

Stripe’s first employee, the founder of fintech Increase, sort of bought a bank
6 snips Jul 8, 2025
Darragh Buckley’s aspirations to own a bank have competitors on edge, leading to attempts to undermine his ambitions. The conversation dives into the recent acquisition of Twin City Bank, showcasing a shift in fintech toward community-focused banking. It raises questions about how this strategic move will affect both the acquirer and the community banking landscape, emphasizing the importance of preserving community values amid fierce competition.
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Significant Stake in Twin City Bank
- Darragh Buckley bought a stake in Twin City Bank, a small community bank in Washington State.
- This makes him a major shareholder but not the sole owner, highlighting a significant fintech move.
Competitor Opposition Anecdote
- A mysterious competitor tried to block Buckley's bank stake by pitching negative press.
- Buckley confirmed this was his third community bank investment and denied using the bank for Increase.
Increase API's Fintech Focus
- Increase is a fintech API platform serving other fintechs with banking services.
- Its customers include Ramp, Check, and Pipe, emphasizing its fintech industry integration.