ONLINE PAYMENTS COMPANY Stripe, co-founded by Limerick brothers John and Patrick Collison, has taken a step closer to a global launch by supporting almost all currencies.
Shortly after raising an extra $80 million in funding, San Francisco will now be able to accept payments from more than 130 different currencies, allowing businesses to accept payment from almost anywhere.
Before, businesses were only able to charge in euros, US/Canadian dollars, and pound sterling.
Currently, the service is only available to US and European users – in comparison, PayPal is available in 193 countries – but the ability to accept any currency helps bring it a step closer to launching in other countries.
Before the move, the company only worked with startups and services, but it can now work with international businesses. It’s currently working with online video site Dailymotion as well as the Guardian to help improve their subscription services.
The company has been taking baby steps towards expansion and is only available in twelve countries – in comparison PayPal is available in 193 countries – but the ability to trade in almost all currencies allows US and European businesses to look further afield.
The company has been reportedly close to striking a deal with Twitter to power its own eCommerce service. The social media site is working on introducing a new service allowing users to purchase goods inside the Twitter app and website.
Read: Explainer: How did Stripe become a $1.75 billion company? >
Read: Anti-fraud startup does away with bills (at least for ID purposes) >
have your say