This 27-Year-Old Is The World’s Youngest Self-Proclaimed Billionaire

At just 27, John Collison takes the title of the world’s youngest self-made billionaire. The humble Irishman, who now resides in San Francisco, created the app, Stripe, with his elder brother Patrick, and the company is now worth a whopping $9.2 billion.

John

Most people have probably not heard of the US-based software called Stripe since it doesn’t sell anything that consumers can buy. Rather, it allows companies around the world to accept payments more easily.

Together, the brothers have garnered over 100,000 global customers, and with the company valued at such a high sum, it means the Collison brothers are worth $1.1 billion each, according to Forbes.

The brothers haven’t done too bad for two young men who dropped out of university. Having both originally attended prestigious universities in the US, the two decided to leave to focus all their attention on Stripe.

Patrick, who is the world’s third young self-proclaimed billionaire, studied math at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2007, with John being accepted to Harvard two years later.

stripe

Speaking of their decision to leave rural Ireland for the likes of the US, John expresses: “I had considered the UK, but that wasn’t far enough away, it wasn’t wandering enough. And both of us were studious, so going to a top college in the US was always tempting.”

This decision was made when the brothers had already become millionaires having started their first business venture called Automatic. The software firm that enabled small firms to do business more easily on eBay was sold in 2008 for $5 million.

brothers

After dropping out of university, the talented businessmen launched Stripe in Silicon Valley, California. Today, Stripe has 750 employees, including 500 in San Francisco, and 150 overseas, in Dublin, London, Paris, and Berlin.

Confident that Stripe will only grow, John says, “Only 5% of consumer spending globally currently happens online, and we want to help increase that. We are indexed to the growth of the internet economy. As long as the internet economy continues to grow, Stripe will continue to grow.”

stripe

Even though they have achieved such great success, they do not like to speak about their billion dollar fortune.

With the two sharing an apartment in San Francisco, John says – “Mostly it [the billionaire thing] is just a calculator exercise. The valuation is predicated on us continuing to execute and launch very compelling products in a highly competitive space – so good signs, but still a lot to do.”

So, while they could afford the finer things in life such as yachts and private jets, John expresses that he likes to go for runs in his spare time, describing it as a “very practical, low maintenance hobby.’

40 Things We Had No Idea We Could Do With Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola is one of the most popular and well-known sodas, not just in America, but throughout the entire world. While many of us sip away at our delicious beverage, most are completely unaware that this particular soda is practically a miracle drink. What do we mean by that? We mean that there are so many things that you can do with Coca-Cola other than drink it.

Use Coke to Polish Jewelry

Many people will sometimes pay a lot of money to take their jewelry to professionals in order to have them polish their precious stones and metals to make sure they hold on to their incredibly alluring shine.

Use Coke to Polish Jewelry

But did you know that you can actually do it at home all on your own? That’s right, rather than spending hundreds of dollars to have someone else doing it, leaving them soaking in Coca-Cola will get the job done just fine.

You Can Glaze a Ham

There are so many ways to glaze a ham that it’s almost impossible for most people to decide which way is best. Would you rather have a honey glazed ham that shines as it comes out of the oven? What about just some simple syrup poured on top to give it that sweetness?

You Can Glaze a Ham

Well, Lake Geneva Country Meats wouldn’t suggest using either one. Rather, for them, the best way to glaze a ham is with a can of Coca-Cola.

Coca-Cola as Tanning Oil

We have to warn you guys against doing this since it has been shown to be dangerous but we do want to include it since it is a unique thing that can be done with Coca-Cola. Apparently back in 2006, there was a trend of people using Coke as part of homemade tanning oil.

Coca-Cola as Tanning Oil

While it does make you more sensitive to sunlight, it won’t offer you any protection meaning it’s not something that’s recommended to do.

How About Coca-Cola Cake?

You know that if there’s going to be Coca Cola cupcakes then there’s bound to be Coca-Cola cake too. Unlike the brownies though, this one isn’t made with the flavor enriched cherries, and rather just uses good old fashioned classic Coke.

