CEO of Bumble Becomes a Billionare

CEO of Bumble Becomes a Billionare

Tess Armon, Writer

In 2014, Whitney Wolfe Herd launched the dating app, Bumble, in hopes of changing the typical dating scene. Competing with apps like Match and Tinder, this app differs from others in that it allows women to make the first move, a feature leading many to consider it a feminist dating app. In its stock market debut, the value reached $13 billion, leading Herd to become one of the youngest female billionaires.

Set to have one of the highest-profile technology IPO’s this year, Whitney Wolfe Herd is unique in her app beginnings because she isn’t based in Silicon Valley, doesn’t have a STEM degree, and didn’t raise billions in venture capital before founding Bumble. A former employee of Tinder, Herd left the company in 2014 after filing a sexual harassment and discrimination claim, sensing the need for a female-focused dating app that seeks to empower its female users.

According to CNBC, “At 31, Wolfe Herd is the youngest female founder to take a U.S. company public on the extremely small list of women founders who led IPOs.” In response to this incredible accomplishment, Herd explained that “This should just serve as an example that anything is possible” and that she will be honored when the next woman surpasses her accomplishments.