Baiju Bhatt (Robinhood)
Overview
Baiju Bhatt is an Indian-American entrepreneur best known as the co-founder of Robinhood, a groundbreaking financial services platform that revolutionized stock trading by offering commission-free trades, making investing more accessible to the general public. Born in 1984/1985 in Poquoson, Virginia, Bhatt is the son of Gujarati immigrants. His rise from humble beginnings to becoming one of the youngest billionaires in the United States has made him a prominent figure in the fintech industry. With a reported net worth of approximately $6.9 billion as of 2025, Bhatt remains an influential force in the financial world. After co-founding Robinhood in 2013 with Vlad Tenev, Bhatt served in various leadership roles, including co-CEO and Chief Creative Officer, before stepping down from day-to-day operations in 2024. Bhatt holds a substantial ownership stake in Robinhood and continues to impact the financial sector through his board membership and entrepreneurial ventures such as Aetherflux, a space-based solar energy startup.
Recent Developments
- March 2024: Baiju Bhatt stepped down from his role as Chief Creative Officer at Robinhood, transitioning from day-to-day management while retaining a seat on the Board of Directors and maintaining his 6% equity stake in the company.
- 2024: Robinhood achieved record-breaking revenues of $3 billion, driven by a 400% surge in its stock value, bolstered by increased cryptocurrency trading and the introduction of new financial products such as IRAs and high-yield savings accounts.
- January 15, 2025: Bhatt sold approximately $4.1 million worth of Robinhood stock, according to an SEC filing, highlighting his continued involvement and financial maneuvers within the company.
- August 1, 2025: More substantial offloading of asset shares, selling over 1.6 million shares of Robinhood stock as part of strategic financial management.
- April 2025: Bhatt's space-based solar energy company, Aetherflux, garnered attention with its ambitious plans to use satellites to transmit power to Earth, securing $50 million in funding to further its mission.
- September 2025: Bhatt was recognized among the 10 youngest billionaires in the US on Forbes' esteemed list, highlighting his financial influence and the ongoing success of Robinhood.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Baiju Prafulkumar Bhatt |
| Born | 1984/1985, Poquoson, Virginia, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur |
| Known For | Co-founding Robinhood |
| Net Worth | $6.9 billion |
| Education | B.S. in Physics, M.S. in Mathematics, Stanford University |
Early Life and Education
Baiju Bhatt was born in Poquoson, Virginia, into a family of Indian immigrants. His early life was defined by financial hardship, especially after his father was diagnosed with kidney failure and was subsequently forced to abandon his PhD studies due to medical costs. Despite these challenges, Bhatt excelled academically, inspired by his father's academic endeavors and his own keen interest in physics, a fascination deepened by his father’s work at NASA's Langley Research Center. Bhatt attended Stanford University, where he completed a bachelor's degree in physics and a master's degree in mathematics in 2008. His time at Stanford was pivotal, not only for meeting his future business partner Vlad Tenev but also for nurturing his interest in fintech innovation, culminating in the co-founding of Robinhood.
Career and Notable Achievements
Baiju Bhatt’s professional journey began with the co-founding of Robinhood in 2013 alongside Vlad Tenev, aiming to democratize finance through commission-free stock trading. Key milestones in Bhatt’s career include:
- 2013: Founded Robinhood, inspired by the Occupy Wall Street movement, to offer an accessible financial trading platform.
- 2021: Robinhood went public at a $32 billion valuation on the Nasdaq exchange.
- 2015: Helped secure an Apple Design Award for Robinhood’s mobile app, emphasizing user-friendly design and functionality.
- 2024: Robinhood hit a financial pinnacle with $3 billion in revenue, supported by innovative product launches and cryptocurrency trading.
Current Work and Impact
While Baiju Bhatt has stepped back from executive roles at Robinhood, he continues to significantly influence the fintech sector as a board member. His entrepreneurial ambition led him to establish Aetherflux in 2024, a venture focused on harnessing space-based solar energy technology. This foray into sustainable energy expands Bhatt's impact beyond fintech, potentially revolutionizing global energy distribution. His vision includes improving access to renewable energy sources, further demonstrating his commitment to technological innovation and societal betterment.
Conclusion
Baiju Bhatt's journey from the child of Indian immigrants in Virginia to a leading figure in the fintech industry illustrates the power of innovation and resilience. The impact of Robinhood on retail investing cannot be overstated, fundamentally changing how everyday individuals approach investing. Bhatt's foresight and willingness to pursue ambitious projects continue to inspire new generations of entrepreneurs. As Bhatt delves into space-based renewable energy, his legacy seems poised to extend beyond finance—potentially effecting global changes in energy technology and accessibility. His pioneering work serves as a beacon of possibility, reshaping both industries and personal investment potential.