Brian Acton Net Worth (Updated 2026).

Brian Acton, a name that’s become synonymous with secure messaging, started his career in the tech industry at a time when the internet was still in its infancy. Born in 1972, Acton’s interest in computers was evident from a young age. He earned his degree in Computer Science from Stanford University and began his professional journey at McAfee Associates, a software company focusing on computer security.

After his stint at McAfee, Acton moved on to work at Yahoo! in 1996, where he spent nine years, rising through the ranks to become a vice president. It was during his time at Yahoo! that Acton first encountered the concept of encryption, which would later shape his career. In 2007, Acton left Yahoo! to join Facebook as an early employee, but he left the company after a year, feeling that he didn’t fit into the company’s culture.

Brian Acton’s Current Net Worth (2025)

As of 2025, Brian Acton’s current net worth is estimated to be around $3 billion. This significant wealth is largely attributed to his co-founding of WhatsApp, the popular messaging platform.

Career

Brian Acton began his career at Yahoo! in 1999, where he met Jan Koum, his future co-founder. In 2009, they left Yahoo! to create WhatsApp, which was acquired by Facebook in 2014 for $19 billion. Acton served as the CEO until 2017.

Other Ventures

After leaving WhatsApp, Acton co-founded the Signal Foundation in 2018, a nonprofit organization focused on developing the Signal messaging app, which prioritizes user privacy and security. He also serves on the board of the Tor Project.

Assets

Acton’s assets include a significant stake in WhatsApp, his investments in various tech startups, and real estate. He owns properties in California and has been known to support philanthropic causes with his wealth.

Annual Income

Brian Acton’s annual income is not publicly disclosed. However, as a co-founder of WhatsApp and his involvement in other ventures, it’s estimated to be in the tens of millions of dollars per year.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Brian Acton

Frequently Asked Questions: Brian Acton Net Worth

1. What is Brian Acton’s net worth?

Brian Acton’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 billion.

2. How did Brian Acton make his money?

Brian Acton co-founded WhatsApp, the popular messaging app, in 2009. He served as the CEO until it was acquired by Facebook in 2014 for $22 billion. He also co-founded the Signal Foundation, a nonprofit organization that develops the Signal messaging app.

3. What is Brian Acton’s background?

Brian Acton was born in 1972 and graduated from Stanford University with a degree in Computer Science. Before co-founding WhatsApp, he worked at Yahoo! for over a decade.

4. What is Brian Acton’s role in the Signal Foundation?

Brian Acton is the founder and executive chairman of the Signal Foundation. He provides strategic guidance and helps raise funds for the organization.

5. What is Brian Acton’s stance on privacy?

Brian Acton is a strong advocate for privacy and encryption. He believes that private communication is a fundamental human right and has dedicated his efforts to developing secure messaging platforms.

6. What happened to Brian Acton’s stake in WhatsApp after the Facebook acquisition?

After the acquisition, Brian Acton owned approximately 20% of WhatsApp’s shares. He received a significant payout from Facebook, contributing to his net worth.

7. What is Brian Acton’s involvement with the #DeleteFacebook movement?

Brian Acton was one of the prominent figures who publicly supported the #DeleteFacebook movement in 2018, expressing concerns about Facebook’s privacy practices and data misuse.

8. What is Brian Acton’s philanthropic work like?

Brian Acton is known for his philanthropic efforts. He has donated millions of dollars to various causes, including education, human rights, and environmental conservation. He is also a signatory of The Giving Pledge, committing to donate the majority of his wealth to charitable causes.

9. What is Brian Acton’s investment portfolio like?

Brian Acton’s investment portfolio includes stakes in various tech companies and venture capital funds. He has also invested in cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology.

10. What are Brian Acton’s future plans?

Brian Acton’s future plans primarily revolve around his work at the Signal Foundation. He aims to continue developing and promoting secure communication tools and advocating for digital privacy.