Michael & Xochi Birch: Net Worth, Background, and Current Roles
Michael Birch is a British-born internet entrepreneur who co-founded Bebo, a social networking site sold to AOL in 2008 for about $850 million. Xochi Birch is an American entrepreneur and co-founder of Bungalow, a co-living platform that has raised over $130 million in venture funding. Together, the Birches are listed among notable angel investors and former owners of the San Francisco Chronicle, which they purchased in 2014 and later sold to the Hearst Corporation in 2020. Their investment portfolio spans consumer internet, real estate, and media companies, with public data from sources such as Forbes highlighting their role in early-stage technology funding and their continued involvement in San Francisco-based startups read more here.
The Birches' combined net worth has been estimated in the hundreds of millions of dollars, driven by the sale of Bebo, Bungalow's growth, and strategic real estate holdings in San Francisco. Public records and SEC filings show their investments in multiple private and public companies, including stakes in ride-hailing and short-term rental platforms. Xochi Birch serves as a board member and advisor at Bungalow, which operates over 10,000 beds across several U.S. cities as of the latest available data. Michael Birch remains active in angel investing and has publicly discussed his focus on consumer internet products and community-driven platforms see SEC filings.
Companies, Investments, and Portfolio Overview
The Birches' portfolio includes stakes in companies across fintech, real estate technology, and direct-to-consumer brands. Bungalow, their most prominent current venture, is a co-living startup that partners with property owners to furnish and manage shared homes, targeting young professionals and remote workers. The company has raised funding from investors such as Greylock Partners and Lightspeed Venture Partners, with total disclosed funding exceeding $130 million read more here. Other known investments include early-stage internet companies and media ventures, with Michael Birch having previously sold Bebo to AOL for a reported $850 million in 2008.
Beyond Bungalow, the Birches have invested in real estate development and property management firms in the San Francisco Bay Area. Xochi Birch has been involved in ventures that emphasize community-building and sustainable urban living, aligning with Bungalow's mission to make housing more affordable and social. The Birches also co-founded the media company that owned the San Francisco Chronicle before its sale to Hearst in 2020, a transaction that was part of a broader strategy to diversify their investment portfolio. Their angel investments have included consumer internet and mobile apps, with several portfolio companies achieving significant user growth and acquisitions see SEC filings.
Bungalow, Media Ventures, and Real Estate Activities
Bungalow, co-founded by Xochi