Net Worth Ranker
What is Jason Citron’s Net Worth?
Jason Citron, an American internet entrepreneur, has accumulated a significant net worth through his ventures in the tech industry. As of 2024, his net worth is estimated to be around $1 billion. This valuation is primarily attributed to his co-founding of Discord, a widely used online social platform, and his earlier success with OpenFeint, a social gaming platform acquired by GREE in 2011.
Early Ventures and OpenFeint’s Acquisition
Born on September 21, 1987, in San Francisco, California, Jason Citron displayed an early interest in technology and gaming. He taught himself coding in QBASIC and created his first video game at the age of 13. Citron’s entrepreneurial journey began in earnest after graduating from Full Sail University with a degree in game design and development.
In 2009, Citron founded OpenFeint, a social gaming platform for Android and iOS mobile devices. This platform allowed mobile game developers to integrate features such as leaderboards and chats into their games. By 2011, OpenFeint had attracted over 100 million users and supported 7,000 games. The platform was acquired by the Japanese gaming company GREE for $104 million, marking a significant milestone in Citron’s career and contributing to his early net worth. Although specific details about his personal earnings from this sale aren’t publicly available, it’s reasonable to assume that Citron, as the founder, received a substantial portion of the acquisition price.
Discord’s Valuation and Equity Stakes
In 2015, Jason Citron and Stanislav Vishnevskiy co-founded Discord, an online instant-messaging and VoIP social platform designed to facilitate communication between gamers. Discord allows users to communicate via text, voice, and video, and supports streaming, sharing, and creating content. The platform gained immense popularity, particularly among gamers, and has since expanded its focus to become a more all-purpose communication service.
Discord’s valuation has seen significant growth over the years. In 2020, when Discord raised money at a $7 billion valuation, Jason Citron and Stanislav Vishnevskiy each held an estimated 10% equity stake in the company. This equated to a paper worth of $700 million for each co-founder at that time. By late 2023, Discord raised another funding round, which valued the company at $15 billion. Assuming that this valuation remains accurate and that Citron and Vishnevskiy’s equity stakes have not been significantly diluted, their net worth has increased substantially since 2020.
Based on the $15 billion valuation in 2023, if Citron and Vishnevskiy still hold approximately 10% equity each, their respective stakes would be worth around $1.5 billion. However, it’s important to note that equity stakes can be affected by various factors, including subsequent funding rounds, employee stock options, and other company actions. Without specific details on any potential dilution of their equity, it is reasonable to estimate their net worth to be around $1 billion. This estimate considers that the valuation could fluctuate and that there may have been some dilution of their initial equity stake.
Financial Milestones and Assets
While specific details regarding Jason Citron’s personal investments and assets are not publicly available, it’s safe to assume that his net worth is primarily composed of his equity in Discord and the proceeds from the sale of OpenFeint. As an entrepreneur, Citron likely has a diversified portfolio of investments, including stocks, bonds, real estate, and other assets. However, the exact composition of his portfolio remains undisclosed.
Discord’s revenue model primarily relies on its Nitro subscription service, which offers users enhanced features and benefits for a monthly fee. While Discord does not disclose its specific revenue figures, it’s estimated that the platform generates hundreds of millions of dollars in annual revenue. This revenue stream further contributes to the company’s valuation and, indirectly, to Citron’s net worth.
Philanthropy and Personal Interests
Information regarding Jason Citron’s philanthropic activities and personal interests is limited. However, as an avid gamer, Citron likely has a strong interest in the gaming industry and may support initiatives related to game development, esports, or other gaming-related causes. He is known to play games such as “League of Legends,” “Fortnite,” and “World of Warcraft.”
Citron is married, although his partner’s name has not been publicly disclosed. The couple resides in Florida. Additional details regarding his personal life and lifestyle are not readily available.
Discord’s Controversies
Despite its popularity, Discord has faced its share of controversies. In 2023, the platform was used to publish classified United States documents detailing the state of the Russo-Ukrainian War and providing surveillance information on international alliances. This constituted one of the most significant intelligence leaks in modern US history. Discord has also received criticism for allegedly enabling cyberbullying, far-right extremism, and the alleged sexual exploitation of children. Additionally, it has been accused of violating user privacy and data protection laws. While these controversies have not directly impacted Citron’s net worth, they have raised concerns about the platform’s management and its potential impact on society.
Jason Citron’s Continued Impact
Jason Citron’s journey as an entrepreneur has been marked by significant success and innovation. From his early ventures in game development to the founding of OpenFeint and Discord, Citron has consistently demonstrated his ability to identify market opportunities and create valuable platforms that resonate with users. While his net worth is primarily tied to his equity in Discord, his entrepreneurial spirit and his contributions to the tech industry are undeniable.
As Discord continues to evolve and expand its reach, Citron’s influence in the tech world is likely to grow. His ability to navigate the challenges and controversies that come with running a large social platform will be crucial to Discord’s continued success and to his own financial standing.