How About Coca-Cola Cake?

Unlike a lot of other Coke based recipes that we’re seeing on this list, this one comes directly from the Coca-Cola company itself. Although we have to warn you, there are quite a few ingredients on that cake list.

Gets Out Tough Oil Stains

Tired of those oil stains sitting on the floor of the garage? Well, it turns out that the phosphoric acid in Coca-Cola is a great remedy to get those pesky stains off the floor and out of your life.

Gets Out Tough Oil Stains

That’s right, with just a little room temperature Coca-Cola left overnight on one of those stains your garage will look like it was built brand new. Just make sure you soak up the leftover Coke and oil you use.

Make a Delicious Sloppy Joe

We happen to be huge fans of sloppy joes. There’s something about biting into this messy burger that makes us feel like kids again as we struggle to keep the sauce from splashing all over our clothes (usually without much success).

Make a Delicious Sloppy Joe

So when we found out that we could combine two of our favorite things, Coca-Cola and sloppy joes, we were super excited! All the credit goes to Mary from The Cake Chica for coming up with this recipe.

Coke Can Make a Battery

So before you start panicking that the beverage you’ve been drinking so long can actually run a battery, it’s not actually the case here. First off, it’s not the Coca-Cola itself that is running the battery, so you’re not ingesting some intense chemical.

Coke Can Make a Battery

Rather, it’s the can itself that can help create the spark that you need. All you’ll need to make this happen is the can, some crocodile clips, wire wool, and some basic tools to make it.

Never Deal With Clogs Again

Out of your usual drain cleaner and don’t have enough time to run to the store? Fear not because Coca-Cola is swooping in to save the day! Reportedly, if you’re in a tight spot and need to clean those drains as soon as possible then pouring some Coke down them will help.

Never Deal With Clogs Again

The acidity in the soft drink will help to clean the grime off the inside of your pipes leaving them flowing smoothly like they were supposed to.

It’s a Great Gum Remover

This is such a great trick and one that we wished we had known about when we were kids and were getting gum stuck everywhere. At least the silver lining is that now as adults we can help children when they ran into the same problem we did.

It’s a Great Gum Remover

Next time a child gets some gum stuck in his or her hair you can save the peanut butter for the sandwiches. Just whip out some Coca-Cola and use that instead.

Mythbusters Uses Coca-Cola Cleaner

Mythbusters is known for taking common knowledge and putting it to the test to see if certain things that we hear about, or see in movies and on television, could actually work. In this particular instance, they decided to use Coca-Cola to see if they could actually clean the chrome on their cars.

Mythbusters Uses Coca-Cola Cleaner

What did the verdict turn out to be? Well, when combining Coke with aluminum it actually did better than the leading chrome cleaner that’s in stores!

Remove Those Pesky Marker Stains

Ever left your kids alone for just a moment only to come back and see that the little ones have turned the living room wall into their next art masterpiece? If you have and felt like screaming and pulling your hair out we’re happy to tell you that you can actually relax about this.

Remove Those Pesky Marker Stains

It turns out that Coca-Cola will actually remove marker and pen stains from walls. Even the permanent ink doesn’t stand a chance against this beverage.

Won’t Regret Coca-Cola Fudge

Posted on the website Sweet 2 Eat Baking, home chef Lisa gives fudge fans something simple and delicious that they can make at home. Combining condensed milk, white chocolate and Coca-Cola, these brownies tend to have a caramel flavor that will, according to her, melt in your mouth and give you a whole new look at Coca-Cola.

Won’t Regret Coca-Cola Fudge

It is also described as being silky smooth and melts in your mouth… anybody else starting to feel a little hungry?

Use it as Body Lotion

While we still don’t recommend using Coca-Cola as sunscreen, that doesn’t mean we’re saying to leave it off your skin entirely. It turns out that Coca-Cola can actually be great for your skin, and using just a single spoonful will give your outer layer that silky look.

