PayPal is a global leader in online payments, used by individuals and businesses alike. But many wonder—who owns PayPal today?
Let’s take a closer look at the company’s history, its major shareholders, and how control is distributed within the organization.
History of PayPal
PayPal started in 1998 as Confinity, a software security company founded by Max Levchin, Peter Thiel, and Luke Nosek.
Early Foundations: Confinity and X.com
PayPal was born from two separate startups. In December 1998, Max Levchin, Peter Thiel, and Luke Nosek founded Confinity. It started as a company focused on cryptography and security software for handheld devices. Soon, it shifted toward digital payments, allowing users to beam money between PalmPilots and later via email.
Around the same time, Elon Musk launched X.com in 1999. It was an ambitious online banking platform. Musk saw potential in offering financial services entirely online, without brick-and-mortar branches.
The Merger That Created PayPal
In March 2000, Confinity and X.com merged. This move was driven by competition and a shared vision of digital finance. Elon Musk initially led the combined entity. However, there were internal conflicts over technical decisions, particularly over the platform’s code base. Musk favored Microsoft-based technology, while the Confinity team preferred Unix-based systems.
By late 2000, Musk was replaced by Peter Thiel as CEO. The company soon rebranded as PayPal, focusing solely on online payments rather than broader financial services.
PayPal Goes Public
PayPal’s business grew rapidly by partnering with eBay sellers. It became the dominant payment method on eBay, outpacing rivals like Billpoint. In February 2002, PayPal held its initial public offering (IPO) and traded under the ticker symbol PYPL. The IPO was a success, raising over $60 million and valuing the company at around $1.2 billion.
Acquisition by eBay
Only a few months after the IPO, eBay acquired PayPal in July 2002 for $1.5 billion in stock. PayPal became the default payment method for eBay transactions, replacing its own system, Billpoint. This partnership helped PayPal grow rapidly, especially in peer-to-peer and small business transactions.
Spinning Off into Independence
In 2015, after more than a decade as a subsidiary, eBay spun off PayPal into a separate public company. The split allowed both companies to pursue independent strategies. PayPal could now expand into broader areas of e-commerce, mobile payments, and international markets without being tied to eBay.
PayPal resumed trading on NASDAQ under the original ticker PYPL. Dan Schulman became the CEO, leading PayPal into a new era of acquisitions, product innovation, and digital finance leadership.
A Fintech Powerhouse
Since its independence, PayPal has acquired key companies like Braintree, Venmo, Xoom, Honey, and Paidy. These moves helped PayPal expand into peer-to-peer payments, international remittances, mobile commerce, and “buy now, pay later” services.
Today, PayPal serves over 430 million active accounts across more than 200 markets. Its rise from a startup to a global payment network is one of the most influential stories in tech and finance.
Who Owns PayPal: Largest Shareholders
PayPal Holdings, Inc. is a publicly traded company listed on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol PYPL. It is not owned by a single person or entity. Instead, ownership is spread among institutional investors, mutual funds, and retail shareholders.
The largest shareholders include major asset management firms that hold significant stakes due to their broad investment strategies.
Below is a list of the major PayPal shareholders and entities that own PayPal today:
| Shareholder | Ownership (%) | Type | Role / Influence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vanguard Group | ~9.3% | Institutional | Largest shareholder; passive investor with strong voting power |
| BlackRock Inc. | ~7.2% | Institutional | Major passive investor; active in ESG and corporate governance |
| State Street Corporation | ~4.1% | Institutional | Index fund manager; participates in proxy voting and governance |
| Capital Research & Management | ~3.7% | Institutional (Active) | Actively managed; long-term investment based on fundamentals |
| T. Rowe Price Associates | ~2.6% | Institutional | Long-term mutual fund investor; active in shareholder meetings |
| Geode Capital Management | ~1.8% | Institutional | Sub-advisor to Vanguard; passive role with voting influence |
| Norges Bank Investment Management | ~1.3% | Sovereign Wealth Fund | Ethical investor; supports sustainability and corporate transparency |
| Retail Investors | ~7–8% (combined) | Individual Investors | Buy shares via brokers; participate in shareholder votes |
| Insider Ownership | ~1.5–2% | Executives/Directors | Small stake; includes RSUs and options held by leadership for alignment |
Vanguard Group – Approx. 9.3%
Vanguard is the largest shareholder of PayPal. As of early 2025, it holds approximately 9.3% of PayPal’s outstanding shares. Vanguard is known for its passive investing strategy, where it holds long-term positions across thousands of public companies through index and ETF products.
