Pinterest is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, with over 550 million monthly active users as of 2024. Founded in 2010, the platform has become a visual discovery engine where users can find inspiration, share ideas, and create virtual pinboards. With its impressive user base and impact on digital marketing, many wonder: Who owns Pinterest?
Pinterest Ownership Details
| Owner/Investor | Estimated Ownership (%) | Role/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ben Silbermann (Co-Founder) | ~38% | Co-founder and Executive Chairman of Pinterest |
| Public and Institutional Investors | ~62% | Includes major institutional shareholders like The Vanguard Group, BlackRock, and other investors. |
Who Owns Pinterest?
As of 2025, Pinterest is a publicly traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol PINS. Its ownership is shared among a variety of institutional investors, individual shareholders, and company insiders. The largest individual stakeholder is Ben Silbermann, who co-founded Pinterest.
- Ben Silbermann: He owns approximately 38% of Pinterest’s shares, making him the largest individual shareholder. Ben Silbermann served as the CEO of Pinterest until 2022, when he transitioned to the role of Executive Chairman.
- Public and Institutional Investors: The remaining shares are owned by institutional investors and public shareholders who hold the majority of the company’s stock.
Who Runs Pinterest Today?
- Bill Ready: Pinterest’s current CEO, Bill Ready, took over from Ben Silbermann in 2022. Before becoming CEO, Ready had extensive experience in the digital and e-commerce sectors, including his previous roles at PayPal and Braintree. As CEO, he focuses on driving the company’s growth through innovation, monetization strategies, and expanding its global footprint.
- Ben Silbermann: Co-founder of Pinterest, Ben Silbermann remains actively involved with Pinterest as Executive Chairman. He has overseen the company’s strategic direction and product development. His focus now is on long-term strategy and the company’s social impact.
Pinterest Company Background
Pinterest was founded in 2010 by Ben Silbermann, Paul Sciarra, and Evan Sharp. The platform was launched as a digital pinboard, allowing users to organize and share visual content they found interesting. It quickly gained popularity, especially among creative professionals, DIY enthusiasts, and users seeking inspiration for various interests like fashion, food, and design.
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California
- Industry: Social Media, Digital Discovery, Advertising
- Monthly Active Users (2024): Over 550 million
- Revenue (2024): Pinterest’s revenue growth has been driven by its advertising model, which allows businesses to target users with highly relevant promoted content.
FAQs
Q: Who owns Pinterest in 2025?
A: Pinterest is a publicly traded company. Ben Silbermann, the co-founder, is the largest individual shareholder, owning around 38% of the company’s shares. The remaining shares are held by institutional investors and public shareholders.
Q: Who is the current CEO of Pinterest?
A: Bill Ready is the CEO of Pinterest, having taken over in 2022 from Ben Silbermann. Ready has a strong background in e-commerce and digital services.
Q: What is the ownership structure of Pinterest?
A: Pinterest’s ownership is split between Ben Silbermann (38%) and public and institutional investors (62%). Major institutional investors include Vanguard Group and BlackRock.
Q: When did Ben Silbermann step down as CEO of Pinterest?
A: Ben Silbermann transitioned from CEO to Executive Chairman in 2022. He remains heavily involved in Pinterest’s long-term strategy.
Q: What is Pinterest’s business model?
A: Pinterest primarily generates revenue through advertising. It allows businesses to advertise their products and services through promoted pins, targeting users based on their interests and browsing activity.
Final Thoughts
Pinterest is owned by Ben Silbermann, who holds the largest individual share at 38%, and a wide range of institutional investors and public shareholders. Bill Ready currently serves as the CEO, having succeeded Silbermann in 2022. Pinterest continues to grow as a major player in the digital discovery and social media space, with a significant focus on advertising revenue and user engagement.