Forbes StaffWhitney Wolfe Herd is an American entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Bumble Inc., the parent company of Bumble and Badoo, two of the most popular dating and social networking platforms in the world. Born on July 1, 1989, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Whitney’s journey to becoming one of the most influential women in tech is a story of resilience, innovation, and purpose.
Whitney began her career in the tech industry as a co-founder and vice president of marketing at Tinder, where she played a pivotal role in the app’s early success. However, after leaving Tinder in 2014 amidst controversy, Whitney saw an opportunity to create a dating platform that prioritized women’s experiences and safety. She founded Bumble with the vision of empowering women to make the first move in dating, friendships, and professional connections.
Launched in 2014, Bumble quickly became a game-changer in the online dating industry, standing out with its unique, female-first approach. Under Whitney’s leadership, Bumble expanded its features to include Bumble BFF and Bumble Bizz, transforming the platform into a comprehensive social networking app. In 2021, Bumble went public, making Whitney the youngest self-made female billionaire at the age of 31.
Beyond business, Whitney is a vocal advocate for gender equality and women’s empowerment. She has used her platform to address issues such as online harassment and workplace discrimination, and Bumble has implemented features and policies to promote user safety and inclusivity. Whitney’s efforts have earned her numerous accolades, including being named to TIME’s 100 Most Influential People and Forbes’ 30 Under 30 lists.
Whitney Wolfe Herd’s impact extends far beyond the tech world. As a visionary leader, entrepreneur, and advocate, she continues to inspire women globally, proving that innovation and purpose can redefine industries and create meaningful change.
