Image credits: Wikimedia Commons
Kevin Systrom
December 30, 1983
Holliston, Massachusetts, US
42 Years Old
Capricorn
Who Is Kevin Systrom?
Kevin Systrom is an American computer programmer and entrepreneur, widely recognized for his pioneering role in visual social media. He co-founded Instagram, shaping digital communication globally.
His breakout arrived with Instagram’s launch in 2010, which swiftly gained millions of users, revolutionizing photo sharing. The app became a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its unique filters.
Early Life and Education
Growing up in Holliston, Massachusetts, Kevin Systrom was influenced by his parents; his mother was a marketing executive and his father a human resources vice president. He was introduced to computer programming at Middlesex School.
Systrom later attended Stanford University, graduating in 2006 with a degree in management science and engineering. During his studies, an internship at Odeo, the company that would become Twitter, provided early startup exposure.
Notable Relationships
Currently, Kevin Systrom is married to Nicole Schuetz, founder and CEO of Sutro Energy Group; they wed in Napa, California, in October 2016. They met as undergraduates at Stanford University and became engaged in 2014.
The Systroms share two children. The entrepreneur maintains a private family life, focusing publicly on his professional endeavors.
Career Highlights
Kevin Systrom co-founded Instagram in 2010, the photo-sharing service that quickly amassed millions of users, fundamentally changing online visual communication. The platform’s rapid growth led to its acquisition by Facebook for $1 billion in 2012.
Beyond Instagram’s initial success, Systrom remained its CEO until 2018, overseeing its expansion to over 800 million monthly users. More recently, he co-launched Artifact, an AI-powered news app, in 2023.
His entrepreneurial achievements include being listed in Forbes 30 “Under 30” in 2014 and becoming a billionaire by 2016. This cemented Systrom as a key figure in modern technology and social media innovation.
Signature Quote
“If you've got an idea, start today. There's no better time than now to get going.”