Name: Reid Garrett Hoffman
Role:
Co-founder of LinkedIn, Co-founder of Inflection AI, Partner at Greylock Partners, and Board Member at Microsoft.
Net Worth:
As of March 2025, Reid Hoffman’s net worth is estimated at $2.6 billion.
Profile Overview:
Reid Hoffman is an American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, author, and one of Silicon Valley’s most influential figures. Best known as the co-founder of LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional networking platform, Hoffman has also played a pivotal role in the early successes of PayPal and other major tech companies like Airbnb and Facebook. As a partner at Greylock Partners, he has invested in numerous startups, shaping the tech landscape. Hoffman is also a thought leader in scaling businesses and artificial intelligence through his books, podcast (Masters of Scale), and his work with Inflection AI.
Bio:
Reid Hoffman was born on August 5, 1967, in Palo Alto, California, and grew up in Berkeley. His parents were lawyers and activists, which instilled in him a strong sense of social responsibility. Hoffman earned a Bachelor’s degree in Symbolic Systems from Stanford University in 1990 and later completed a Master’s degree in Philosophy from Wolfson College, Oxford, as a Marshall Scholar.
Hoffman began his career at Apple in 1994, working on eWorld, an early attempt at online networking. He later joined Fujitsu before founding SocialNet in 1997, one of the first social networking platforms. Despite its failure, SocialNet provided valuable lessons that guided him toward future success.
In 2000, Hoffman joined PayPal as COO and later became its Executive Vice President. He was part of the “PayPal Mafia,” a group of executives who went on to found or lead major tech companies. After PayPal’s acquisition by eBay for $1.5 billion in 2002, Hoffman co-founded LinkedIn in December 2002. LinkedIn launched in May 2003 and became one of the first platforms focused on professional networking. The company went public in 2011 and was acquired by Microsoft for $26.2 billion in 2016.
Beyond LinkedIn, Hoffman has been instrumental in advancing artificial intelligence through Inflection AI and Manas AI, which he co-founded to explore conversational AI technologies.
Reid Hoffman’s Role in Artificial Intelligence:
Reid Hoffman has emerged as a significant player in the AI sector through his co-founding of Inflection AI and Manas AI. Inflection AI focuses on building conversational AI systems designed to make human-computer interactions more natural and intuitive. Through these ventures, Hoffman aims to democratize access to AI while ensuring its development aligns with ethical principles.
Hoffman also integrates his expertise as an investor into the AI space by supporting startups that leverage machine learning for innovative applications. He frequently advocates for responsible AI development that balances innovation with societal well-being.
Nationality:
American
Age:
57 years old (as of March 21, 2025).
Educational Qualification:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Symbolic Systems from Stanford University (1990).
- Master’s Degree: Philosophy from Wolfson College, Oxford (1993).
Sources of Wealth:
- LinkedIn: Co-founder and former Executive Chairman.
- PayPal: Early executive role as COO.
- Greylock Partners: Partner investing in startups like Airbnb and Facebook.
- Inflection AI: Co-founder advancing conversational AI.
- Microsoft Board Membership: Following LinkedIn’s acquisition.
- Books & Media: Author of The Start-Up of You, The Alliance, and host of Masters of Scale podcast.
Random Fact:
Hoffman is an avid gamer who credits board games like Dungeons & Dragons with teaching him strategic thinking skills that he applies to business.
Reid Hoffman’s journey from philosophy scholar to tech billionaire exemplifies his ability to merge intellectual curiosity with entrepreneurial ambition. Whether through LinkedIn or advancements in AI, his contributions continue to shape the future of technology and innovation globally.
