elon Musk, the founder of the latter, was the first to invest in Stripe.
In 2010, the world first heard about the company, but the impetus for this was the sale of the Shuppa company by the Collinson brothers in 2008. The latter produced software. The initial capital of $5 million was enough to start and attract the attention of Silicon Valley investor Peter Thiel and Elon Musk himself, who added another $2 million. The official exit from the beta format and the launch of Stripe took place in 2011.
In 2012, representatives of Sequoia Capital invested $18 million in the company, which allowed it to enter the international market. A couple of years later, the brothers got $80 million, which gave them the opportunity to consolidate Stripe in 12 different countries around the world.
The payment service developed quite quickly and already in 2015 the company had $100 million on its account, and a year later $150 million. By 2017, when Stripe had $245 million in its account, almost all representatives of the financial sector knew it. After the company bought Paystack last year and TaxJar this year, it became more well-known.
Today, Stripe is valued at $80 billion, which is more than Facebook, Uber or even SpaceX before the IPO.
Not so long ago, the Stripe team completed a round of attracting investments, as a result of which it was possible to raise $600 million. For this money, the company will develop in the EU, India, as well as Brazil and Indonesia.
The listing is planned for the end of this year or the beginning of next year.
Read more: Listing of securities on the stock exchange
Sources of the company's income
To a large extent, Stripe generates commission income from the transaction. It is worth noting that the company processes about $100 billion annually. These commissions are distributed between online payments, personal payment terminals, accounts, subscriptions and connections for those customers who need to pay funds to third-party people. The company's money is also brought by Stripe Capital's business loans, as well as the Radar program for identifying fraudulent schemes.
Stripe's Competitors
PayPal and Square are the most important competitors of the company. Recall that the PayPal IPO, which took place in 2002, was estimated at $1.5 billion and until today this figure has grown to $360 billion. Since PayPal is considered a classic payment system, Stripe wins, because the company offers a more innovative set of services.
Square started its mobile payment processing business around the same time as Stripe. However, the latter is heading for online payments. Recall that Square's IPO was implemented in 2015, when the company managed to raise $243 million. Then it was estimated at $2.9 billion. By the end of 2021, the issuer's value should reach $120 billion, according to experts.
Let's see why it's worth investing in Stripe after the IPO.
Read more: IPO of a company - mechanism, examples & strategies
Stripe makes life easier
Before Stripe offered its services to the world, online payments from bank cards created a lot of problems for people. Back then, payment system providers had too complex integrations. The Collisons analyzed this and decided to change the situation.
Now just a few lines of code on the page of your website are enough to start working with online payments. Thus, Stripe managed to simplify the integration process as well as payment processing.
Integration
The company provides the possibility of integration into any online platform, which opens up many new opportunities for users. Stripe is friends with Squarespace, BigCommerce, as well as Memberful and Shopify. A person who does not understand anything about programming will be able to start cooperation with Stripe.
The pleasure and effectiveness of cooperation
It is important for any international company to maintain the level of quality of communication with customers, and the payment service provides customer support. Taking into account the fact that most people hardly understand the process of website development, and even more so payment processing, Stripe supports and thus retains its customers.
It is worth noting that Stripe works in such a way that users of any site do not notice it, while PayPal is visible during any payment process. If the seller cooperates with the latter, then you will be redirected to the PayPal page for payment and only after the successful implementation of the process will you be returned to the store page.
In the case of Stripe, payments are processed as transparently as possible.
Read more: How to participate in an IPO
Staff
Stripe managers managed to create a self-regulating recruitment system. We are talking about Sunday tests for people who want to work in the company. In the process of passing this test, you need to answer questions about whether an existing team member is ready to work with the candidate on the weekend. If not, the search continues.
This allows the team to be more cohesive and work more efficiently.
Experts say that after the IPO, Stripe will be able to take a serious place in the fintech sector and delight shareholders with success.
