Anthony Wood Then and Now

Anthony Wood Then

Anthony Wood was born on December 4, 1965, in Manchester, England, and his early life was marked by significant geographical transitions. 

At the age of 13, he relocated to the Netherlands with his family, where he experienced a diverse culture that likely influenced his later work. 

Eventually, Wood settled in Texas, a move that would connect him to a robust educational and technological landscape. 

His upbringing in multiple countries contributed to a unique worldview, blending British roots with European influences and an American ethos.

Wood’s passion for technology and innovation emerged early in his life. 

At just 19 years old, he showcased his creative talents by publishing “Lunar Lander” in the esteemed Ahoy! magazine, which was well-regarded in the gaming community. 

This early foray into publishing not only demonstrated his enthusiasm for technology but also hinted at his future endeavors in the tech industry. 

His academic journey continued at Texas A&M University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. 

This education equipped him with the technical skills and knowledge that would later be instrumental in his career, particularly in the rapidly evolving world of technology and digital media.

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Anthony Wood Business Career

While studying at Texas A&M University, Anthony Wood exhibited an entrepreneurial spirit that would define his career. 

He founded his first company, AW Software, with the aim of selling computer programs, which provided him with valuable experience in software development and business management. 

Concurrently, he launched SunRize Industries, where he developed software and hardware for the Amiga, a popular home computer platform in the late 1980s. 

These early ventures not only honed his technical skills but also deepened his understanding of the tech industry’s market dynamics.

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After graduating, Wood continued to build on his entrepreneurial successes by founding SunRize version 2, further expanding his focus on technology solutions. 

In 1995, he achieved a significant milestone with the launch of iBand, a company that specialized in internet-based products and services. 

This venture garnered attention when it was acquired by Macromedia for $36 million, leading Wood to serve as vice president of Internet Authoring at the company. 

His tenure at Macromedia provided him with insights into the evolving internet landscape, setting the stage for his subsequent innovations.

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In September 1997, after leaving Macromedia, Wood embarked on a new venture with the launch of ReplayTV, a pioneering digital video recorder (DVR) company. 

The idea for ReplayTV stemmed from Wood’s frustration at missing episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation, highlighting how personal experiences can drive innovation. 

ReplayTV introduced groundbreaking features, such as ad-skipping, rewinding, and pausing live television, revolutionizing the way audiences consumed media. 

The company achieved significant success, and Wood sold ReplayTV in 2002 to SONICblue Incorporated for $42 million.

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In the same year, Wood founded Roku, Inc., his sixth startup, with the vision of marketing home digital devices. 

The name “Roku,” meaning “six” in Japanese, symbolized his sixth entrepreneurial endeavor. In 2007, he joined Netflix, Inc. as the vice president of Internet TV, reporting directly to Reed Hastings. 

During this time, Wood retained his role as CEO of Roku, where he played a pivotal role in developing the Netflix-streaming player and applications that allowed users to stream Netflix content on their computers. 

Eventually, Netflix spun Wood’s engineering team back out to Roku, further cementing his legacy as a key player in the digital media revolution.

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Anthony Wood’s Wife and Children

During his time in college, Anthony Wood met his wife, Susan, who was pursuing a degree in environmental design. 

Their relationship blossomed amid the backdrop of their academic pursuits, and they eventually married, forming a partnership that has been a source of support throughout Wood’s entrepreneurial journey. 

Together, they have three children, fostering a family life that balances the demands of Wood’s innovative career with their shared values of education and creativity. 

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The family resides in Palo Alto, California, a hub of technological advancement and innovation that aligns perfectly with Wood’s professional endeavors. 

Their home life reflects a commitment to both personal and professional growth, with a focus on nurturing their children’s development in an environment rich with opportunity and inspiration.

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Anthony Wood Now

As of now, Anthony Wood is an accomplished businessman, recognized as the founder, Chairman, and CEO of Roku, Inc., a company that has significantly transformed how people access and consume media. 

Wood’s journey in the tech industry, characterized by a series of successful ventures, has culminated in his current role at Roku, where he has been instrumental in shaping the company’s vision and strategy. 

His leadership has positioned Roku as a leader in the streaming market, offering innovative solutions that cater to the evolving preferences of consumers.

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In April 2021, Wood’s financial success was underscored by his ownership of a 15% stake in Roku, reflecting his deep commitment to the company’s growth and success. 

This stake not only signifies his investment in the company but also showcases his belief in Roku’s potential to continue revolutionizing the entertainment industry. 

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Wood’s status as a billionaire businessman is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit, technical acumen, and ability to navigate the complexities of the tech landscape. 

His journey from a young programmer to a prominent figure in the tech industry exemplifies the impact of innovation and perseverance, inspiring aspiring entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts alike.

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Anthony Wood’s Net Worth

Anthony Wood is an English-American businessman and entrepreneur with a net worth of $1.9 billion, a testament to his remarkable success in the technology sector, particularly through his pivotal role as the founder and CEO of Roku, Inc. 

This significant wealth reflects not only his entrepreneurial achievements but also his ability to anticipate and adapt to the rapidly changing landscape of digital media and streaming services.

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