But Stripe sees things differently. In their 2024 annual letter, the company reaffirmed its commitment to remote-friendly policies, emphasizing productivity and talent retention over strict office presence. “We care about output, not where your desk is,” John Collison noted.
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The Cave-Dweller CEO and Changing Perceptions
Stripe’s CEO, Patrick Collison, has even been called a “cave dweller” for his low public profile and preference for focus over fanfare.
In a Fortune profile, he emphasized the value of deep work—something he believes remote environments uniquely support.
“People do their best thinking when they’re not commuting two hours a day or sitting under fluorescent lights,” Patrick said. “We want people who are happy, energized, and mentally present.”
Tech Giants Lead the Way
As one of Silicon Valley’s most valuable startups, Stripe’s flexible approach could set the tone for how other tech companies think about work.
