Vlad Tenev is a Bulgarian-American entrepreneur who has gained significant recognition as the co-founder of Robinhood Markets, a prominent financial services company known for pioneering commission-free trading. Tenev's entrepreneurial spirit has led him to his latest venture, Harmonic, an artificial intelligence startup. Harmonic was co-founded by Tenev in 2023, with the ambitious goal of creating a sophisticated AI capable of solving complex mathematical problems. This development positions Tenev at the intersect of fintech and AI innovation, extending his influence into cutting-edge technological advancements.
In recent years, Vlad Tenev has been actively involved in advancing Harmonic, his AI startup geared towards solving complex mathematical challenges. Key developments since 2024 include:
2025: Harmonic raised $100 million in a Series B funding round, valuing the company at approximately $875 million. This funding round was led by Kleiner Perkins and included notable investors like Sequoia Capital and Index Ventures. Harmonic aims to develop "mathematical superintelligence" that surpasses human capabilities in math and applies this technology across various fields.
2024: Over the course of this year, Harmonic made progress in developing its flagship AI model, "Aristotle," which is designed to perform formal mathematical reasoning. This model is intended to rapidly and accurately solve math problems, providing substantial advancements for applied sciences, engineering, and computational theory.
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Vladimir Tenev |
| Born | February 13, 1987, in Bulgaria |
| Nationality | Bulgarian-American |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, Business Executive |
| Known For | Co-founder of Robinhood, Harmonic |
| Net Worth | $5.2 billion (2025) |
| Education | B.S. Mathematics from Stanford University, M.S. AI for Formal Mathematical Reasoning |
Vlad Tenev was born on February 13, 1987, in Bulgaria. He immigrated to the United States with his parents during his early childhood. Tenev demonstrated an early aptitude for mathematics that later influenced his educational and career choices. Pursuing higher education, Tenev attended Stanford University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. His inclination towards theoretical problem-solving and algorithmic thinking continued to develop during his time at Stanford. He later pursued a Master’s specializing in AI for Formal Mathematical Reasoning, aligning with his interest in merging mathematics with technological innovation.
The initial stages of Vlad Tenev's career were marked by his co-founding of Robinhood in 2013, a disruptive financial services company known for offering commission-free trades of stocks and ETFs. Tenev's key career milestones include:
Currently, Vlad Tenev serves as the executive chairman of Harmonic, focusing on strategic direction and advancement in artificial intelligence technologies centered on mathematical reasoning. Harmonic is poised to make significant contributions to fields like theoretical physics, aerospace, and advanced engineering through its AI models like Aristotle. By developing AI that transcends traditional mathematical problem-solving abilities, Tenev’s work at Harmonic has the potential to revolutionize how complex calculations are approached in multiple industries, ensuring accuracy and reliability in high-stakes environments.
Vlad Tenev exemplifies the archetypal modern entrepreneur with a vision not just to create enterprises, but also to push the boundaries of existing technologies. From democratizing finance with Robinhood to pioneering AI-driven solutions with Harmonic, Tenev's endeavors highlight his innovative spirit and commitment to impactful change. As of 2025, Tenev continues to shape the trajectory of AI research and its applications, potentially leaving a lasting legacy in both financial technology and artificial intelligence domains.