Stewart Butterfield Net Worth (Updated 2026).
Stewart Butterfield, a name now synonymous with innovative tech startups, began his career in the late 1990s as a software developer. He graduated from the University of Victoria with a degree in Philosophy and Computer Science, a unique combination that would later prove instrumental in his approach to business and technology.
In 2002, Butterfield co-founded his first major venture, Ludicorp, with his wife, Caterina Fake. The company initially aimed to create an online gaming platform, but it evolved into something far more impactful. Flickr, a photo-sharing website, was born out of Ludicorp and quickly gained traction, becoming one of the early pioneers of web 2.0. This marked the beginning of Butterfield’s rise to fame in the tech industry.
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Stewart Butterfield’s Current Net Worth (2025)
As of 2025, Stewart Butterfield’s current net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 billion. This significant wealth can be attributed to his successful tech ventures, primarily Slack, the popular team messaging platform.
Career
Stewart Butterfield’s career began in the late 1990s with Ludicorp, a company he co-founded with his wife, Calista. In 2002, they launched Flickr, a photo-sharing platform that was later acquired by Yahoo! for $35 million. Butterfield then co-founded Slack in 2013, which went public in 2019 and is currently valued at over $20 billion.
Other Ventures
In addition to Slack, Butterfield has invested in several other tech startups. He is a venture partner at the venture capital firm Lerer Hippeau and has invested in companies like Airbnb, Uber, and Pinterest. Butterfield is also known for his philanthropic efforts, donating $1 million to the American Civil Liberties Union in 2017.
Assets
Butterfield’s assets include a significant stake in Slack, which he still serves as the CEO of. He also owns a substantial amount of real estate, including properties in San Francisco and Vancouver. Butterfield is known for his minimalist lifestyle, despite his wealth.
Annual Income
As the CEO of Slack, Butterfield’s annual income is substantial. In 2020, his total compensation was $32.7 million, including a $27.5 million stock award. However, his annual income can fluctuate significantly based on Slack’s performance and stock prices.
Frequently Asked Questions about Stewart Butterfield
**Frequently Asked Questions: Stewart Butterfield Net Worth**
1. What is Stewart Butterfield’s net worth?
Stewart Butterfield’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 billion.
2. How did Stewart Butterfield make his fortune?
Stewart Butterfield co-founded Flickr, a photo-sharing platform, in 2002. He later co-founded Slack, a team communication platform, in 2013, which significantly contributed to his wealth.
3. What is Stewart Butterfield’s role at Slack?
Stewart Butterfield is the CEO and co-founder of Slack.
4. When was Slack founded and when did it go public?
Slack was founded in 2013 and went public on the New York Stock Exchange in June 2019.
5. What happened to Flickr after it was sold to Yahoo?
After Yahoo acquired Flickr in 2005, it struggled to maintain its popularity and relevance in the market. In 2018, Flickr was sold to SmugMug.
6. What is Stewart Butterfield’s educational background?
Stewart Butterfield has a Bachelor of Science degree in Philosophy and Psychology from the University of Victoria.
7. Has Stewart Butterfield received any awards or recognition?
Yes, Stewart Butterfield has been recognized with several awards, including being named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People in 2015 and being inducted into the Canadian Marketing Hall of Legends in 2019.
8. What is Stewart Butterfield’s investment portfolio like?
Stewart Butterfield has invested in several companies, including Airbnb, Uber, and SpaceX. He also has a venture capital firm called Abstract Ventures.
9. What is Stewart Butterfield’s philanthropic work like?
Stewart Butterfield has donated to various causes, including environmental organizations and social justice initiatives. He has also pledged to give away half of his wealth to charitable causes through The Giving Pledge.
10. What are Stewart Butterfield’s interests outside of work?
Stewart Butterfield is known for his interest in philosophy, art, and design. He is also a fan of science fiction and has been involved in several philanthropic initiatives.
