Who Is Reid Hoffman?

Reid Garrett Hoffman (born August 5, 1967, Palo Alto, California) is an American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, author, and technology strategist. He is best known as the co-founder of LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional networking platform, and as one of Silicon Valley’s most influential investors and thinkers. Over more than 30 years, Hoffman has played a major role in shaping professional networking, internet platforms, venture capital, and artificial intelligence.

Early Life and Education

Reid Hoffman grew up in Silicon Valley, where early exposure to computers and emerging internet technologies influenced his career path. He developed a strong interest in both technology and philosophy, a combination that would later define his approach to entrepreneurship.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Symbolic Systems from Stanford University, an interdisciplinary program combining computer science, cognitive science, philosophy, and linguistics. Hoffman later attended Oxford University as a Marshall Scholar, completing a Master’s degree in Philosophy at Wolfson College. Although he initially considered academia, he chose entrepreneurship as a way to apply ideas at global scale.

Early Career and First Startups

Hoffman began his career at Apple, working on eWorld, one of the company’s earliest online community platforms. He later joined Fujitsu, gaining experience in large-scale networked services.

In 1997, he founded SocialNet, one of the earliest social networking companies focused on connecting people through shared interests and relationships. While SocialNet did not achieve widespread adoption, it gave Hoffman critical insights into network effects, online identity, and user behavior, which later became central to LinkedIn’s success.

PayPal and the PayPal Mafia

In 2000, Reid Hoffman joined PayPal, serving as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Executive Vice President. He played a key role in business development, partnerships, and platform scaling during a highly competitive period in digital payments.

PayPal was acquired by eBay in 2002 for $1.5 billion, one of the most significant tech exits of the era. Hoffman became part of the group later known as the PayPal Mafia, whose members went on to build companies such as Tesla, YouTube, Palantir, and Yelp.

Founding LinkedIn

In December 2002, Hoffman co-founded LinkedIn, launching the platform in May 2003. His vision was to create a professional network built on real identities, trust, reputation, and career capital, rather than anonymous social interaction.

Under his leadership, LinkedIn became the world’s largest professional networking platform, transforming how people find jobs, hire talent, and manage careers. LinkedIn went public in 2011, and in 2016 Microsoft acquired LinkedIn for $26.2 billion, one of the largest acquisitions in technology history. Hoffman later joined Microsoft’s board of directors.

Venture Capital and Investments

After LinkedIn, Hoffman became a partner at Greylock Partners, one of Silicon Valley’s leading venture capital firms. He is widely recognized for investing in companies with strong platform dynamics and network effects.

Notable investments and advisory roles include:

• Facebook
• Airbnb
• Groupon
• Aurora Innovation
• Numerous other technology startups

Hoffman has consistently ranked near the top of the Forbes Midas List, which tracks the world’s most successful venture capitalists.

Artificial Intelligence and Technology Leadership

Reid Hoffman is a prominent voice in artificial intelligence (AI). He was an early supporter and board member of OpenAI and later co-founded Inflection AI, focused on human-centered conversational AI. He has also been involved in AI initiatives aimed at scientific research, healthcare, and disease discovery.

Hoffman promotes a philosophy of responsible optimism about AI, arguing that advanced technologies can expand human potential when guided by ethical design, governance, and innovation. These views are reflected in his public talks, essays, and books.

Books, Media, and Public Thought Leadership

Hoffman is the author or co-author of several widely read business and technology books, including:

• The Start-Up of You
• Blitzscaling
• The Alliance
• Impromptu
• Superagency: What Could Possibly Go Right with Our AI Future

He is also the creator and host of the popular podcast Masters of Scale, where he interviews founders and executives about how companies grow from startups into global platforms.

Philanthropy and Public Service

Beyond business, Hoffman is active in philanthropy and public policy, supporting causes related to economic opportunity, democracy, and technology governance. He has served on the boards of organizations such as:

• Kiva
• Endeavor Global
• New America
• Opportunity@Work

He also participates in global policy and leadership forums, including the Council on Foreign Relations.

Personal Life

Reid Hoffman is married to Michelle Yee and lives in Seattle, Washington. He is known for his intellectual curiosity and is an avid strategy and board-game enthusiast, often describing games as tools for understanding cooperation, competition, and decision-making.

Reid Hoffman’s Legacy

Reid Hoffman’s legacy is defined by his ability to combine philosophical thinking, technological innovation, and entrepreneurial execution. From co-founding LinkedIn to shaping global conversations around artificial intelligence, he remains one of the most influential figures in modern technology and venture capital.