Why Stripe Won’t Help Your Software Business Grow

If you’re an Independent Software Vendor (ISV) looking for a payments partner that will actively help you grow, you need to look beyond Stripe. While many software companies integrate Stripe because of its easy-to-use API, they quickly realize that Stripe does nothing to help drive new business, support customer relationships, or create meaningful recurring revenue.

Stripe is a payment processor, not a partner. It won’t advocate for your software, attend industry events to support you, or engage with your customers. Simply put, if you’re expecting Stripe to contribute to your business growth in any way beyond basic transaction processing, you’re in for a disappointment.

Here’s why:

Stripe Won’t Promote Your Business

Many true payments partners work to actively promote and grow their software relationships. They participate in co-marketing, generate leads, and highlight their partners’ software solutions in conversations with prospects. Stripe does none of this.

When you integrate with Stripe, you’re on your own. Stripe’s focus is on expandingits own brand—not helping its ISV partners attract and retain customers. Unlike payment providers that actively seek ways to collaborate with their partners, Stripe will not showcase your platform, send referrals, or include you in its sales conversations.

No Presence at Industry Events

Trade shows, conferences, and industry events are critical opportunities for software platforms to gain exposure, network, and close deals. Many payments providers attend these events alongside their partners, offering resources and support to help drive new business.

Stripe, however, is virtually absent from these opportunities. They do not invest in attending events with their partners or helping them generate awareness in key industry verticals. If you’re expecting Stripe to show up and support your brand in any meaningful way, it won’t happen.

No Direct Support for Your Customers

Payment issues can be dealbreakers for software customers – in most cases payments are simply a mission critical function of modern software. When something goes wrong with a transaction, businesses need fast, reliable support. Many payments providers act as an extension of their software partners, providing dedicated, responsive customer service.

Stripe, on the other hand, offers no direct customer support on your behalf. When your customers have payment-related problems, they’re directed to Stripe’s self-service help center or a generic support queue. You’re left handling customer frustration without meaningful assistance from your payment processor.

Minimal Recurring Revenue for Your Software

One of the biggest advantages of partnering with the right payment provider is theability to generate meaningful, long-term recurring revenue. Many processors structure their programs to provide ISVs with an ongoing revenue stream that scales with their growth.

Stripe’s model doesn’t prioritize your revenue. While they may offer some revenue-sharing options, they are rarely substantial, and their overall structure is designed to maximize Stripe’s profits—not yours. If you’re looking for a payments partner that will help you build significant recurring revenue, Stripe isn’t it.

A True Payments Partner Invests in Your Success

If you want a payments partner that actively supports your growth, advocates for your business, and helps drive long-term revenue, you need to choose wisely. Payment processing should be more than just a necessary back-end function—it should be a strategic part of your business model.

Paystri is built to help our software partners succeed. From hands-on support to revenue-sharing models that actually make a difference, Paystri invests in its partners’ success. If you’re ready to work with a payments provider that cares about your business, reach out to Paystri today.