We often hear that "ideas are worthless, execution is everything", so it comes as no surprise that someone who executes well, should reap the rewards. I've heard many times about how terrible the Samwer brothers are for "ripping off" others innovations, but the truth is they have proven that they can out execute the original innovators.
In the case of Groupon, there was very little innovation, so riding the wave over an incumbent seemed on obvious. However many have tried, but few have executed as well as Samwer and in the end Samwer proved the business was too simple to emulate.
I don't think in the case of Stripe and Square that emulation will be a viable strategy. Payments by their very nature suggest an extremely high level of trust. Short term emulation would seem to breach that trust. I wouldn't invest the time nor money in a platform which is inherently built to sellout.
In the case of Groupon, there was very little innovation, so riding the wave over an incumbent seemed on obvious. However many have tried, but few have executed as well as Samwer and in the end Samwer proved the business was too simple to emulate.
I don't think in the case of Stripe and Square that emulation will be a viable strategy. Payments by their very nature suggest an extremely high level of trust. Short term emulation would seem to breach that trust. I wouldn't invest the time nor money in a platform which is inherently built to sellout.
Pinterest on the other hand...well...good luck!