Who Is Shawn Fanning? Age, Biography and Wiki
Shawn Fanning, born on November 22, 1980, is a renowned American computer programmer, entrepreneur, and angel investor. Fanning first gained fame as the co-founder of Napster, the pioneering peer-to-peer file-sharing service that revolutionized the music industry in the late 1990s. As of 2025, he is 44 years old. Over the years, Fanning has continued to be influential in the tech world, contributing to various startups and innovative projects.
| Occupation | Computer Programmer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 22, 1980 |
| Age | 44 Years |
| Birth Place | Brockton, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Shawn Fanning's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific height and weight data for Shawn Fanning is not widely publicized, he is known for a slim build typical of many tech entrepreneurs. Estimates suggest that he stands approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs around 160 pounds. His health and fitness regime remains private, although he’s been spotted enjoying outdoor activities and maintaining an active lifestyle.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Shawn Fanning tends to keep his personal life out of the limelight. As of 2025, it is unclear if he is currently in a relationship or dating anyone publicly. Fanning has not disclosed any information about a boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, or wife, leading fans to speculate about his romantic life. He has a supportive family, although little information is shared about his parents or siblings.
In 2002, Fanning was named to the MIT Technology Review TR100 as one of the top 100 innovators in the world under the age of 35. In 2003, he opened a new company, Snocap, along with Jordan Mendelson (Napster's chief architect), and Ron Conway. The company aspired to be a legitimate marketplace for digital media.
However, their partners and the public did not respond well. Customer support was poor, and technical issues were numerous. One of their primary partners, CD Baby, wrote a scathing account of their relationship. In late 2007, Snocap laid off 60% of its workforce.
ValleyWag wrote an article that Fanning had long left Snocap and began to work on another venture, Rupture. The ValleyWag article stated that the failure was largely due to Snocap's CEO Rusty Rueff and that of former VP Engineering Dave Rowley, who "made a mess of engineering before he was fired". Snocap was looking to sell itself and fast.
In 2008, they found a buyer: imeem acquired Snocap in a fire sale.
Net Worth and Salary
Shawn Fanning's net worth in 2025 is estimated to be around $50 million. His fortune primarily stems from his early success with Napster, which he sold for a significant sum, and his subsequent ventures in the tech industry. As an angel investor, Fanning has invested in various startups, further increasing his wealth. His earnings have significantly fluctuated over the years, reflecting both successful investments and business ventures.
Career, Business and Investments
After stepping back from Napster following its initial success, Shawn Fanning explored various avenues within the tech industry. He co-founded several startups, including Snocap, a digital rights management service, and is known for being an early investor in companies like Path and Socialcam. In 2025, he remains active as an angel investor, focusing on emerging technologies and innovative projects that aim to disrupt traditional markets. His experience as a pioneer in file-sharing continues to inform his investment decisions today.
Shawn Fanning (born November 22, 1980) is an American computer programmer, entrepreneur, and angel investor. He developed Napster, one of the first popular peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing platforms, in 1999. The popularity of Napster was widespread and Fanning was featured on the cover of Time magazine.
Social Network
Shawn Fanning is relatively private on social media, but he maintains a presence on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn. He often shares insights about technology, entrepreneurship, and the future of digital content. While his follower count may not be as high as some celebrities, his contributions to discussions around tech and innovation attract a niche audience. Fans and industry enthusiasts can find him tweeting about new projects and sharing his perspective on various tech trends.
A few months after Fanning was laid off from Electronic Arts, he started a new company called Path.com. In January 2010, Dave Morin announced he was leaving Facebook, where he was a Senior Platform Manager, to join Fanning and become CEO at Path.
Education
Fanning attended Northeastern University, where he began his coursework in computer science before dropping out to launch Napster. His innovative skills and entrepreneurial spirit have been shaped by practical experience rather than formal education, which speaks to his hands-on approach to technology and business.
