Reid Hoffman: Biography, Career, and Business Insights

Reid Hoffman’s Profile Summary

Company	LinkedIn
Position	Co-Founder and former Executive Chairman of LinkedIn, a role he played until the company's acquisition by Microsoft in 2016. After the acquisition, he joined Microsoft's board of directors, continuing his involvement in the tech industry.
Source of wealth	Co-founding and selling LinkedIn to Microsoft, Early investments in tech companies such as Facebook and Zynga, Angel investments in numerous startups across various industries including AI and fintech
Also known as	Author, venture capitalist, philanthropist.
Age	57
Education	Stanford University – Bachelor's in Cognitive Science and Symbolic Systems, University of Oxford – Master's in Philosophy
Citizenship	United States
Residence	Seattle, Washington, USA
Family	Reid Hoffman is married to Michelle Yee.
Website, Social Media	https://www.linkedin.com/feed/

Reid Hoffman’s biography

Reid Hoffman, born on August 5, 1967, in Palo Alto, California, is a prominent figure in the tech world, best known as the co-founder of LinkedIn. He started his journey with a passion for tabletop roleplaying games and later pursued cognitive science and symbolic systems at Stanford University, followed by a Master's degree in philosophy from Oxford University. Hoffman’s early career included roles at Apple and Fujitsu before he joined the founding team of PayPal, where he was instrumental in its growth. In 2003, he co-founded LinkedIn, a professional networking platform that revolutionized how professionals connect and find opportunities globally. The platform grew significantly under his leadership, culminating in its acquisition by Microsoft for $26.2 billion in 2016. Beyond LinkedIn, Hoffman has made significant contributions as a venture capitalist at Greylock Partners, investing in major tech companies like Facebook, Airbnb, and Zynga. He is also active in philanthropy and serves on various boards including Microsoft, Kiva, and Endeavor. Hoffman remains a leading voice in AI development, notably co-founding Inflection AI in 2022.

How did Reid Hoffman make money?
What is Reid Hoffman net worth?

As of 2025, Reid Hoffman’s net worth is estimated to be $2.4 B.

What is Reid Hoffman also known as?

Reid Hoffman is widely known beyond his role at LinkedIn for his work as an author, venture capitalist, and philanthropist. He co-authored several books, including The Start-Up of You and Blitzscaling, where he shares insights on entrepreneurship and business strategies. As a partner at Greylock Partners, he has been a significant venture capitalist, investing in numerous successful tech startups, such as Airbnb and Facebook. Hoffman is also a committed philanthropist, serving on the boards of organizations like Kiva and Endeavor, and he has pledged to donate most of his wealth through The Giving Pledge.

Prominent achievements of Reid Hoffman

Reid Hoffman co-founded LinkedIn, which was sold to Microsoft for $26.2 billion in 2016. He has received numerous awards, including the Ernst & Young U.S. Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2011 and the David Packard Medal of Achievement in 2012. He was also appointed Honorary Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2017 for promoting UK business and social networking. Hoffman’s net worth reached $3 billion, and he has been recognized as a leading angel investor in Silicon Valley

What are Reid Hoffman’s key insights?

Reid Hoffman's business philosophy centers around the concept of "blitzscaling," which emphasizes rapid scaling in competitive markets. He believes in leveraging network effects to create exponential growth and encourages entrepreneurs to take calculated risks. Hoffman advocates for thinking of individuals as businesses-of-one, continuously adapting and investing in oneself. He is also a strong proponent of ethical entrepreneurship and is optimistic about technology's potential to solve global challenges, particularly in fields like AI

Reid Hoffman’s personal life

Reid Hoffman married Michelle Yee in 2004. Michelle Yee is involved in philanthropic activities alongside Hoffman. The couple does not have any children mentioned in public records, and they currently reside in Seattle, Washington. They are both signatories of The Giving Pledge, committing to donate the majority of their wealth to charitable causes during their lifetimes

Useful insights

Understanding market forces

In my experience, to truly succeed as an investor, it’s essential to understand the driving forces behind market behavior. Market movements aren’t random—they’re influenced by a range of economic theories and dynamics. The following books provide valuable insights into these forces, offering a deeper understanding of how global financial markets operate and what shapes their trends.

Nassim Nicholas Taleb – "The Black Swan"
- Summary:
  
  Taleb explores the concept of rare, unpredictable events—so-called "Black Swans"—that can have massive impacts on markets and society. These events are often overlooked by traditional risk management models, leading to devastating consequences when they occur. Taleb illustrates how these unpredictable shocks shape our world, often more than gradual, expected changes.
- Why read it:
  
  This book challenges conventional thinking about risk and uncertainty, showing that many major historical and financial events were "Black Swans." It's a vital read for investors who want to build resilience in the face of market volatility.
John Maynard Keynes – "The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money"
- Summary:
  
  Keynes revolutionized economics by focusing on total demand within an economy and its effect on output and inflation. His theory suggested that government intervention could stabilize economic cycles through fiscal and monetary policy. The book also explains the consequences of under-consumption and the role of interest rates in managing economic stability.
- Why read it:
  
  For investors interested in macroeconomic trends and policy impacts, Keynes’ work is essential. Understanding the Keynesian framework can help investors predict how government actions might influence market performance.