[ktom]

You should probably state what time period you are referring to when you recall hearing about Stripe..

I do not recall Stripe being positioned as a PayPal alternative really ever, but certainly not when it launched.

I also believe that Sam was first made aware of Stripe much earlier than most people and it probably did seem like quite a black swan at the time.

I know the very first time that I heard the idea for Stripe it was definitely considered a "crazy" idea. I would easily categorize it as a black swan investment.