Netflix is a publicly traded company, which means many people and big organizations own parts of it. This includes individual investors who buy shares and large investment firms. Among these owners, co-founder Reed Hastings still holds a significant stake. As Netflix grew from a DVD rental service to a global streaming powerhouse, the answer to who owns Netflix has changed now, with many new investors joining the mix. 

So, let’s take a closer look at the faces and forces behind the world’s biggest streaming service and discover how it all came to be.

How was Netflix Founded?

Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph founded Netflix on August 29, 1997, in Scotts Valley, California. 

The idea for Netflix came during a carpool ride between the two co-founders. Hastings, who had just been charged a hefty late fee for returning a DVD, thought there had to be a better way to rent movies. This led to the concept of an online DVD rental service, where customers could receive DVDs by mail.

Initially, Netflix started as a DVD rental service, launching its website on April 14, 1998, with around 925 titles available for rent. Customers could choose movies online, and Netflix would mail them the DVDs. 

The service quickly gained popularity, especially as it introduced a subscription model in September 1999, allowing customers to rent an unlimited number of DVDs for a flat monthly fee.

As technology advanced, Netflix saw the potential in streaming. In January 2007, the company launched its streaming service, allowing subscribers to watch movies and shows instantly over the internet. This shift marked a significant turning point for Netflix, transforming it into the leading streaming platform we know today.

Over the years, Netflix has continued to innovate and expand, producing original content and reaching millions of viewers worldwide.

Who owns netflix. How Netflix was founded
Who owns netflix How Netflix was founded

Who Owns Netflix?

Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ: NFLX) is one of the leading streaming platforms globally, and its ownership is a mix of institutional and individual shareholders. 

As of 2024, institutional investors hold a significant majority of Netflix’s shares, reflecting confidence in the company’s growth potential and strategic direction. Below is a detailed breakdown of who owns Netflix including top shareholders and their stakes.

Top Institutional Shareholders

  1. Vanguard Group Inc.
  • Stake: Approximately 8.53%
  • Value: Approximately $22.22 billion
  • Shares Owned: About 36.6 million shares

Vanguard is a leading global investment management company with around $9.3 trillion in assets under management. It is famous for its focus on low-cost index funds and ETFs. 

Vanguard’s significant stake in Netflix demonstrates its confidence in the company’s long-term growth prospects.

  1. BlackRock Inc.
  • Stake: Approximately 7.3%
  • Value: Approximately $13.20 billion
  • Shares Owned: About 31.38 million shares

BlackRock is the world’s largest asset manager, with approximately $10.47 trillion in assets under management. The firm invests across various asset classes and has a strong presence in ETF management. 

BlackRock’s investment in Netflix reflects its belief in the company’s strategic direction and market position.

  1. FMR LLC (Fidelity Management & Research)
  • Stake: Approximately 4.9%
  • Shares Owned: About 21.01 million shares

FMR LLC owns Fidelity Investments. It is one of the largest financial services firms in the U.S., providing a variety of investment products and services.

Its stake in Netflix indicates a positive outlook on the streaming giant’s future.

  1. State Street Corporation
  • Stake: Approximately 3.8%

State Street is a global financial service and bank holding company with about $4.1 trillion in assets under management. It provides investment management and servicing solutions. 

State Street’s investment in Netflix highlights its confidence in the company’s growth trajectory.

  1. T. Rowe Price Group
  • Stake: Approximately 2.7%

T. Rowe Price is a global investment management firm that manages approximately $1.6 trillion in assets. It focuses on long-term growth strategies and has a diversified portfolio. 

Its investment in Netflix reflects a bullish stance on the streaming service’s potential.

Who owns netflix. Streaming services

Who Owns Netflix: Top Individual Shareholders

  1. Reed Hastings
  • Stake: Approximately 1.25%
  • Shares Owned: About 5.4 million shares

Co-founder and former CEO of Netflix, Reed Hastings has been instrumental in shaping the company’s vision and strategy. His significant ownership stake underscores his commitment to Netflix’s growth and innovation.

  1. Ted Sarandos
  • Stake: Less than 1%
  • Shares Owned: Approximately 673,889 shares

Co-CEO of Netflix, Ted Sarandos, has played a crucial role in the company’s content strategy and expansion into original programming.

  1. Greg Peters
  • Stake: Less than 1%
  • Shares Owned: Approximately 364,912 shares

Co-CEO of Netflix, Greg Peters, has been involved in the company’s operational and strategic decisions, contributing to its success in the streaming market.

Who Owns Netflix and its Impact on Netflix Audience

In a nutshell, it is evident that anyone who buys a share has a small piece of it. Whether big investors or regular people, Netflix belongs to all who invest in it. It is essential to know that Netflix can increase its stock prices in the future which can impact its stockholders. 

Throughout its history, Netflix has shown that changes in ownership don’t necessarily affect its performance. What’s important is that the platform continues to deliver high-quality content. As long as Netflix maintains its standards, it will likely keep shaping how we consume entertainment. The company’s ability to adapt and evolve has been the key to its success, regardless of who owns it.

Sources

  1. https://canvasbusinessmodel.com/blogs/owners/netflix-who-owns
  2. https://www.zippia.com/netflix-careers-8010/history/
  3. https://www.investopedia.com/articles/insights/060716/top-3-netflix-shareholders-nflx.asp
  4. https://www.techopedia.com/who-owns-netflix-stock
  5. https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/BLK/
  6. https://investors.statestreet.com/investor-news-events/press-releases/news-details/2024/State-Street-Corporation-NYSE-STT-Reports-Fourth-Quarter-and-Full-Year-2023-Financial-Results/default.aspx
  7. https://www.fool.com/investing/how-to-invest/stocks/who-owns-netflix/
  8. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/ca/investing/how-to-buy-netflix-nflx-stock/