Steven Chen, a name now synonymous with video sharing, began his journey in the tech industry in an unlikely setting – his college dorm room. Born in Taiwan and raised in the United States, Chen enrolled at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he met his future business partner, Chad Hurley. Together, they shared a passion for innovation and a knack for seeing the potential in emerging technologies. Their first venture, a video sharing platform called Odeo, was born out of this collaboration. However, it was their second attempt, YouTube, that would catapult Chen and Hurley into the spotlight.

Steven Chen’s Net Worth in 2025

As of 2025, Steven Chen’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 billion, according to Forbes. This significant wealth is primarily attributed to his co-founding of YouTube in 2005.

Career

Chen’s career began at PayPal, where he met his future YouTube co-founders, Chad Hurley and Steve Chen. In 2005, they launched YouTube, which revolutionized video sharing and grew into a global phenomenon. Chen served as the Chief Technology Officer until 2014, when he stepped down to focus on other ventures.

Other Ventures

After leaving YouTube, Chen founded the venture capital firm, Atomico, in 2010. He also co-founded the video platform, MixBit, in 2013, which was later acquired by Twitter. Additionally, he has invested in various startups and served on several boards, including those of Facebook and Dropbox.

Assets

Chen’s assets include a significant stake in YouTube, which was acquired by Google in 2006 for $1.65 billion in stock. He also owns shares in other companies he has invested in, as well as real estate. His primary residence is a $3.8 million home in Los Altos, California.

Annual Income

Chen’s annual income varies, but a significant portion comes from his stake in YouTube and other investments. In 2014, it was reported that he earned around $40 million from the sale of his YouTube shares. However, his exact annual income is not publicly disclosed and can fluctuate based on the performance of his investments.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Steven Chen

What is Steven Chen’s net worth?

Steven Chen’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 billion.

How did Steven Chen make his money?

Steven Chen co-founded YouTube in 2005 with Chad Hurley and Jawed Karim. He served as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) until 2006, when Google acquired YouTube for $1.65 billion. Since then, he has been involved in various startup investments and philanthropic efforts.

What is Steven Chen’s role in the creation of YouTube?

Steven Chen, along with Chad Hurley and Jawed Karim, co-founded YouTube in 2005. He played a crucial role in the development of the video-sharing platform, serving as its first CTO.

When was YouTube founded?

YouTube was founded in February 2005.

Who are the other co-founders of YouTube besides Steven Chen?

The other co-founders of YouTube are Chad Hurley and Jawed Karim.

What happened to YouTube after Google’s acquisition?

After Google acquired YouTube in 2006, the platform continued to grow and expand. It became one of the most popular websites in the world, with billions of users and a significant impact on internet culture and entertainment.

What has Steven Chen done since leaving YouTube?

After leaving YouTube, Steven Chen has been involved in various startup investments and philanthropic efforts. He co-founded the venture capital firm Ignite Ventures and has invested in numerous successful tech startups.

Is Steven Chen still involved with YouTube?

No, Steven Chen is not involved with YouTube’s day-to-day operations. He left the company in 2006, shortly after Google’s acquisition.

What is Steven Chen’s nationality?

Steven Chen is American.

Where was Steven Chen born?

Steven Chen was born in Xiamen, China, but he moved to the United States with his family when he was 18 months old and grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area.