Individuals are departing Stripe for an unconventional OpenAI competitor with ambitious hiring goals.
The Shift from Fintech to AI: A New Trend
The Appeal of AI Over Fintech
In recent times, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a leading technology field, overshadowing fintech. This shift has led many professionals in the fintech sector to consider opportunities in AI companies. One striking example is Stripe, a name synonymous with fintech innovation. Historically, Stripe employees were highly sought after and well-compensated, but recent reports indicate that over 70 employees made the move to OpenAI in the past year alone.
Notable Moves from Stripe to AI
One prominent figure from Stripe’s ranks is Guillaume Princen. After spending seven years as the head of Europe and the Middle East for Stripe, Princen has transitioned to Anthropic, a direct competitor of OpenAI, where he is now the head of its EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) operations. In his new role, Princen plans to expand the team in Paris and the broader European region by hiring an additional 100 employees. His experience at Stripe, combined with his previous role as CEO of the spend management fintech Mooncard, positions him well to make a significant impact at Anthropic.
Anthropic’s Expansion and Culture
Anthropic has been experiencing rapid growth. From approximately 240 employees in 2023, the company scaled to over 1,000 by September 2023. The workplace is characterized by a unique culture where hierarchy is less pronounced. According to reviews on forums like Blind, this relatively flat structure fosters an environment of creativity, making work feel enjoyable and engaging. Employees appreciate the company culture that encourages open communication, questioning of norms, and constructive feedback.
The Connection Between Stripe and Anthropic
A significant number of employees at Anthropic are former Stripe staff. Currently, more than 100 of Anthropic’s workforce—about 10% of its total—are ex-Stripe employees. Interestingly, only Google has lost more employees to Anthropic. The company has also brought in other senior hires from Stripe, including Amanda Donohue, who previously led people programs and development at Stripe and joined Anthropic in February.
In addition to hiring former employees, Anthropic has also recruited various Stripe talent from the recruiting team, including Meah Gorokov, Liz Speight, and Lynda Galliano, who collectively have 17 years of recruitment expertise at Stripe. Daniela Amodei, a co-founder and president at Anthropic, is another noteworthy addition, having spent five years at Stripe prior to her tenure at OpenAI starting in 2018.
Roles of Stripe Employees in AI Companies
Those transitioning from Stripe to firms like Anthropic typically find themselves involved in applied product roles, meaning they contribute to the practical applications of AI technology rather than being directly tied to research. Employees at Anthropic emphasize a culture of passion-driven work. They often report working overtime, not due to managerial pressure, but out of genuine enthusiasm for their projects.
This passion is evident in the company’s collaborative atmosphere, where staff are encouraged to engage and share their ideas openly. Understanding and adapting to a new environment can be challenging, but many find that their backgrounds in fintech provide valuable skills and insights that are transferable to the AI landscape.
Ultimately, this cross-industry migration highlights the evolving nature of the technology sector, as professionals seek out realms that promise innovation, growth, and the opportunity to make a significant impact.
