About
Robinhood: Democratizing Investing for All
Robinhood is redefining the financial landscape by providing a commission-free trading platform that makes investing accessible to everyone. With its mission to "democratize finance for all," Robinhood empowers a new generation of investors by breaking down traditional barriers to entry. The platform combines a user-friendly interface, zero-commission trades, and educational resources to enable millions of individuals to take control of their financial futures. By pioneering simplicity and accessibility in financial markets, Robinhood has become a cultural touchstone in the world of investing.
Founding Story: A Vision for Financial Inclusion
Robinhood was founded in 2013 by Vlad Tenev and Baiju Bhatt, who shared a bold vision to transform the way people engage with the financial markets. Having worked on Wall Street, they saw firsthand how large financial institutions leveraged technology to gain an edge, while everyday investors were left behind due to high fees, lack of access, and complex interfaces.
Determined to level the playing field, Tenev and Bhatt created Robinhood as a mobile-first platform that eliminated commission fees for stock trading. By leveraging technology to lower costs and improve usability, they built a platform that resonated with younger, tech-savvy users who were eager to participate in the markets but intimidated by traditional brokerage models. Since its launch, Robinhood has grown to become a cultural and financial phenomenon, with over 20 million users and a mission-driven approach that continues to challenge industry norms.
Why Susquehanna Capital Invested in Robinhood
At Susquehanna Capital, we seek out companies that disrupt entrenched systems with transformative technologies. Robinhood epitomizes this approach, leading a paradigm shift in how people invest and interact with the financial markets.
Robinhood stood out to us for three compelling reasons:
Market Potential: The intersection of technology and finance represents one of the largest and fastest-growing markets in the world. Robinhood’s unique focus on accessibility and simplicity positions it as a leader in onboarding a new wave of retail investors.
Mission-Driven Leadership: Vlad Tenev and Baiju Bhatt’s unwavering commitment to financial inclusion aligns deeply with our values. Their innovative approach to tackling systemic barriers in investing has set Robinhood apart from competitors.
Cultural Relevance: Robinhood is not just a platform; it is a movement. Its ability to capture the zeitgeist and redefine investing for younger generations gives it unparalleled brand equity and a loyal user base.
Impressive Growth Metrics
Robinhood’s impact on the financial industry is reflected in its remarkable growth and widespread adoption. Key milestones include:
User Growth: Robinhood has grown to serve over 22 million funded accounts, the majority of which belong to first-time investors, demonstrating its ability to engage new market participants.
Product Expansion: The platform now offers a broad range of products, including cryptocurrencies, options trading, and cash management services, positioning itself as a comprehensive financial ecosystem.
Revenue Growth: Robinhood has achieved significant revenue growth through innovative monetization strategies such as payment for order flow, which allows the platform to maintain its no-commission model.
Robinhood continues to transform how people invest by making financial markets more inclusive, engaging, and accessible. We are proud to support Robinhood in its mission to democratize finance and empower millions to achieve their financial goals. Through innovation, education, and accessibility, Robinhood is shaping the future of investing and redefining what it means to participate in the financial system.