ECB Council member Pablo Hernandez de Cos believes that the EU economy will not reach the pre-pandemic level until the end of the second half of 2023.The governor of the Spanish central bank has joined the chorus of ECB policymakers calling for the first rate hike in more than a decade to curb the highest inflation rate since the creation of the euro and prevent price increases from taking hold.The ECB is lagging behind global competitors in raising borrowing costs and is even still pouring money into the financial system through its asset purchase program, a legacy of a decade of fighting too low inflation.Inflation in the eurozone reached a record 7.5% in April, and was well above the ECB's 2% target. Now the ECB's key rate is 0%, 0.25% on margin loans, and minus 0.5% on deposits.The official also believes that a gradual increase in rates should be expected, especially if the medium-term inflation forecast remains at the current target level.According to de Cos, the completion of the bond purchase program should be completed at the beginning of the 3rd quarter, and soon after that the first interest rate increase will follow. The gradual abolition of extraordinary monetary incentives is adequate in the current context. 
Speaking at the Bitcoin 2022 conference in Miami, the president of the autonomous region of Madeira, Miguel Albuquerque, made several ambitious statements about the prospects of Bitcoin on the islands."I believe in the future and I believe in Bitcoin," Albuquerque said.He recalled that de facto, Bitcoin is already a legal means of payment on the island, since individuals in Madeira are not subject to capital gains tax when buying and selling bitcoins.The regional corporate tax rate on business on the islands is only 5% — one of the lowest in Europe, which is extremely beneficial for cryptocurrency startups.The President also met with MicroStrategy CEO Michael Taylor. He recommended that he "focus on Bitcoin. Everything else is garbage."Madeira is part of Portugal, which attracts crypto enthusiasts with its zero interest rates on cryptocurrency transactions. 
On May 16, the Central Bank of Cuba will begin issuing licenses for the use of cryptocurrencies in economic activities. The authorities are going to allow the cryptocurrency because of the consequences of the coronacrisis and US sanctions, which have been destroying the country's economy for 60 years.Cuba is a "passing prize"The first settlements on the island were founded by Spanish colonists in the early 16th century and ruled for almost three centuries. Then the metropolis brought African slaves and began to use the land for sugar cane and tobacco – the "oil" of that time.Cuba received relative freedom only at the end of the 19th century after an uprising of local residents and a long war for independence. Spain lost its influence in the Caribbean region, and the United States took its place. Nominally, the United States developed the economy and industry of Cuba, investing hundreds of millions, and then billions of dollars. In fact, they used it as a semi-colony: troops could enter at any moment, local authorities and production controlled it.Before World War I, about 90% of Cuba's exports were tobacco and sugar. Most of the agricultural territories were given over to them. Products for domestic consumption had to be imported – there were not enough of their own. At the same time, companies from the United States received privileges and imported goods to Cuba without duties.The country's economy suffered severely during the First and Second World Wars: first, the flow of goods from Europe stopped, then pro-American officials banned exports from the Soviet Union. As a result of the crisis, the poor could not get vital things, and the elite lived in comfort and luxury.In 1940, President Fulgencio Batista came to power – later he would be called a puppet of the United States. Under Batista, the capital of Cuba, Havana, became the "Latin American Las Vegas." The business was controlled by American monopolies and mafia clans. Businessmen from the United States owned 90% of the mining industry, 80% of utilities and fuel companies and half of sugar production. Batista received millions in bribes, and America turned a blind eye to numerous crimes: from the organization of brothels to drug and human trafficking.13 years later, a group of revolutionaries led by Fidel Castro rebelled against Batista. Impoverished and intimidated by the authorities, people joined the fight against tyranny. Castro promised to distribute land to peasants, ensure independence from the United States and improve the financial situation of Cubans. The resistance has been active for almost six years. A guerrilla war has begun in Cuba. By 1959, Castro's forces were able to capture the capital, and Batista lost control of the state and fled to the Dominican Republic. At the same time, the former dictator took most of the gold and foreign exchange reserves of the Central Bank of Cuba."Friendship against the USA"The Castro government reformed the economy and nationalized most of the companies owned by Batista supporters. 