Use it as Body Lotion

Looks like this means that the next time we accidentally spill a little Coke on us during a bumpy car ride we don’t need to get so worked up about it.

Tenderize Meat With Coca-Cola

Turns out that Coca-Cola is useful for a lot more things in the kitchen than just making delicious baked goods. Meat lovers out there can also use the acidity in Coke to tenderize their meat so that it just falls off the bone by the time that it’s done cooking.

Tenderize Meat With Coca-Cola

Apparently there are a lot of recipes out there too that use Coca-Cola as a delicious marinade. Also, it is believed that the drink works wonders when braising some pork.

Coke Can Clean Tile Grout

We’ve all seen that grout on the floor and we can all probably agree that it’s pretty gross to have to look at. There’s always the option of using bleach to clean it, but a lot of people don’t like breathing in those very overpowering fumes.

Coke Can Clean Tile Grout

So what’s another option that we can use? Well, why not one of our favorite beverages that seems to have some kind of cleaning power? Looks like, on tile grout, Coke can really help.

Who Wants Coca-Cola Barbecue?

There’s something about Coca-Cola that just works well with barbecue. Maybe it’s the caramel flavors mixing with the smokey meats, or maybe it’s the sweetness that can balance out some of the earthy flavors.

Who Wants Coca-Cola Barbecue?

Whatever it is, we’ve learned over the years that Coca-Cola is good for more than just drinking when you’re at a barbecue. Apparently this drink can also be used as an ingredient for when you’re making that perfect barbecue sauce for friends and family.

Cure a Very Upset Stomach

If your doctor recommends that you do something about your upset stomach then we recommend that you follow their advice since there’s no actual scientific evidence that backs up the claim that Coca-Cola can cure an upset stomach.

Cure a Very Upset Stomach

That being said, many people swear by its effectiveness and claim that a little Coke can always help them. There is some evidence that Coca-Cola can help with stomach blockage though, according to researchers from the University of Athens, Greece.

Possibly Prevent an Asthma Attack

So here’s something that does have some scientific evidence that backs it up. That being said, we’d always recommend going to a doctor and listening to their advice before everything else.

Possibly Prevent an Asthma Attack

However, in 2010 there was a study that showed that, not Coca-Cola specifically, but that the chemical caffeine which is found in Coke can actually open airways and help to relieve asthma symptoms. The chemical is similar to theophylline, which is a drug actually used to treat asthma.

Help Your Lawn to Grow

Tired of not seeing the grass on your lawn grow up to your shoulders? Well, we can’t promise that a few splashes of Coca-Cola will do anything to change that but apparently there is evidence to suggest that Coca-Cola, mixed with a few other household items, can actually help a lawn to maintain a healthy green look.

Help Your Lawn to Grow

Apparently Coke mixed with dishwashing soap, ammonia, and mouthwash will soak into the roots of the grass to help them grow.

Polish Up Your Coin Collection

Like many of the other items we’ve mentioned on this list, if they get dirty then Coca-Cola will clean them. That of course means that next time you find a lucky penny you can always make it look sparkling new by letting it soak in Coca-Cola for a few hours and up to overnight.

Polish Up Your Coin Collection

We’re pretty sure that we tried this little trick when we were in kindergarten, and we’re just as amazed now that it actually works.

It’s the Cherry Coke Cupcakes

If you’re a fan of Cherry Coke then this one is for you. Rather than overdosing cupcakes with more than a cup of sugar, these ones give a more subtle yet delicious Cherry Coke flavor by using that in combination with buttermilk, eggs, and a little extra cherry flavoring to really make them pop.

It’s the Cherry Coke Cupcakes

Not only do they use Cherry Coke in the batter, but these bad boys also have an equally delicious Cherry Coke frosting to top it off.

It Keeps Your Hair Clean

There was quite a bit of commotion when British supermodel Suki Waterhouse revealed to the press that she washes her hair with Coca-Cola.

