Reid Hoffman, LinkedIn co-founder, informed Microsoft's board on Tuesday of his decision not to run for reelection as a director, ending a tenure of almost a decade. Hoffman will remain on the board until Microsoft's annual meeting at the end of the year. The departure allows Hoffman to focus on his new AI-native biopharmaceutical company Manas, with Hoffman telling Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella he should transition to "founder mode." Hoffman joined Microsoft's board early in 2017, shortly after selling LinkedIn to the software giant for $27 billion in 2016.
Microsoft Acquired LinkedIn for $27 Billion in 2016
Hoffman started LinkedIn in 2002 and built it into the leading site for professionals to connect and for recruiters to find talent. Microsoft acquired the company for $27 billion in 2016. Hoffman, 58, joined Microsoft's board of directors early the next year, according to a filing with the SEC.
Hoffman Stepped Down from OpenAI Board in 2023
Hoffman was among the donors to OpenAI when it launched in 2015 as a nonprofit. As Microsoft allied itself closely to OpenAI through investments and a technology partnership, Hoffman stepped down from the OpenAI board in 2023. "By stepping off the board, I can proactively put to rest any downstream potential issues for both OpenAI and all Greylock portfolio companies I've backed," Hoffman wrote at the time.
Hoffman Co-Founded AI Biopharmaceutical Company Manas
Hoffman is now a co-founder of Manas, which calls itself an "AI-native biopharmaceutical company." In recent days, Hoffman indicated to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella that he should focus on that project. "At the end of the year, I should really be transitioning right now to being in founder mode," Hoffman said on a podcast alongside Nadella that was released on Friday.
Hoffman was also a co-founder of AI startup Inflection, alongside Mustafa Suleyman, a founder of the DeepMind AI lab that Google bought in 2014. In 2024, Microsoft said Suleyman and several other Inflection employees were joining Microsoft. Suleyman is now CEO of Microsoft AI.
DOJ Investigating Group with Ties to Hoffman
Earlier this year the U.S. Justice Department released documents showing communications between Hoffman and financier Jeffrey Epstein, who had been arrested on child sex trafficking charges before dying by suicide in a New York prison. Hoffman has apologized for associating with Epstein.
Reuters reported last week that the Justice Department was investigating a group with ties to Hoffman over contributions to E. Jean Carroll's legal battles against President Donald Trump. "He is investigating me because I supported E Jean's lawsuit --- where a jury found Trump liable for sexually assaulting her, and a court of appeals upheld the decision," Hoffman wrote on X.
Prior to starting LinkedIn, Hoffman was an executive vice president at PayPal. He has also been a prominent venture capitalist, becoming a general partner at venture firm Greylock in 2009.
FAQ
When did Reid Hoffman inform Microsoft of his decision to leave the board?
Reid Hoffman informed Microsoft's board on Tuesday of his decision not to run for reelection as a director. He will remain on the board until Microsoft's annual meeting at the end of the year.
Why did Reid Hoffman leave Microsoft's board?
Hoffman indicated to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella that he should focus on his new AI-native biopharmaceutical company Manas. Hoffman said he should be transitioning to "founder mode" for this new venture.
How much did Microsoft pay to acquire LinkedIn?
Microsoft acquired LinkedIn for $27 billion in 2016. Hoffman joined Microsoft's board of directors early in 2017 following the acquisition.