60% of agricultural land was transferred to peasants, the rest went to the state. The authorities began to control the turnover of currencies and trade. Residents of the United States were forced to pay 100% tax on luxury goods and 25% on minerals.In response, the U.S. government stopped importing oil to Cuba and reduced the sugar trade. An economic war has begun between the countries. Castro continued to nationalize American companies, and the United States imposed an embargo: they stopped trading with the Island of Freedom, and any country that provided assistance to Cuba fell under sanctions.The USSR took advantage of the situation. The Soviets gave the Castro government $100 million in loans at 2.5% per annum. Specialists in geological exploration, builders and the military were brought to Cuba. The USSR provided the new ally with equipment, weapons and agricultural products, and in return received sugar, coffee, minerals and representation in the Caribbean. During the period of active trade with the Union, Cuba's economy grew. In the 80s, the country began to build solar and wind power plants, recycle recyclables. Over 20 years of cooperation, Cuba has turned into an industrial and agrarian power. But its economy continued to depend on its "curse" – cane sugar.At the same time, the United States declared Cuba a "sponsor of terrorism" and tightened the embargo again. However, by this time the diplomats were able to establish trade with Latin American countries. Uruguay, Argentina and Venezuela became new partners."Island of freedom" without UnionCuba's economy began to collapse after 1991. Despite diplomatic ties with Latin American and Caribbean countries, the country was dependent on the Soviet Union and still suffered from US sanctions. When the USSR collapsed, the Castro government had to switch to economy mode: there was nowhere to bring equipment and cheap oil in exchange for local goods. The sugar industry became the basis of the economy again, but tourism began to develop in Cuba in parallel.The United States has adopted additional sanctions. Now foreign companies trading with the "disgraced" country were threatened with restrictions. In Cuba, there was a shortage of food and medicines, interruptions in the supply of fuel and spare parts for equipment. GDP began to decrease. During the three years of the crisis, it has decreased by a third. To compensate for the losses, Cuba was looking for foreign partners and investments. Three free economic zones were organized on the island and part of the trade bans were lifted. The government began to create a socialist economy with elements of market relations. State-owned enterprises have introduced self-financing.The first effect of the reforms in Cuba was felt in 2001. Up to this point, the country's economy was shrinking by an average of 3-7% per year, and after that it began to grow. The country has reduced the state monopoly on foreign trade and began to recognize cooperative, private and mixed forms of ownership. After 2010, the government allowed local entrepreneurs to work and introduced a progressive taxation system. Cuba began to actively trade with countries that were less dependent on America. In particular, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez supplied up to 53,000 barrels of oil to the island daily, in response Cuba sent teachers, doctors and engineers to the new partner. By 2013, about 100,000 Cubans were working in Venezuela. One of the important sectors for the economy has become "medical internationalism". Local doctors started working all over the world.Hurricanes, COVID and new sanctionsCuba still continues to suffer because of the US blockade. The damage has already exceeded $104 billion. And taking into account the depreciation of the US currency — up to $ 1 trillion. After America imposed sanctions against Venezuela, Cuba's main partner began to have serious problems. They were reflected, among other things, on the Cubans. If earlier it was profitable to work in an oil-rich country, then after the Venezuelan crisis, this market almost closed. In addition, interruptions in oil supplies began.The country's economy was also affected by Hurricanes Dennis and Wilma in 2005, Gustav and Ike in 2008, Sandy in 2012. Each of them disabled infrastructure facilities, destroyed buildings and destroyed crops. The military had to deal with the consequences of natural disasters.Another serious blow was the coronavirus pandemic. Many medical professionals were working abroad when COVID was discovered in Cuba. And local doctors lacked medical equipment: there were many elderly people living in the country who were at risk. Officially, the country has coped with the crisis: it was able to introduce an effective system of protection against coronavirus, developed its own vaccines and started immunization. More than 5 million Cubans have been vaccinated against COVID-19. At the same time, the Cuban economy was in a precarious position: the flow of tourists dried up, and investment declined.Dinner for two for a month's salaryNow the "Island of Freedom" has a single currency – the Cuban peso (CUP). $1 = 23.98 CUP or 70-100 CUP at the "street rate". The authorities ask tourists to exchange American currency for euros in advance – banks do not accept and do not exchange USD.The average salary in Cuba for the last 4 years is about $33-45. At the same time:a kilogram of vegetables, a large loaf of bread or a bottle of water cost $0.5;a dozen eggs – $0.7;a liter of gasoline – $1;payment for communal services – $5-10;unlimited internet – more than $100 per month;dinner for two in a restaurant for tourists – up to $25;economy class car rental - $20;1 sq.m. of housing – from $1,500 to $5,000, in tourist areas – higher.Tourists and journalists who have visited Cuba note that it has become unprofitable to work in local industries. Most people live at the expense of relatives who have gone to work in other countries. It is enough to send $50-100 per month to provide for the family.Cubans themselves believe that the authorities have begun to resemble the "puppet government" of Batista. On the islands, "two parallel Cubes" coexist again: elites and Latin American businessmen live in luxury, and ordinary people are forced to live in shacks or sit on the necks of those who left the "Island of Freedom". 
