Net Worth Ranker
What Is Bryan Johnson’s Net Worth?
Bryan Johnson, an American venture capitalist, author, and writer, has accumulated a substantial net worth estimated at $400 million. This financial success is largely attributed to his entrepreneurial ventures and strategic investments, particularly his role as the founder of Braintree, an online and mobile e-commerce payment provider.
Braintree and Venmo Acquisition
Johnson’s financial breakthrough can be traced back to Braintree, the payment processing company he founded. In 2012, Braintree made a significant acquisition by purchasing Venmo for $26 million. This move proved to be highly lucrative, as, in 2013, PayPal (then a unit of eBay) acquired Braintree for $800 million. This acquisition resulted in a substantial financial gain for Johnson, significantly contributing to his current net worth.
Kernel and OS Fund
Beyond Braintree, Bryan Johnson has continued to expand his business ventures. He serves as the founder and CEO of Kernel, a company specializing in the development of devices for monitoring brain activity. To manage his investments, Johnson utilizes the OS Fund, a venture capital firm that focuses on investing in early-stage science and technology companies. In 2016, Johnson founded Kernel and invested $100 million of his own money to launch the company, signifying his commitment to advancing brain-machine interface technology.
Early Life and Education
Bryan Johnson was born on August 22, 1977, in Provo, Utah, and raised in Springville, Utah. Growing up as the middle child of three brothers and a sister, his early life included navigating his parents’ divorce and living with his mother and stepfather, who owned a trucking company. At 19, Johnson embarked on a two-year mission in Ecuador as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 2003, he earned a degree in International Studies from Brigham Young University, followed by an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business in 2007.
Early Startups
While pursuing his education at Brigham Young University, Johnson demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit by launching three startups between 1999 and 2003. One venture involved selling cell phones, which helped finance his education. He recruited fellow college students to sell service plans alongside the phones, earning approximately $300 in commission per sale. He also co-founded Inquist, a voice-over internet protocol (VoIP) company, with three partners, aiming to combine features from Vonage and Skype. However, Inquist ceased operations in 2001. Additionally, he collaborated with his brother and another partner on a $70 million real estate project, which did not meet its sales targets.
Braintree’s Rise
In 2007, Johnson founded Braintree, a company aimed at simplifying online credit card payments for businesses. This idea stemmed from his experience as a door-to-door salesperson selling credit card processing services. He recognized a market for a service catering to small businesses often disadvantaged due to the lack of regulation in credit card processing. By 2011, Braintree was recognized as one of the 500 fastest-growing companies by “Inc.” magazine. In the same year, Braintree acquired Venmo, an app enabling users to send and receive money electronically. By September 2013, Braintree reported processing $12 billion in payments annually. Subsequently, PayPal acquired Braintree for $800 million.
OS Fund Creation
In October 2014, Johnson announced the creation of the OS Fund, a venture capital fund using his personal capital to invest in early-stage science and technology companies. The fund’s focus is on supporting companies developing innovative solutions in fields such as biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and sustainable energy. While specific details of the fund’s investments are not all publicly available, its creation highlights Johnson’s commitment to supporting technological advancements.
Kernel and Brain-Machine Interfaces
Founded in 2016 with a $100 million investment from Johnson, Kernel is focused on developing brain-machine interfaces. The company’s technology was featured in the 2020 documentary “I Am Human.” By 2020, Kernel had introduced Flux and Flow, devices capable of monitoring brain activity. The company aims to use the collected data to enhance understanding of neurological diseases and dysfunctions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. This venture reflects Johnson’s interest in exploring the potential of technology to improve human health and well-being, while increasing his net worth through investment.
Project Blueprint and Anti-Aging Endeavors
Johnson has garnered media attention for “Project Blueprint,” his personal anti-aging pursuit. In October 2021, he claimed improvements in biomarkers through practices like caloric restriction, intermittent fasting, supplement consumption, strict sleep schedules, and frequent diagnostic testing. This regimen costs approximately $2 million per year. He claims to have achieved the heart of a 37-year-old, the skin of a 28-year-old, and the lung capacity of an 18-year-old at the age of 46. While these claims have generated considerable interest, they have also been met with skepticism from experts.
Plasma Transfusions and Controversy
Johnson’s anti-aging endeavors have included a series of six monthly 1-liter plasma transfusions, with his teenage son as the donor for one transfusion. He also donated his blood to his elderly father. However, he discontinued the transfusions, citing a lack of clear benefit. The FDA has stated that such infusions offer no benefits and may be harmful. These controversial practices have sparked debate about the ethics and efficacy of extreme anti-aging interventions.
Critiques and Lifestyle Choices
Some of Johnson’s extreme anti-aging attempts have faced criticism from experts. Concerns have been raised about the genetic factors influencing aging and the impracticality of Johnson’s strict routine for most individuals. His lifestyle choices, including one meal per day, sleeping alone, scheduling sex, avoiding small talk, and adhering to an 8:30 PM bedtime, have been highlighted as reasons why he might be single. These personal choices reflect his dedication to his anti-aging goals and impact his personal life, potentially influencing his net worth through lifestyle expenses.
Personal Life and Relationships
In 2016, Johnson began dating actress and content creator Taryn Southern, and they were engaged by 2018. In October 2021, Southern filed a lawsuit against Johnson, alleging financial support promises and subsequent eviction during her breast cancer treatment in 2019. Johnson denied the allegations, and a judge dismissed the suit, ordering Southern to pay his legal costs. Prior to his relationship with Southern, Johnson had been married and has three children with his ex-wife. Details about the financial aspects of his divorce and child support arrangements are not publicly available, but these personal matters could potentially affect his overall net worth.
