David Filo
| David Filo | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | April 20, 1966 Wisconsin, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Tulane University (BS) Stanford University (MS) |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, technologist |
| Known for | Co-founding Yahoo! |
| Spouse | Angela Buenning Filo |
| Children | 1 |
| Net worth (2025) | US$4.3 billion |
David Filo is an American entrepreneur, investor, and technology pioneer, best known as the co-founder of Yahoo! Inc. A key figure in the early internet revolution, Filo helped transform Yahoo! into one of the most visited web portals in the world during the 1990s and early 2000s.[1]
Early Life and Education
David Filo was born on April 20, 1966, in Wisconsin, USA. At the age of six, he moved to Moss Bluff, Louisiana, a suburb of Lake Charles. He graduated from Sam Houston High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from Tulane University. He later obtained a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University.[2]
Founding of Yahoo!
In 1994, while studying at Stanford, Filo and fellow graduate student Jerry Yang created a directory of websites called "Jerry and David’s Guide to the World Wide Web". The project was designed to help users navigate the increasingly chaotic early internet. It was soon renamed Yahoo! and formally incorporated as Yahoo! Inc. in April 1995.[3]
Under the co-founders’ leadership, Yahoo! rapidly became a leading internet brand, offering services such as search, email, news aggregation, and online communities.
Role at Yahoo!
David Filo played a central role in Yahoo!’s early infrastructure and engineering development. He was known internally as the company’s "Chief Yahoo", focusing on the technical architecture and long-term engineering strategy. His contributions were vital to scaling Yahoo!’s services as the platform attracted millions of users globally during the dot-com boom.[4]
Net Worth
As of April 2025, David Filo’s net worth is estimated at approximately US$4.3 billion, according to Forbes, ranking him among the top 1,000 billionaires in the world. His wealth reflects his enduring stake in Yahoo! and its legacy in internet history.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
David Filo is married to Angela Buenning Filo, a photographer and educator. The couple lives in Palo Alto, California, and has one child. The Filos are known for their philanthropic efforts, particularly in education.
In 2005, David Filo donated $30 million to Tulane University’s School of Engineering. He and Jerry Yang also endowed a $2 million professorship at Stanford University, underscoring their commitment to fostering academic excellence.[5]
Legacy
David Filo’s influence in the digital world is immense. As a co-founder of Yahoo!, he helped define the early web experience for millions. His work in scalable web architecture laid the groundwork for many modern internet platforms. Through both his technological contributions and philanthropic endeavors, Filo has left a lasting mark on the fields of computer science, education, and global communication.[6]
References
- ↑ https://www.fastcompany.com/91132227/yahoo-was-once-the-king-of-the-internet-what-happened
- ↑ https://m.economictimes.com/news/international/business/what-sank-yahoo-blame-its-nice-guy-founders-jerry-yang-and-david-filo/articleshow/53383676.cms
- ↑ https://www.cnet.com/news/yahoo-co-founder-david-filo-nominated-to-return-to-companys-board/?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiyjf-bw5DlAhV9QUEAHZIeAcQQ9QEwEHoECAgQDA
- ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/sergey-brin-on-yahoo-founder-david-filo-2016-6
- ↑ https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/home/2024-8-5-trust-based-practices-top-of-mind-at-tech-billionaire-couple-david-and-angela-filos-foundation
- ↑ https://www.mirror.co.uk/tech/people-only-just-realising-what-33073356