The annual compensation of CEOs in the United States is breaking records, despite a shortage of workers and inflation. According to MyLogIQ (a provider of analytical products of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission), the median salary of executives from the S&P 500 companies reached $14.2 million last year. The salary growth of the majority of company executives was at least 11%.Half of the companies also said that the salary of ordinary employees increased by 3.1% last year, and a third of the companies reported that employee compensation, on the contrary, decreased between 2020 and 2021. 
At the beginning of this year, the number of IPOs held in the United States dropped sharply. This is evidenced by the data provided by Dealogic. In January-March, only 22 initial public offerings of shares were held. Their total volume amounted to 2.3 billion dollars. In the same period of the previous year, 79 IPOs worth $36 billion took place. Thus, the number of companies offering their shares on the stock exchange fell 3.6 times, and the amount of funds raised during the IPO collapsed 15.7 times. Experts note that many companies preferred to postpone the IPO to a later period of time against the background of high volatility on the stock exchange. This was facilitated by rising inflation, the increase in Central Bank rates, the difficult geopolitical situation, as well as the persistence of problems associated with the pandemic. Nevertheless, experts predict an increase in activity in the IPO market in the near future. However, investors will now pay attention to the securities of companies that provide strong financial statements. The popularity of shares of companies that only promise significant profit growth will decrease sharply. 
Sports betting is already one of the most significant parts of online gambling, with many countries legalizing it. Nowadays, many sports betting sites provide players with different events to bet on, such as betting on March Madness, the Super Bowl, the UCL final, etc. Undoubtedly, online sportsbooks have made it easy to start placing bets on sports, but with the introduction of cryptocurrency and bitcoin, betting on sports online has become even better. So, here are six benefits you will enjoy when you participate in sports betting using Bitcoin.Improved SecurityWhen you bet using Bitcoin, you can rest assured that your money is secure and every transaction is safe. Since you do not have to use your bank details or card, you do not have to fear that your financial details will get into the wrong hands. Also, since Bitcoin is built on the blockchain, every transaction is saved, and you can always keep track of your payment. In addition, the blockchain is built with complex algorithms and high-end security techniques making it hard for hackers to get into the system. Betting AnonymouslyAnother benefit of using bitcoin is that you can do so anonymously. The blockchain network lets you send and receive money without sharing your personal information. So, if you want, you can find a fully decentralized sports betting site to join, connect your crypto wallet, and you are good to go. You do not need to provide a name, address, or other information. Once the sports betting site receives your money, you can start betting with your bankroll. Higher Deposit & Withdrawal Limits With bitcoin, you will enjoy a bigger limit. In most cases, sports betting sites have a maximum amount limit that you can deposit or withdraw. But the limit is almost non-existent with bitcoin. You can deposit as high as 5BTC at some crypto-enable sports betting sites. That way, if you are a high roller, you might want to try playing with bitcoin so that you can bet with larger amounts and, if you are lucky enough, withdraw massive amounts without hassle. Little to No Transaction FeesSome sports betting sites require you to pay transaction fees whenever you want to deposit or withdraw. However, most crypto-enabled sports betting sites do not require any transaction fee. You can deposit and withdraw as much as you like without having to pay a dime. That way, you can process large sums in a short time, and you would not lose much to transaction fees and the like. Instant TransactionAnother top benefit of using bitcoin to bet on sports is that the transactions are done instantly. Once you complete the process and enter the correct information, the money will arrive at the intended destination in no time. Unlike fiat transaction that still needs to go through central processing, bitcoin transactions are not subjected to any reviews, and once the money is sent, it is irreversible. Compared to traditional payment options, when you withdraw with bitcoin, you can expect to get your funds within 24 hours. For deposits, within minutes, your account will be fully funded. Bigger BonusesSports betting sites with crypto options offer