Stripe Finalizes $7 Billion Deal for AI Firm OpenRouter | PYMNTS.com

Stripe is reported to be finalizing a purchase of OpenRouter for more than $7 billion, Bloomberg News reported on Aug. 16, citing sources familiar with the matter. The deal would follow shortly after OpenRouter raised funding at a reported $1.3 billion valuation. The report highlights growing business demand for AI systems that deliver the most cost-friendly answers. It also suggests the acquisition could strengthen Stripe’s presence in the AI space. PYMNTS notes OpenRouter, founded in 2023, does not build AI models; it routes requests to more than 400 models from over 60 companies. Stripe previously bought Metronome in January and has also been linked to interest in acquiring PayPal.