Stripe is reportedly nearing a deal to acquire OpenRouter for more than $7 billion, marking one of the payments giant’s biggest moves yet into artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure.

Deal Value Could Change

The final price for the acquisition could change, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

The deal comes as OpenRouter, in May, raised a $120 million Series B round at a $1.3 billion valuation, with backing from Alphabet Inc.‘s (NASDAQ:GOOG) (NASDAQ:GOOGL) CapitalG, Sequoia, Andreessen Horowitz and Menlo Ventures, the report added.

The companies already have a commercial partnership, with OpenRouter using Stripe’s payment infrastructure to process customer transactions.

Meanwhile, Stripe has a valuation of $171 billion.

The two companies did not immediately respond to Benzinga’s request for comment on the deal.

OpenRouter Helps Businesses Access Multiple AI Models

Founded in 2023, OpenRouter operates as an AI gateway that gives businesses and developers access to a wide range of AI models, including proprietary and open-source systems.

OpenRouter says it processes 200 trillion tokens per month, serves more than 10 million users globally and connects customers with more than 80 providers and 500 models.

Stripe’s PayPal Play

In July, Stripe partnered with private equity firm Advent International to propose a $53 billion acquisition of PayPal Holdings (NASDAQ:PYPL), which was reportedly rejected due to a low valuation.

Patrick Collison and John Collison founded Stripe in 2011 to build payment infrastructure for the internet, and the company has since become one of the most valuable private companies in the U.S.

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