Stripe Acquires AI Gateway OpenRouter for Over $7B

Stripe has finalized a deal to acquire OpenRouter for more than $7 billion, according to a Bloomberg report published on August 16, 2026.

The acquisition price represents a sharp increase from OpenRouter's prior valuation. OpenRouter raised $113 million in a Series B round announced in May 2026 at a reported $1.3 billion valuation. Bloomberg now states the discussions between Stripe and OpenRouter have produced a deal price exceeding $7 billion.

OpenRouter operates an AI gateway that routes tasks across models. The startup helps customers select different AI models for specific tasks based on needs and budget. It provides a single access point for multiple systems and prevents lock-in, according to its CEO.

OpenRouter claimed 8 million global users at the time of its May funding round. The company said it provides access to more than 400 models. Investors in the Series B included Sequoia, Andreessen Horowitz, Menlo Ventures, and Alphabet’s Capital G.

Acquisition talks surfaced publicly one month before the deal closed. The Wall Street Journal reported in July 2026 that Stripe and OpenRouter were in discussions. A Stripe spokesperson told TechCrunch the company does not comment on rumors or speculation.

OpenRouter CEO Alex Atallah previously described the company as the equivalent of Stripe for AI. The comparison highlighted its role in offering unified access without vendor lock-in. The deal marks Stripe's entry into the AI infrastructure space through the acquisition.