Richard Barton: Biography, Career, and Business Insights

Richard Barton’s Profile Summary

Company	Zillow, Expedia, Glassdoor
Position	Co-founder & CEO of Zillow
Source of wealth	Founding equity in Zillow, Expedia, and Glassdoor, technology entrepreneurship, and long-term corporate holdings.
Also known as	Product innovator
Age	59
Education	Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from Stanford University (Stanford University, 1985–1989)
Citizenship	USA
Residence	Seattle, Washington, USA
Family	Married to Sarah Barton; has two children
Website, Social Media	https://x.com/rich_barton

Biography

Richard Barton is an American entrepreneur and executive, best known as the founder of Zillow and co-founder of several major online platforms that have reshaped consumer internet experiences. Born in New Canaan, Connecticut, he studied industrial engineering at Stanford University, where he developed an early interest in technology and digital product design. After graduation, he joined Microsoft, where he conceived and launched Expedia in 1996, helping pioneer the online travel booking industry.

Following Expedia’s success, Barton continued to apply data-driven transparency to other consumer markets. In 2003, he co-founded Zillow, a real estate marketplace that provided open access to property information and automated home valuations. Zillow became one of the most recognized names in online real estate, transforming how consumers buy, sell, and research homes. Barton has also been involved in founding or supporting other technology ventures such as Glassdoor and Trover, reflecting his consistent focus on consumer empowerment through information access.

Throughout his career, Barton has emphasized the intersection of technology, trust, and usability in digital platforms. His leadership style centers on product innovation and scalable business models that simplify complex industries.

Through his work in online travel, real estate, and employment platforms, Richard Barton has become a well-known figure in the American technology and entrepreneurial landscape. His recognition is tied to the enduring influence of the companies he helped create, though he is not regarded as an authoritative or dominant voice in the broader technology conversation.

How did Richard Barton make money?

Richard Barton makes money in the following areas:

Founding equity in Zillow, Expedia, and Glassdoor, technology entrepreneurship, and long-term corporate holdings.
What is Richard Barton net worth?

As of 2026, Richard Barton’s net worth is estimated to be $1.2 B.

What is Richard Barton also known as?

Richard Barton is commonly referred to by his full name in technology and entrepreneurship communities. He is best known as the founder of Zillow and the co-founder of Expedia and Glassdoor. Barton is recognized for creating online platforms that emphasize transparency and consumer empowerment. In business and media discussions, he is frequently cited as a pioneer of the digital marketplace model that reshaped real estate, travel, and employment industries.

Prominent achievements

Founded Zillow and co-founded Expedia and Glassdoor, transforming online real estate, travel, and employment sectors

Named to Time’s list of 100 most influential people for his impact on digital consumer transparency

Served as CEO and board member for multiple major technology companies

X (Twitter) followers: ~31.2K+

What are Richard Barton’s key insights?

Richard Barton’s philosophy focuses on transparency, empowerment, and data accessibility for consumers. He believes that information symmetry drives better markets and stronger user trust. His ventures—Expedia, Zillow, and Glassdoor—reflect a consistent belief in leveraging technology to make industries more open and navigable. Barton emphasizes empowering users to make informed decisions, using intuitive product design and scalable digital platforms as the foundation for modern consumer engagement.

Personal life

Richard Barton is married to Sarah Barton, who maintains a private life outside of public attention. They have two children and reside in Seattle, Washington. Barton’s family is known to support local community and educational initiatives, though few personal details are publicly shared. He generally separates his professional and personal life, keeping family matters out of the media.