Who is Jason Citron?
Jason Citron is the CEO and co-founder of Discord, a widely used communication platform with over 560 million registered users and 150 million monthly active users as of 2024. Born in 1985, Citron developed an early interest in gaming and software development. He studied at the DigiPen Institute of Technology, a school specializing in video game design and computer science.
Citron’s leadership at Discord has made him a key figure in the tech industry. His ability to innovate has helped Discord become a $15 billion company.
What is Jason Citron’s Net Worth?
Jason Citron’s estimated net worth is $2.1 billion, based on the latest industry reports. His wealth sources include:
- Discord’s success, where he holds a significant equity stake.
- The sale of OpenFeint for $104 million.
- Investments in tech startups and private companies.
His net worth has increased significantly over the years due to Discord’s valuation growth, reaching $15 billion in 2021 after a $500 million funding round led by Dragoneer Investment Group.
How Did Jason Citron Build His Wealth?
Early Career & Gaming Background
Citron’s career began in the gaming industry. In 2008, he founded OpenFeint, a mobile gaming network that provided social networking features for iOS and Android games. OpenFeint grew rapidly and gained over 75 million users within a few years.
Founding OpenFeint and Selling to GREE
In 2011, Citron sold OpenFeint to Japanese mobile gaming giant GREE for $104 million. This sale gave Citron the capital to launch new ventures.
Founding Discord
Citron launched Discord in 2015 after noticing a need for better voice and text communication tools for gamers. Initially designed for gaming communities, Discord expanded into broader applications, including education, work collaboration, and social networking.
Discord’s Growth and Valuation
- 2015: Launched with initial funding from Benchmark Capital and Tencent.
- 2018: Reached a valuation of $2 billion.
- 2020: Surpassed $100 million in revenue, driven by Nitro subscriptions.
- 2021: Valued at $15 billion after a $500 million funding round.
- 2023: Estimated annual revenue of $500 million, with over 150 million monthly active users.
Investments and Business Ventures
Citron has invested in multiple tech startups. Though specific investment details are private, many tech CEOs diversify their wealth through private equity and startup funding.
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Discord’s Role in Jason Citron’s Net Worth
Valuation Growth
Discord’s valuation increased from $2 billion in 2018 to over $15 billion in 2021. The company’s ability to scale has made Citron’s stake in the company highly valuable.
Revenue Sources
Discord generates revenue from:
- Nitro subscriptions (over 6 million paying users as of 2023).
- Server boosting and premium features.
- Partnerships and integrations with gaming and tech companies.
Future Financial Potential
With continuous expansion, Discord could surpass a $20 billion valuation if it pursues an IPO or expands its monetization efforts.
Jason Citron’s Salary and Earnings
Salary as CEO
Citron’s exact salary is undisclosed, but CEOs of similar-sized companies earn between $5 million and $20 million annually, including bonuses and stock options.
Equity and Holdings
As the largest shareholder of Discord, Citron’s net worth depends on Discord’s valuation. If Discord goes public or is acquired, his wealth could increase significantly.
Comparisons with Other Tech Entrepreneurs
Compared to other tech CEOs:
- Mark Zuckerberg (Meta): Net worth $210 billion+.
- Elon Musk (Tesla, SpaceX): Net worth $430 billion+.
- Tim Sweeney (Epic Games): Net worth $7 billion+
- Jensen Huang (Nvidia): Net worth $100 billion+.
Citron’s net worth is growing, but he is not yet among the highest-tier tech billionaires.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Citron keeps a low profile. Unlike many billionaires, he is not known for extravagant spending. His philanthropy efforts are not widely publicized, but many tech entrepreneurs support causes related to STEM education, open-source development, and gaming industry growth.
Future Projections for Jason Citron’s Net Worth
Possible IPO or Acquisition
If Discord goes public, Citron’s net worth could increase significantly. Analysts suggest an IPO valuation between $20 billion and $30 billion.
Expected Growth
With Discord’s growing user base and revenue, Citron’s financial prospects remain strong. If Discord expands into AI-driven communication tools, it could further enhance its valuation.
FAQs
1. What is Jason Citron’s main source of income?
His primary income source is Discord and his equity stake in the company.
2. Does Jason Citron still own Discord?
Yes, Citron remains the CEO and holds a significant ownership stake in Discord.
3. Has Discord ever been close to an IPO?
There have been reports of IPO discussions, but no official date has been set.
4. What companies has Citron invested in?
While details are private, he likely invests in tech startups and gaming-related businesses.
5. How does his net worth compare to other tech CEOs?
His wealth is significant but lower than that of industry giants like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg.
Conclusion
Jason Citron’s financial journey reflects strategic growth in the tech industry. His early success with OpenFeint led to a $104 million sale, and his decision to build Discord turned into a multi-billion-dollar success. With a net worth of $2.1 billion, his future growth depends on Discord’s next steps, including a potential IPO. If Discord continues its expansion, Citron’s wealth could increase significantly in the coming years.