players more extensive and better bonuses. These bonus offers have changed the way we view the online gambling scene, as the limits are almost non-existent compared to the traditional bonuses we used to get. Moreover, players can now claim the bonuses with a higher deposit limit. So, if it is a match deposit offer, the bonus cash on offer would be more massive than the standard ones. For instance, you can get a 100% match deposit bonus of up to 5BTC, making it over $100,000 in bonus funds. Final NoteBetting with bitcoin is the future of online sports betting, and as crypto is continuously making waves globally, we expect to see more adaptation. As a result, you should start your journey to trying sports betting with bitcoin. If you are lucky enough, you can win big, increasing your bitcoin holdings and, in addition, reducing the risk that comes with the technology. Note that bitcoin is very volatile. If you are not fully aware of how it works, ensure that you learn about the technology before using it to bet. 
Crypto Casinos are becoming popular by the day. As it stands, you will find numerous online casino sites that allow you to deposit and withdraw using cryptocurrencies. Undoubtedly, there are many benefits of playing with crypto coins, and once you can get the hang of getting started, you won’t have any issues. So, in this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of playing your first casino games using cryptocurrencies like bitcoin, ethereum, litecoin, etc.Find the Right CasinoThe first step to getting started online is to find the right casino. Doing this is tricky because numerous online casinos are available, making choosing difficult. In that case, you need to find a trustworthy platform that helps to list the right casinos. Or, if you have the time, you can learn how to spot the right casino by yourself. You need to know what to look for at any only casino to do this. The factors you should consider are as follows:License and certificationsSecurityPayment optionsBonusesGame CollectionCustomer ServiceMobile Gaming ExperienceOnce the casino is satisfactory in all of these aspects, you can proceed to the next phase in the getting started process. Create Your AccountOnce you have a casino in mind, the next step is to create your account. To do this, you need to enter the registration page. Not to worry, most online casinos make this easy to find. You can do this by locating the Join Now or Sign Up button, clicking on it, and going to the register page. You will see a form on that page, fill it with the correct information, and confirm your submission. Go to your email inbox to complete the verification process, and voila! You’re a member of the casino. Make Your First DepositWith your account created, you need to fund it. If you are lucky, you might get a no deposit welcome offer to claim, and you can skip this step to place your first bet. If that is not the case, you need to make your first deposit. This is usually easy to do if you choose a top casino to join. Simply go to the casino’s cashier tab, click deposit, select the payment option you want to use, and enter the amount you want to deposit. After that, follow the simple instructions to complete the deposit process. Claim the Welcome BonusAt most online casinos, there is a welcome bonus to claim. So, once you make your first deposit, you need to follow the instructions to claim the first deposit. You can always chat with the support team if you do not get the bonus automatically. They will work you through the process to get you your first deposit bonus offer. That way, you can kickstart your online casino journey with a cushion and not risk your bankroll. Go to the Casino LobbyWith your bet account fully funded and bonus cash available, you should head to the casino lobby to play your first game. Depending on the type of game you want to play, you can always click on the appropriate tab at the casino lobby. Select the game you want and start to play. However, if you do not have any game in mind, you can do a little research on casino games to find the one that fits your playing style. Or, you can just start with slot games. Withdraw Your WinsIf you are lucky enough to rack up wins, you can choose to withdraw your wins. The process is pretty straightforward. Go to the casino cashier page, click withdraw, enter the amount you want to cash out, pick a payment option, and complete the process. As a newbie, we recommend using the same payment method you used for your deposit for withdrawal. Final ThoughtsPlaying casino games online is undoubtedly fun. You just have to find the right place to start and follow the process. Once you do all of that, you will not have any issues, and you can win a substantial amount with luck on your side. But remember that gambling is luck-based, and winning is not guaranteed. So, never bet more than you can afford to lose. 