Despite not being directly involved in management, Vanguard’s large stake gives it significant voting power in key shareholder decisions. Vanguard often advocates for corporate governance standards and long-term value creation, and its votes can influence board elections and compensation packages.
BlackRock Inc. – Approx. 7.2%
BlackRock holds around 7.2% of PayPal shares. It manages over $10 trillion in global assets, and its stake in PayPal is part of its diversified holdings across tech, finance, and consumer sectors.
BlackRock, like Vanguard, is a passive investor but often engages with companies on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) topics. It has a dedicated stewardship team that interacts with management to ensure companies act in the interest of long-term shareholders.
State Street Corporation – Approx. 4.1%
State Street is another major institutional investor, holding about 4.1% of PayPal. It provides asset management services primarily through index funds and ETFs. While State Street generally follows a passive investment model, it is active in proxy voting and corporate governance discussions.
The firm’s ownership in PayPal is part of its broader strategy to maintain diversified exposure to high-performing tech and fintech stocks.
Capital Research and Management – Approx. 3.7%
Capital Research and Management Company, a division of Capital Group, owns roughly 3.7% of PayPal. Unlike other index-focused firms, Capital Research follows a more active investment strategy. Its analysts and portfolio managers evaluate companies individually, often holding positions based on long-term fundamentals and growth potential.
Capital Group’s presence as a shareholder reflects confidence in PayPal’s business model, management, and growth opportunities.
T. Rowe Price Associates – Approx. 2.6%
T. Rowe Price is another significant shareholder, with around 2.6% ownership. The firm manages mutual funds and retirement accounts and is known for its disciplined investment approach.
T. Rowe Price typically holds long-term positions in companies that demonstrate strong financials and leadership. It participates in key votes during shareholder meetings and monitors strategic decisions made by company leadership.
Geode Capital Management – Approx. 1.8%
Geode Capital Management, a lesser-known but highly influential firm, owns around 1.8% of PayPal. It manages assets for institutional clients and operates as a sub-advisor for several of Vanguard’s index funds. Geode’s position in PayPal reflects the broader tech allocation of its portfolios.
Though Geode does not engage directly with management like Vanguard or BlackRock, its stake contributes to the overall institutional control of the company.
Norges Bank Investment Management – Approx. 1.3%
Norges Bank, which manages Norway’s sovereign wealth fund, owns about 1.3% of PayPal. The fund is one of the largest in the world and takes long-term positions in global companies. Norges Bank is known for its focus on sustainability, transparency, and ethical investing.
It frequently votes on shareholder proposals and engages in discussions on executive pay, climate policies, and board diversity.
Retail Investors and Insider Ownership – Combined ~10%
In addition to institutional shareholders, retail investors also own a portion of PayPal’s stock, estimated at 7–8%. These include individual shareholders who buy stock through brokerage accounts.
Insider ownership, including shares held by PayPal’s executives, board members, and senior management, is relatively small—about 1.5–2% combined. This low level of insider ownership is common in large public companies. Still, executives may own restricted stock units (RSUs) or options that align their incentives with long-term shareholder value.
Who Controls PayPal: Decision-Makers
Though institutional investors own large portions of PayPal, control is exercised by the company’s board of directors and executive leadership. The board sets strategic direction, while the CEO and executive team manage daily operations.
Executive Leadership Team
The executive leadership team is responsible for managing day-to-day operations, executing business strategies, and driving growth across PayPal’s global platforms. They oversee core services like PayPal, Venmo, and Xoom while also managing acquisitions, compliance, and technological innovation.
