Stephan Paternot (Slated): 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

Stephan Paternot is a Swiss-American entrepreneur best known as the co-founder of TheGlobe.com, recognized as one of the first social networking sites of the internet age. Launched in the mid-'90s during the dot-com boom, TheGlobe.com became a media sensation due to its record-setting initial public offering (IPO) that surged 606% on its first day of trading. This momentous event captured the zeitgeist of the internet bubble era. Currently, Paternot is the CEO of Slated, a platform dedicated to film financing, showcasing his transition from early internet entrepreneur to a key player in the film industry.

1. Early Life and Education

Stephan Paternot was born on March 21, 1974, in San Francisco, California. He later attended Cornell University, where he met his co-founder Todd Krizelman. The duo shared a fascination with the burgeoning internet and soon developed the concept for TheGlobe.com. Paternot pursued studies in computer science, which laid the groundwork for his future ventures in tech and entrepreneurship.

2. TheGlobe.com's Founding

TheGlobe.com was founded in 1994 while Paternot was still at Cornell University. It began as a site allowing users to personalize their online experience by creating communities and interacting in chat rooms, long before the advent of modern social media. This innovation positioned TheGlobe.com as a pioneer in online social networking.

3. The Record-Breaking IPO

On November 13, 1998, TheGlobe.com went public. Its IPO was one of the most dramatic of the era, with shares initially priced at $9 and closing at $63.50, amounting to a 606% increase. The media attention skyrocketed Paternot and Krizelman into the public eye, embodying the youthful optimism and excess of the '90s internet bubble.

4. Post-IPO Challenges

Despite its initial success, TheGlobe.com couldn't withstand the dot-com bubble's burst. The company's stock plummeted, and the site eventually struggled to sustain itself financially. By 2001, TheGlobe.com was delisted from NASDAQ, and its operations dwindled, leading to its final closure in 2008.

5. Stephan Paternot Net Worth

In recent assessments, Stephan Paternot's net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. Despite the financial collapse of TheGlobe.com, Paternot's wealth has been bolstered through subsequent business ventures and investments, notably in film production and venture capital.

6. Transition to Film: Co-founding Slated

In 2011, Paternot co-founded Slated, a platform designed to streamline and democratize film financing. The platform connects filmmakers with investors and industry professionals, facilitating project development and distribution. Under Paternot’s leadership, Slated has become a significant player in the indie film market.

7. Investment Endeavors

Apart from his work with Slated, Paternot has established himself as an angel investor through the Actarus Funds. This investment vehicle has supported numerous tech startups, effectively expanding Paternot’s influence in the technology sector beyond social media and film.

8. The Lasting Legacy of TheGlobe.com

TheGlobe.com's rise and fall are often cited as a quintessential story of the dot-com boom and bust. Its trajectory highlights both the potential and dangers of speculative investment during the early days of internet commerce. Paternot's journey from this experience has informed his cautious approach to new ventures.

9. The Relationship with Todd Krizelman

Todd Krizelman, co-founder of TheGlobe.com, has remained close to Paternot, both professionally and personally. Following their initial venture, Krizelman pursued different paths, including founding MediaRadar, an advertising intelligence platform. Their joint experience during TheGlobe.com's height remains a significant part of internet folklore.

10. Looking Forward: The Future of Slated

Under Paternot's guidance, Slated continues to evolve. The platform is exploring new content forms and distribution methods, aiming to use advanced analytics to optimize film financing and investment decisions. This ensures that Slated remains at the forefront of the evolving digital entertainment landscape.

Conclusion

Stephan Paternot's career, marked by dramatic highs and lows, reflects the volatile nature of entrepreneurship in the tech industry. As a pioneer of social networking, his experience underscores the importance of innovation and adaptability. Now at Slated, Paternot is shaping the future of film financing, applying his tech-driven mindset to move the industry forward. His story embodies resilience and the perpetual drive for relevance in a rapidly changing digital world.