While some political or Wall Street pundits didn’t have the events over in Europe currently in their March Madness bracket, it was pretty clear to others that Putin was going to do as he pleases regarding Ukraine. The events in Europe have shaken the crypto markets to the core, causing both a crash and surge in 36 hours with cryptocurrencies.While there might be political ramifications for the people dropping the ball on this, the crypto market has seen this turmoil in Europe affect the value of some of the most well-known cryptocurrencies on the market. In what looked like a boxing match from a Hollywood movie, Dogecoin and Bitcoin looked to be down for the count on Thursday morning, but then much later in the day, both cryptos recovered most of their losses. In the case of Bitcoin, whale investors came in to buy the dip of Bitcoin’s price, helping it surge by nearly $4,000 from its low on Thursday.With the crypto market still in flux over the situation in Europe, there might be more concerns coming down the pipeline for holders of cryptocurrencies wanting to bet on BetUS. While a large-scale war could severely affect the crypto market, there are other factors that crypto enthusiasts might want to look at with crypto before making any moves. So what is it that should be looked at before doing anything with cryptocurrencies?Russia Has the Potential to Use Crypto to Evade Sanctions Against ThemWith cryptocurrencies being a decentralized form of currency for people, it brings into play something that countries have been talking about in regards to sanctioning Russia. The one sanction that has been on the table as a nuclear option against Russia is to ban them from using SWIFT, the international payments system.If countries do this, they fear that Russia will then go to cryptocurrencies to do business with allied countries, allowing both countries to avoid the sanctions that would be in place.While those fears have left countries hesitant to pull the trigger on a SWIFT ban on Russia, they have also brought up something that would affect more people than just those allied with Russia. That is the possibility of putting regulations on cryptocurrencies or outright banning them like there is in China.If there is a ban on cryptos by countries or even strict regulation regarding trading and ownership of cryptos, that can affect the crypto market more than what we have already seen. It can affect every aspect of daily life for those in Russia, whether they’re trying to communicate with loved ones or place a sports bet on BetUS.Regulation: The Issue That Can Hurt CryptocurrenciesTo anyone that doesn’t want the government involved in things, regulation is a dirty word that brings out fear in people that don’t trust the government to do the right thing. When it comes to cryptocurrencies, that word is even worse, as cryptos were created to be a decentralized form of currency for people to use with each other and with businesses. There are fears that if the government gets involved with regulations on cryptos, there could be assets seized or frozen based on false or misleading information.These fears have only been stoked more since the emergency powers order issued in Canada recently to end protests in Ottawa against government mandates on vaccines. Those orders required financial institutions in the country to examine and take action against customers involved with the protests, which led to people’s bank accounts being frozen. If there were ever a crypto regulation that allowed the government to have broad powers like that, it could spell disaster for those that are for free speech and limited government power.The Murky Waters for Cryptocurrencies in 2022While turmoil in Europe with Russia and Ukraine has affected the markets, there is still a lot left on the plate of 2022 that could keep cryptocurrencies on a downtrend. In May, the United States Federal Reserve is set to make an announcement regarding a digital dollar. With cryptocurrencies valued based on the U.S. dollar, some wonder if cryptos will still hold any value if the dollar goes to a digital format.While that announcement is months away, it could affect the value of cryptocurrencies after the announcement is made. That, along with the conflict in Europe and potential crackdowns on cryptos, can hurt crypto’s chances for a good 2022. 