CEO: Alex Chriss
As of 2025, Alex Chriss is the President and Chief Executive Officer of PayPal Holdings, Inc.
He took over as CEO in September 2023, succeeding longtime leader Dan Schulman. Chriss came to PayPal from Intuit, where he served as the Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Small Business and Self-Employed Group.
At Intuit, he led the successful acquisition of Mailchimp and was credited with helping small businesses scale using technology. His background in fintech, software, and product-led growth makes him well-suited to lead PayPal through a new phase of innovation and competition.
Under Chriss’s leadership, PayPal has focused on improving customer experience, expanding international services, enhancing checkout solutions, and integrating new AI-powered tools. He has prioritized rebuilding investor confidence after a period of slowing growth and increased competition.
Board of Directors
PayPal’s board of directors plays a central role in corporate governance. It provides oversight of the executive team, approves strategic initiatives, and represents shareholder interests. The board includes members with expertise in finance, technology, cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, and global commerce.
Some notable board members as of 2025 include:
- John Donahoe – Former CEO of eBay and current CEO of Nike, brings experience in e-commerce and global brand building.
- Deborah Messemer – Former KPMG executive, known for her audit and accounting expertise.
- Belinda Johnson – Former Chief Operating Officer at Airbnb, offers insight into digital platforms and operations.
- Jonathan Christodoro – Investor and former board member of several major companies.
The board is chaired by an independent director, ensuring that oversight remains separate from executive management. This helps maintain checks and balances in decision-making.
Shareholder Influence and Governance
While the board and CEO handle corporate leadership, institutional shareholders like Vanguard and BlackRock can influence control indirectly. They do this through:
- Proxy voting on key matters such as board elections, executive pay, and corporate strategy.
- Engagement with the board or management on ESG practices, performance, and long-term planning.
- Shareholder proposals which can be raised during annual meetings.
Although these investors don’t manage operations, their collective influence plays a significant role in shaping PayPal’s strategic direction.
Regulatory Oversight
PayPal also operates under the scrutiny of financial regulators across multiple countries. It is subject to:
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulations
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) standards
- Anti-money laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) laws globally
These agencies influence corporate behavior and internal controls, especially given PayPal’s involvement in cross-border and peer-to-peer transactions.
Annual Revenue and Net Worth of PayPal
In fiscal year 2024, PayPal reported annual revenue of $31.80 billion. The company processed over $1.5 trillion in total payment volume across its platforms. Net income stood at around $4.2 billion, highlighting its strong profitability.
As of April 2025, PayPal’s market capitalization is approximately $78 billion, making it one of the most valuable fintech companies in the world.
The table below summarizes PayPal’s annual revenue and net worth from 2015 to 2024.:
| Year | Revenue (USD Billion) | Net Income (USD Billion) | Net Worth / Market Cap (USD Billion) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $31.80 | $4.34 | $69.4 |
| 2023 | $29.77 | $4.25 | $70.3 |
| 2022 | $27.52 | $2.42 | $85.0 |
| 2021 | $25.37 | $4.17 | $220.0 |
| 2020 | $21.45 | $4.20 | $274.5 |
| 2019 | $17.77 | $2.46 | $139.0 |
| 2018 | $15.45 | $2.06 | $101.0 |
| 2017 | $13.09 | $1.80 | $88.5 |
| 2016 | $10.84 | $1.40 | $49.0 |
| 2015 | $9.25 | $1.23 | $45.0 |
Companies Owned by PayPal
Over the years, PayPal has acquired several companies to expand its reach and capabilities in the digital payment space.
