What is the Net Worth of LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman?
Discover the net worth of LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman in 2025. Explore his earnings, investments, and journey from entrepreneur to billionaire tech visionary.
Reid Hoffman, the co-founder of LinkedIn, has established himself as a significant figure in the technology and investment sectors. As of November 2024, his net worth is estimated at $2.5 billion. This substantial wealth is the result of his entrepreneurial ventures, strategic investments, and influential roles in various tech companies.
Early Life and Education
Born on August 5, 1967, in Palo Alto, California, Hoffman was raised in Berkeley. His early passion for tabletop role-playing games led to his first paid job at the age of 12 as an editor at Chaosium, an Oakland-based game company. Hoffman attended the Putney School in Vermont, focusing on epistemology and maple syrup farming. He later earned a Bachelor of Science in cognitive science and symbolic systems from Stanford University and a Master of Studies in philosophy from Oxford University’s Wolfson College in 1993.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Reid Hoffman‘s professional journey began with roles at Apple Computer and Fujitsu. In 1997, he co-founded SocialNet.com, an early online dating and social networking platform. While at SocialNet, he served on the board of directors for PayPal during its inception. In 2000, Hoffman joined PayPal full-time as Chief Operating Officer, overseeing external relationships and infrastructure.
Founding of LinkedIn
In December 2002, Hoffman co-founded LinkedIn alongside former colleagues from SocialNet and Fujitsu. Launched on May 5, 2003, LinkedIn emerged as one of the first business-oriented online social networks. Reid Hoffman served as the founding CEO for the initial four years, later transitioning to chairman and president of products, and eventually becoming executive chairman in 2009.
LinkedIn’s Acquisition by Microsoft
A significant milestone in Hoffman’s career was LinkedIn’s acquisition by Microsoft in 2016 for $26.2 billion in cash. At the time of the acquisition, Hoffman owned approximately 14.5 million shares, translating to a pre-tax value of about $2.8 billion. Following the acquisition, he joined Microsoft’s board of directors.
Venture Capital and Investments
Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavors, Hoffman is recognized as a prolific angel investor. After PayPal’s sale to eBay, he became a partner at Greylock Partners in 2009. Hoffman has invested in numerous companies, including Airbnb, Aurora Innovation, Taptap Send, and Helion Energy. Notably, he was an early investor in Facebook, facilitating the initial meeting between Mark Zuckerberg and Peter Thiel, leading to Thiel’s $500,000 angel investment.
Involvement in Artificial Intelligence
Hoffman has shown a keen interest in artificial intelligence (AI). He was a founding investor in OpenAI and joined its board in 2018. In March 2022, Hoffman co-founded Inflection AI with Mustafa Suleyman, aiming to develop AI software products that facilitate human-computer communication. In March 2023, he resigned from OpenAI’s board to avoid potential conflicts of interest with his roles at Greylock Partners and Inflection AI.
Political Engagement and Philanthropy
Reid Hoffman is also active in political and philanthropic spheres. He has been a significant donor to Democratic campaigns and causes. In 2024, he expressed concerns about potential political retaliation due to his support for Vice President Kamala Harris. Despite these concerns, Hoffman remains committed to advocating for positive change within the United States.
Reid Hoffman’s journey from a passionate gamer to a billionaire entrepreneur and investor underscores his profound impact on the technology landscape. His strategic foresight, combined with a commitment to innovation and societal betterment, continues to influence the tech industry and beyond.