It Keeps Your Hair Clean

Yup, apparently this successful superstar says that spending a little time scrubbing your hair with Coca-Cola will actually give it a fuller look that leaves it looking tousled as well. For those of us with curly hair, hearing that our favorite supermarket beverage will take care of it is the best news all week!

The Coca-Cola Window Cleaner

Not just capable of removing rust from metal, or making sure that bugs aren’t eating all our crops, Coca-Cola can also work as a window cleaner. That’s quite a handy thing to have around since we’re somehow almost always out of window cleaner when we need it.

The Coca-Cola Window Cleaner

The secret to Coke’s successful cleaning capabilities is due to the citrus fruits inside the soft drink which are able to do things like remove smudges and streaks from all our windows.

Energize That Pile of Compost

What do we mean by energizing that big pile of compost? Does this mean that compost reacts to the delicious taste of Coca-Cola just like a person does? Well sort of.

Energize That Pile of Compost

Unlike a person who generally gets more energetic from the sugar and caffeine that’s in Coca-Cola, compost will become more active due to the citric acid that’s inside the drink. This will spur the organic material and attract microorganisms that will help get your compost moving again.

Defrost Those Cold Car Windows

Ugh, nothing worse than waking up on a cold morning, getting dressed, realizing you’re already late for work, and then running outside to discover that your windows are already frosted over. What can you do at a time like that in order to get your day started already?

Defrost Those Cold Car Windows

Well, it’s simple really, just pour a little Coca-Cola on it. This apparently jump-starts the defrosting that occurs in ice and allows you to get back on the road again.

Never Another Dirty Toilet Again

Ugh, it’s one of our least favorite chores to do around the house but it is a must if you plan on keeping your place germ free. Cleaning the toilet may not be fun, but it’s about to get a lot easier with our favorite bottle of soft drink.

Never Another Dirty Toilet Again

Using Coca-Cola in a toilet will help to get all those stains off the inside of the toilet bowl in addition to leaving your bathroom smelling like delicious Coca-Cola.

Never Have a Dirty Dish

This is probably one of the most useful ones, especially for those of us who hate scrubbing dishes after dinner when all we want to do is relax. If you haven’t figured it out by now allow us to remind you: Coca-Cola can clean basically anything.

Never Have a Dirty Dish

That means it can clean all the rust and leftover grease that’s remaining after you’ve just had a delicious meal. This also means you can spend less time scrubbing and more time chilling.

It Has Other Hair Qualities

Not only does Coca Cola help give curly hair that look and bounce that curly-haired folks just love, but it can actually help lighten hair in general.

It Has Other Hair Qualities

This could be useful during those summer months when everyone is heading to the water and wants a lighter, blonder look to match the summer sun. While we can’t promise any results, in this case, many people who have tried it have sworn that it actually lightens the color of their hair.

It Works as Bug Control

A lot of people when reading this article will get suspicious. They’ll likely be asking themselves something along the lines of, “well apparently Coca-Cola can clean a lot of things, but won’t the sugar in the Coke itself just go attracting ants and other bugs?”

It Works as Bug Control

It’s a fair and reasonable question, and to that, we would point you to here. According to a 2004 BBC article, farmers in India began using cheap soft drinks instead of using expensive pesticides.

Can Also Curl Your Hair

Remember when Lady Gaga put a can of Diet Coke in her hair for the “Telephone” music video? She may have been doing it as an ironic fashion statement but the fact remains that if you need your hair curled in a quick minute and you’re all out of curlers, a can of Coke could always serve as a quick solution.

Can Also Curl Your Hair

Another great suggestion would be to put it in there as a Halloween costume. It’s definitely worth a shot.

Soothe a Painful Jellyfish Sting

This one is still up for debate, but like many things on this list, there are tons of people who would gladly attest to its capability. That being said, in 1993 researchers in Australia decided to put Coca-Cola to the ultimate test by pouring it on people who had been stung by a jellyfish.

Soothe a Painful Jellyfish Sting

While they decided that vinegar is still the best option, the facts remained that Coca-Cola reduced the pain anywhere between 25 to 75 percent.