Here’s a list of the brands and companies owned by PayPal:
| Company | Year Acquired | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Venmo | 2013 | Peer-to-peer payment app popular in the U.S. |
| Braintree | 2013 | Global online and mobile payment gateway |
| Xoom | 2015 | Cross-border money transfer and remittance service |
| Hyperwallet | 2018 | Global payout platform for businesses and marketplaces |
| Zettle (formerly iZettle) | 2018 | Point-of-sale and mobile payments for small businesses |
| Paidy (Japan) | 2021 | Buy-now-pay-later platform for Japanese consumers |
| Simility | 2018 | Fraud prevention and risk management platform |
| Jetlore (Integrated) | 2018 | AI-based personalization for e-commerce (now part of PayPal’s merchant tools) |
| Honey Science Corporation | 2020 | Shopping deals and coupon finder browser extension |
| TIO Networks | 2017 | Bill payment solutions for consumers, now integrated into PayPal’s network. |
| PayPal Credit (formerly Bill Me Later) | 2008 | Consumer credit solution offering revolving credit lines and financing options. |
| Zong | 2011 | Mobile payments provider, primarily for mobile carriers, later absorbed into PayPal. |
| Tala (Minority Stake) | 2019 | Micro-lending platform in emerging markets (PayPal has a minority stake). |
| Pine Labs (Minority Stake) | 2021 | Merchant payment solutions provider, focused in India (PayPal holds a minority stake). |
Venmo
Venmo is one of PayPal’s most well-known brands, especially in the United States. Acquired through PayPal’s purchase of Braintree in 2013, Venmo has become a dominant peer-to-peer (P2P) payment app among younger users.
Venmo allows users to send money to friends, split bills, and pay for services using a social-media-like feed. As of 2025, Venmo processes over $250 billion annually and has also rolled out features like Venmo debit cards, crypto trading, and business payments. It’s a core part of PayPal’s mobile-first and consumer-focused strategy.
Xoom
Xoom is a digital remittance company that PayPal acquired in 2015 for $890 million. It allows users in the U.S. and other countries to send money abroad, pay utility bills, or reload phones in over 160 countries.
Xoom is a major player in the cross-border money transfer market, competing with services like Western Union and Wise. Its integration with PayPal has made it easier for users to fund transfers using their PayPal balance or linked accounts.
Braintree
Braintree is a global payment gateway that PayPal acquired in 2013 for $800 million. It provides tools for businesses to accept payments online and via mobile apps.
What makes Braintree unique is its support for multiple payment methods, including credit cards, digital wallets, and PayPal itself. It powers transactions for some of the world’s biggest platforms including Airbnb and Uber. Through Braintree, PayPal strengthened its role as a merchant services provider.
Hyperwallet
Hyperwallet was acquired by PayPal in 2018 for $400 million. It is designed to manage mass payouts for companies that need to send money to a large number of recipients across the globe—such as freelancers, gig workers, or affiliate partners.
Hyperwallet offers a customizable payout platform with local compliance, tax documentation, and multi-currency support. It’s especially useful for marketplaces and platforms with a global footprint.
iZettle (now Zettle by PayPal)
iZettle, now rebranded as Zettle by PayPal, was a Swedish fintech company acquired in 2018 for $2.2 billion. It offers point-of-sale (POS) solutions including card readers, registers, and inventory management tools for small and medium-sized businesses.
Zettle helps PayPal serve in-person retail environments, especially in Europe and Latin America. It’s considered PayPal’s answer to Square (now Block Inc.) and adds physical commerce capabilities to its otherwise online-focused ecosystem.
Paidy (Japan)
Paidy is a Japanese buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) platform acquired by PayPal in 2021 for approximately $2.7 billion. It allows consumers to shop online and pay later without a credit card, using installment options or monthly bills.
This acquisition gave PayPal a strong presence in Japan’s e-commerce market, one of the largest in Asia. Paidy complements PayPal’s global BNPL offerings and helps it compete with services like Klarna and Afterpay.
Simility
Simility is a fraud detection and risk management platform acquired in 2018 for $120 million. It uses machine learning and behavioral analytics to help merchants prevent fraud, monitor transactions, and ensure compliance.
By integrating Simility into its ecosystem, PayPal improved its risk management capabilities, which is critical given the rise in digital fraud and regulatory scrutiny.
