StripeISO/NSO
Software Engineer equity at Stripe: options vs secondary market price
Stripe software engineers hold ISOs and NSOs with strike prices from $9–$45. Here's what your grant is worth based on secondary market prices — and why Stripe's IPO outlook matters.
Stripe — current market snapshot
Last primary round
$159B
Tender Offer · 2026-02
Secondary market
$159B
+0% vs primary · Tender · 2026-02
Annual revenue (ARR)
$9.5B
+34% YoY
Equity type
ISO/NSO
Strike: $85–$110
Typical equity range — Software Engineer at Stripe
$200K–$1.2Mat grant-date value · varies by level and negotiation
Total compensation range: $280K–$550K (base + bonus + equity amortized)
Key things to know
- →Stripe grants ISOs and NSOs — you pay a strike price to exercise. Older grants have strikes as low as $9/share.
- →Secondary market trades imply a Stripe valuation of ~$115B, significantly above the $91B last primary round.
- →An IPO would eliminate the need for secondary market access — widely expected 2026–2027.
- →Tax planning is critical: exercising ISOs triggers AMT. Model your situation with a tax professional.
Calculate your specific grant
Enter your actual shares, equity type, and strike price. PrivatePulse uses secondary market data and four independent valuation methods to give you a defensible range.
Calculate my Stripe equity →Free · No account required · Takes 2 minutes
Liquidity outlook for Stripe
IPO highly anticipated, likely 2026–2027 given massive scale. One of the most closely watched pre-IPO names in tech.
As an option holder, you'll need to exercise your ISO/NSO to own shares. Strike price, exercise cost, and tax treatment (ISO vs NSO) all matter. Model carefully with a CPA.
Frequently asked questions
What are Stripe stock options worth right now?↓
Stripe's last primary round was $91B (February 2025). The secondary market currently implies ~$115B. If your strike price is $9 (a 2020 grant), the intrinsic value per share is current secondary price minus $9. Use PrivatePulse's calculator to model your specific strike and share count.
Should I exercise my Stripe options before the IPO?↓
Depends entirely on your strike price, the spread, your tax situation, and your ability to fund the exercise. Exercising ISOs early can reduce the tax impact but creates AMT exposure. Consult a CPA who specializes in startup equity before making this decision.
How do I calculate my Stripe equity value?↓
Enter your shares, equity type (ISO or NSO), and strike price in PrivatePulse's calculator. It applies the secondary market price and runs three additional valuation methods to give you a range. The key number to watch: (secondary price per share - your strike) × your vested shares.
More Stripe equity guides
Product Manager at Stripe
Stripe PMs hold ISOs and NSOs. With Stripe's secondary market premium and an IPO on the horizon, here's how to think about your equity's real value.
Engineering Manager at Stripe
Stripe EMs hold ISOs and NSOs. With Stripe's IPO likely 2026–2027, here's how to model your specific grant's value and exercise timing.
Equity calculator at Stripe
Calculate the value of your Stripe ISO or NSO options. Enter your shares, strike price, and vesting — the calculator applies secondary market data and our 4-method valuation.