Net Worth & Profile
Niklas Zennstrom Biography, Career and Net Worth
Niklas Zennström, a Swedish entrepreneur and tech investor, co-founded Zennström Philanthropies, a charity organization.
Who is Niklas Zennstrom?
Niklas Zennstrom, a Swedish entrepreneur and tech investor, co-founded Zennström Philanthropies, a charity organization.
This entity works towards various social causes. Zennstrom’s contributions have impacted many positively, showcasing his dedication to making a difference in the world beyond the tech sphere.
Bio Data
| Name | Niklas Zennstrom |
| Gender | Male |
| Date of Birth | Feb 16, 1966 |
| Age | 57 years old |
| Place of Birth | Jarfalla Municipality |
| Profession | Entrepreneur |
| Nationality | Sweden |
| Net worth | $1.3 Billion |
Niklas Zennstrom Biography
Niklas Zennstrom was born in Järfälla, Sweden, he pursued his education at Uppsala University and later the University of Michigan.
After graduating with dual degrees in Business Administration and MSc engineering Physics/Computer Science, he commenced his career in 1991 at Tele2.
Career
Niklas Zennstrom kicked off his career at European telecom operator Tele2 in 1991. He held roles in business development, including leading the European Internet Service Provider get2net and acting as CEO of everyday.com.
Zennstrom, along with Janus Friis, co-founded KaZaA, a popular file-sharing app. Under Zennstrom’s leadership, it became the world’s most downloaded Internet software by 2003. After legal challenges, Kazaa was sold to Sharman Networks.
Following this, Zennstrom started Joltid, a software company focused on peer-to-peer solutions. He also co-founded Altnet, another peer-to-peer network.
Zennström’s major claim to fame is Skype Technologies, a telecom company, he repurchased Skype from eBay. In 2011, Microsoft bought Skype for $8.5 billion. Zennstrom and Friis reportedly earned about $1 billion from the sale.
Zennstrom was honored in SUP46’s Swedish Startup Hall of Fame. He also co-founded the European Tech Alliance, promoting Europe’s tech industry, he heads Atomico, a venture capital firm investing in over 200 tech companies worldwide.
Net Worth
Niklas Zennstrom, a Swedish entrepreneur, has an estimated net worth of $1.3 billion. He amassed this wealth primarily from investments in companies like Skype, Kazaa, and over thirty others.
His most significant success was selling Skype to eBay in 2005 for $3.1 billion.
Personal Life
Niklas Zennstrom and his wife Catherine co-founded Zennstrom Philanthropies, focusing on causes like climate change and social entrepreneurship.
FAQs
Q: Who is Niklas Zennstrom?
A: Niklas Zennstrom is a Swedish entrepreneur known for starting Skype and his charitable work through Zennstrom Philanthropies.
Q: What did Niklas achieve with Skype?
A: He sold Skype to eBay in 2005 and later, Microsoft bought it in 2011.
Q: What is Niklas Zennstrom doing now?
A: He runs a venture capital firm called Atomico, investing in tech companies globally, including Supercell and Skype.
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