Tom Anderson's Myspace Earnings and the 2005 Sale
Tom Anderson co-founded Myspace in 2003 with Chris DeWolfe, and the platform grew into the world's most visited social network by 2006. In July 2005, News Corp acquired Myspace for $580 million, with Anderson receiving a reported $180 million from his personal stake, according to public filings and Forbes coverage Forbes.
The sale price and Anderson's share were shaped by rapid user growth and strategic interest from Rupert Murdoch's media empire. Anderson's cut made him one of the standout earners among early social media founders, even before the company's later decline in market share.
Post-Sale Income, Investments, and Advisory Roles
After Myspace, Anderson remained active in tech and venture capital, co-founding the startup studio Mysterious Ventures and advising early-stage companies. Public data suggests he continued to earn from advisory equity and consulting deals, though exact annual income figures are not disclosed in SEC filings or earnings reports SEC.
Anderson also participated in angel investments and limited partnerships focused on consumer internet and media technology, which generated capital gains and management fees over time. These activities diversified his post-Myspace earnings beyond the initial sale proceeds.
Myspace's Financial Legacy and Anderson's Net Worth
Myspace's value fell sharply after 2008 as Facebook overtook it in users and advertisers, leading to multiple ownership changes and layoffs. Despite the decline, the brand still generates revenue through music licensing and branded content, while Anderson's personal wealth is estimated in the hundreds of millions based on his known sale stake and later investments Forbes.
Public records and media estimates place Anderson's net worth around $180 million to $200 million, with the Myspace sale as the primary source. His earnings story is often cited as a case study in early internet wealth creation and the volatility of social platforms Forbes.