Jetlore (Defunct / Integrated)
Jetlore was a predictive retail platform acquired in 2018. It offered AI-powered personalization tools for retailers, helping them recommend products and personalize email campaigns based on customer behavior.
Jetlore was eventually absorbed into PayPal’s broader merchant services, with its technology helping build smarter tools for business customers. It is no longer marketed as a standalone brand.
Honey Science Corporation
Honey is a browser extension and app for deal-finding and coupon codes, acquired in 2020 for $4 billion. Honey automatically finds the best promo codes at checkout and offers cashback and rewards through its Honey Gold program.
TIO Networks
TIO Networks was acquired by PayPal in 2017 for approximately $238 million. The company specialized in bill payment solutions, allowing consumers to pay for utilities, credit cards, and other services. TIO Networks integrated its services into PayPal’s broader payment network, allowing PayPal users to easily manage payments for bills and other essential services in North America.
This acquisition allowed PayPal to expand its reach into bill pay and cash-based payment processing.
PayPal Credit (formerly Bill Me Later)
PayPal Credit, previously known as Bill Me Later, was acquired by PayPal in 2008. The platform offers consumers a credit line for online purchases, providing a pay later option with flexible financing terms. This service is a significant part of PayPal’s buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) strategy. PayPal Credit is integrated into the checkout process and is widely used across millions of e-commerce merchants.
Zong
Acquired by PayPal in 2011, Zong was a mobile payment provider that allowed users to make purchases via their mobile phone carrier billing. This acquisition helped PayPal enter the mobile payments space and expand its ability to process carrier billing transactions globally.
Zong was primarily focused on allowing digital goods and services to be bought using mobile phone numbers, bypassing traditional bank accounts or credit cards. Eventually, Zong’s platform was integrated into PayPal, enhancing the company’s mobile payment capabilities.
Tala (Minority Stake)
PayPal acquired a minority stake in Tala in 2019. Tala is a micro-lending platform that leverages mobile data to offer small loans to underserved populations in emerging markets such as Kenya, the Philippines, and India. Tala uses smartphones and mobile data to assess creditworthiness and provide instant credit to people without formal banking access.
PayPal’s investment in Tala helps expand its reach in the microfinance and lending space, aligning with PayPal’s strategy to provide financial inclusion in developing markets.
Pine Labs (Minority Stake)
In 2021, PayPal made a minority investment in Pine Labs, a merchant payment solutions provider based in India. Pine Labs offers POS systems, merchant financing, and digital payment tools for businesses.
This acquisition allows PayPal to deepen its merchant services offerings in Asia, especially in India, where digital payments have seen tremendous growth. PayPal’s stake in Pine Labs allows it to expand its footprint in one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing e-commerce markets.
Final Words on PayPal Ownership
PayPal is not owned by any single entity. Instead, it is controlled by a mix of large institutional shareholders, guided by its board of directors, and operated by a skilled executive team.
The largest shareholders like Vanguard and BlackRock hold significant influence but do not manage daily operations. With a global footprint, steady revenue, and a suite of powerful brands, PayPal remains a dominant force in the fintech industry.
FAQs
Who founded PayPal?
PayPal was originally founded as Confinity in 1998 by Max Levchin, Peter Thiel, and Luke Nosek. It later merged with X.com, founded by Elon Musk.
Is PayPal owned by Elon Musk?
No. Elon Musk was a co-founder and early executive, but he no longer owns or controls any part of PayPal.
Who owns the most shares in PayPal?
Vanguard Group is the largest shareholder, holding around 9.3% of PayPal’s shares.
Is PayPal a private or public company?
PayPal is a publicly traded company listed on the NASDAQ under the ticker PYPL.
What companies does PayPal own?
PayPal owns several brands, including Venmo, Braintree, Xoom, Honey, and Paidy.
Who is the CEO of PayPal?
The current CEO of PayPal is Dan Schulman. He has been with the company since 2014 and has played a key role in leading PayPal’s transition into a global fintech company. Schulman previously worked at American Express and other major financial institutions.