BIO:
- Name: Whitney Wolfe Herd
- Title/Position: Founder and Executive Chair of Bumble
- Industry: Technology, Online Dating
- Location: Austin, Texas, USA
- Age: 35 - (1st of July 1989)
- Net Worth: Estimated at $400 million as of May 2024
Image credit: TechCrunch Disrupt San Francisco 2018 – Day 2 by TechCrunch is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Whitney Wolfe Herd’s Story
Whitney Wolfe Herd’s journey was propelled by her desire to make a better internet for women. Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, she pursued International Studies at Southern Methodist University. During her college years, she showed her entrepreneurial flair by launching businesses like the “Help Us Project,” selling bamboo tote bags to aid areas affected by the BP oil spill.
In 2012, Wolfe Herd co-founded Tinder, playing a pivotal role as Vice President of Marketing. She left Tinder in 2014 because of personal reasons – she filed a lawsuit against Tinder for sexual assault and discrimination. She was then determined to make a difference for women. Collaborating with Andrey Andreev, she founded Bumble in December 2014, a dating app where women make the first move, creating a safe and empowering environment for women.
Under her leadership, Bumble expanded beyond dating, introducing Bumble BFF for finding friends and Bumble Bizz for professional networking. The company’s growth was meteoric, and in February 2021, Wolfe Herd took Bumble public, becoming the youngest woman in the U.S. to lead a company through an IPO at age 31. She is just 35 years old and quickly became one of the world’s youngest female self-made billionaires. By May 2024, her net worth was estimated at $400 million. Today, she is one of the most inspiring women in business.
Career Highlights
Key Milestones:
- 2012: Co-founded Tinder and served as Vice President of Marketing.
- 2014: Founded Bumble, introducing a women-first approach to online dating.
- 2016: Launched Bumble BFF to facilitate platonic friendships.
- 2017: Introduced Bumble Bizz, expanding the platform into professional networking.
- 2021: Took Bumble public, making history as the youngest female founder to lead a company through an IPO in the U.S.
Achievements:
- Forbes Recognition: Featured in Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list in 2017 and 2018.
- Time 100 List: Named among Time’s 100 Most Influential People in 2018.
- Advocacy: Known for promoting women’s empowerment and addressing online harassment.
Whitney Wolfe Herd’s Net Worth
As of May 2024, Whitney Wolfe Herd’s net worth is estimated at $400 million. Her wealth primarily stems from her significant stake in Bumble Inc., which has seen substantial growth since its IPO in 2021. Beyond Bumble, Wolfe Herd has made strategic investments and holds advisory roles in various startups, further diversifying her financial portfolio.
Whitney Wolfe Herd in the News
- January 2024: Transitioned from CEO to Executive Chair of Bumble, appointing a new CEO to lead the company’s next growth phase.
- May 2024: Featured in Forbes’ list of America’s Self-Made Women, highlighting her entrepreneurial achievements and impact on the tech industry.
- January 2025: Bumble founder Whitney Wolfe Herd to return as CEO after Lidiane Jones resigns due to personal reasons.
Quotes by Whitney Wolfe Herd
- “The power lunch is no longer just for men. We all deserve a seat at the table.”
- “When you empower women, you empower the community.”
FAQs: Most Asked Questions About Whitney Wolfe Herd
What is Whitney Wolfe Herd’s net worth?
As of May 2024, her net worth is estimated at $400 million.
How did Whitney Wolfe Herd become successful?
By co-founding Tinder and later creating Bumble, she introduced innovative, women-centric features that revolutionized online dating for women.
Why did Whitney Wolfe Herd leave Tinder?
She departed in 2014 due to personal challenges and subsequently filed a sexual harassment lawsuit, which was settled out of court.
Is Whitney Wolfe Herd still CEO of Bumble?
As of January 2024, she transitioned from CEO to Executive Chair of Bumble but has temporarily returned as CEO.
How old was Whitney Wolfe Herd when she became a billionaire?
At age 31, following Bumble’s IPO in February 2021.
What did Whitney Wolfe Herd study?
She earned a degree in International Studies from Southern Methodist University.
Whitney Wolfe Herd’s journey from co-founding Tinder to revolutionizing online interactions with Bumble exemplifies bold innovation and a commitment to empowering women in the digital age.
