# Jeff Skoll

> Canadian engineer, internet entrepreneur and film producer

**Wikidata**: [Q710924](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q710924)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeffrey_Skoll)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/jeff-skoll

## Summary
Jeff Skoll is a Canadian engineer, internet entrepreneur, and film producer. He is best known as the co-founder of eBay, one of the first major online marketplaces, and later as a philanthropist and investor in technology and media.

## Biography
- Born: January 16, 1965, in Montreal, Canada
- Nationality: Canadian
- Education:
  - Bachelor of Applied Science with Honours in electrical engineering from the University of Toronto (1987)
  - Stanford University and Stanford Graduate School of Business
  - York Mills Collegiate Institute
- Known for: Co-founding eBay and pioneering early internet commerce
- Employer(s): eBay (co-founder), various venture capital and media investments
- Field(s): Internet entrepreneurship, engineering, film production

## Contributions
Jeff Skoll co-founded eBay in 1995, which became one of the first and most successful online marketplaces. He served as its CEO until 2008, overseeing its growth from a small startup to a global platform. Skoll also ventured into film production, founding the production company Skoll Films, which has produced documentaries and feature films. Beyond business, he has been a philanthropist, supporting education, technology, and arts initiatives through his foundation. His work in internet commerce and media has influenced the development of digital marketplaces and the broader tech industry.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Jeff Skoll best known for?
A: Jeff Skoll is best known as the co-founder of eBay, one of the first major online marketplaces, and for his work in internet entrepreneurship and film production.

### Q: Where did Jeff Skoll go to school?
A: Jeff Skoll earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in electrical engineering from the University of Toronto and attended Stanford University and the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

### Q: What is Skoll Films?
A: Skoll Films is a production company founded by Jeff Skoll that produces documentaries and feature films, including notable works in the media industry.

### Q: What awards has Jeff Skoll received?
A: Jeff Skoll has been recognized as an Officer of the Order of Canada for his contributions to business and philanthropy.

### Q: What is Jeff Skoll's net worth?
A: As of 2025, Jeff Skoll's net worth is estimated to be $5.4 billion, according to Forbes.

## Why They Matter
Jeff Skoll's contributions to internet commerce and media have had a lasting impact on the digital economy. eBay revolutionized online trading, setting a precedent for digital marketplaces that continue to shape e-commerce today. His work in film production has also influenced the media industry, supporting independent and documentary films. As a philanthropist, Skoll has invested in education and technology, furthering his commitment to innovation and social progress. His leadership in these fields has inspired entrepreneurs and investors, demonstrating the potential of digital platforms and creative ventures.

## Notable For
- Co-founded eBay, one of the first major online marketplaces, in 1995
- Served as eBay's CEO from 1995 to 2008, overseeing its global expansion
- Founded Skoll Films, a production company that has produced documentaries and feature films
- Received the Officer of the Order of Canada for his contributions to business and philanthropy
- Estimated net worth of $5.4 billion as of 2025

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Jeff Skoll was born on January 16, 1965, in Montreal, Canada. He attended York Mills Collegiate Institute and later earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in electrical engineering from the University of Toronto in 1987. He continued his education at Stanford University and the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

### Career in Internet Entrepreneurship
In 1995, Skoll co-founded eBay, an online marketplace that revolutionized internet commerce. He served as eBay's CEO until 2008, leading the company's growth from a small startup to a global platform. eBay's success laid the foundation for modern online marketplaces and digital trading.

### Film Production and Media
Beyond his work in internet commerce, Skoll founded Skoll Films, a production company that has produced documentaries and feature films. His involvement in media has supported independent and documentary projects, contributing to the film industry.

### Philanthropy and Investments
Skoll has been a philanthropist, supporting education, technology, and arts initiatives through his foundation. His investments in these areas have furthered his commitment to innovation and social progress.

### Awards and Recognition
Jeff Skoll has received the Officer of the Order of Canada for his contributions to business and philanthropy. His work has been recognized for its impact on internet commerce, media, and social progress.

## References

1. Faceted Application of Subject Terminology
2. filmportal.de
3. MAK
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. [The Forbes List 2025. Forbes. 2025](https://www.forbes.com/forbes-400/)
6. Quora
7. The Movie Database