Don’t Worry About Smelly Skunks

There is a rumor that Coca-Cola can actually help to remove the odor from getting sprayed with a skunk. Now, we’re not sure exactly how much Coca-Cola was poured in order to make sure that the skunk didn’t smell, but yet again we’ve got people who are sure that it helps.

Don’t Worry About Smelly Skunks

Either way, it’s probably better than nothing. Likely the Coca-Cola is able to wash away, not the smell, but the oil that the skunk is squirting.

Loosen Up Those Rusty Bolts

Rather than sit there and struggle to loosen up those rusty bolts, we’d recommend letting them soak in Coca-Cola first before going to town on them. Apparently just using a little bit of Coca-Cola can help remove a lot of that rust, and make taking the bolt off that much easier.

Loosen Up Those Rusty Bolts

The trick is yet again in the small amounts of phosphoric acid which again makes us wonder if we shouldn’t reconsider what we’re putting into our bodies.

Clean Up Those Foggy Eyeglasses

Man, how annoying is it when you’re wearing sunglasses or even just normal reading glasses, and they won’t stop fogging up or getting all streaky? It seems that no matter how many times you wipe it off with a rag they’re just getting dirty all over again.

Clean Up Those Foggy Eyeglasses

Well, it turns out that Coca-Cola might be the solution to this problem, and just rubbing them over the lenses will help you to make sure that you never miss a moment.

No More Gross Milk Stains

Of all the many things that we could spill on ourselves, milk can often be the worst. It’s hard to get out of clothing and, worse than that, unlike many other beverages it will start to smell in no time if not properly taken care of in a timely manner.

No More Gross Milk Stains

But with Coca-Cola, you don’t have to worry about it so much anymore. Allowing the milk stain to soak in Coke for just a few minutes will fix it.

You Can Do Some Gardening

It turns out that there’s a lot that we share with our little green friends (and big green friends for that matter). We both like sunlight, we both enjoy a delicious glass of water, and apparently we both like the taste of Coca-Cola as well!

You Can Do Some Gardening

Well, we like the taste of Coca-Cola, the plants enjoy more of the light acidity that will help fertilize the soil. Still, it’s a great feeling to think that we share so much.

Clean Up the Bathroom Sink

We often call them porcelain, but their real name is called vitreous china. These are things that you would typically find in the bathroom, appliances like the bathroom sink, the bathtub, or even just the toilet all fall into this group.

Clean Up the Bathroom Sink

Well, it seems like there’s something in Coca-Cola that’s just great for cleaning. Rather than throw out that big bottle of Coke that’s lost its fizz, use it instead to give yourself a squeaky clean and shiny bathroom.

Never Worry About Hiccups Again

Ask one hundred different people about how to cure hiccups and you’ll probably get one hundred different answers that everyone swears works like a miracle. Well here’s our cure, and it’s probably the tastiest one you’re going to find anywhere.

Never Worry About Hiccups Again

Rather than suffer those hiccups which can mess up your conversation, gargling a little bit of Coca-Cola can actually make them go away in a flash. We don’t know why this works but as long as it actually works!

Give Your Photos a Finish

Apparently a little Coca Cola poured onto some photos gives them an incredible sepia finish. This means that your more modern photos are going to look like they were taken over one hundred years ago. How cool is that?

Give Your Photos a Finish

Rather than having to pay someone to touch up these photos, or go out and buy an expensive camera that’s going to give you the look you want, just a bit of Coke from the can will do the trick instead.

Get Glue Off the Walls

There are rumors that Coca-Cola is so strong that not even glue can stand up against it.

Get Glue Off the Walls

We say rumors because we’ve never tried it, but supposedly if you’ve accidentally spilled some glue on something, or your kids were playing around with it, pouring a little Coca-Cola on it is going to help loosen it up and get that glue away from where it’s not supposed to be. Doesn’t matter the glue either – super glue or floor glue.