Daniel Ek

Daniel Ek (#393)

I'm not an inventor. I just want to make things better.

$ 9 B
Spotify
Sweden
M
43 Years

About Me

Daniel Ek is the cofounder of streaming music service Spotify and remained its CEO through 2025. He announced plans to assume the role of executive chairman in 2026, focusing more on the company's long-term strategy. Ek and his business parter Martin Lorentzon founded the company in 2006 in Sweden, and launched the product in 2008. Today, Spotify boasts over 696 million users and 276 million subscribers across 184 markets. In September 2021, Ek pledged to invest 1 billion euros in European technology, cofounding VC firm Prima Materia

Achievements

Career Highlights

A snapshot of the defining milestones, leadership decisions, and breakthroughs that shaped Daniel Ek’s rise and global influence.

#346 Billionaires (2026)
30 Under 30 - Hall of Fame (2022)
30 Under 30 - Music (2013)
30 Under 30 - Consumer Technology (2012)
30 Under 30 - Technology (2011)

Wealth Growth

Net Worth Growth Over Time

Tracking Daniel Ek’s net worth journey over the years, highlighting key growth phases and financial milestones.

Current Net Worth: $9.0B (May 4, 2026)