Roblox is one of the world’s most popular online gaming platforms. Millions use it daily to create and play games. But many often wonder—who owns Roblox? This article explores its history, ownership, and control, giving you a complete picture of the company behind the virtual universe.
History of Roblox
Roblox was founded in 2004 by David Baszucki and Erik Cassel. The platform was officially released in 2006. It started as an educational tool to teach physics through simulations.
It evolved into a social gaming platform. The company focused on user-generated content, allowing players to design their own games.
By 2013, Roblox began to scale significantly. Mobile versions were launched, and developers started earning money from their creations.
In March 2021, Roblox Corporation went public on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol “RBLX.” This marked a major milestone in the company’s growth.
Who Owns Roblox: Largest Shareholders
Roblox Corporation is a publicly traded company. That means it is owned by shareholders who hold its stock. While many people own shares, a few large shareholders hold significant influence. The largest individual shareholder is its co-founder and CEO, David Baszucki.
Institutional investors, like investment firms and mutual funds, also hold large stakes in the company. These shareholders do not run the company day-to-day but have voting rights that influence major decisions.
Here’s a list of the major shareholders of Roblox:
| Shareholder | Ownership (%) | Type | Role / Influence |
|---|---|---|---|
| David Baszucki | ~8.4% | Insider / Individual | CEO & Co-founder; holds Class B shares with 20x voting power; controlling shareholder |
| Altos Ventures | ~10.6% | Venture Capital Firm | Early investor; board representation; strategic influence |
| Index Ventures | ~9.3% | Venture Capital Firm | Early investor; board presence; strategic advisory role |
| Morgan Stanley | ~5.2% | Institutional Investor | Passive investor; voting power in shareholder decisions |
| Vanguard Group | ~5.1% | Institutional Investor | Long-term index investor; active in governance votes |
| BlackRock | ~4.6% | Institutional Investor | Major global investor; participates in ESG and governance issues |
| T. Rowe Price | ~3.2% | Mutual Fund Manager | Long-term investor; influence via proxy votes |
| Tiger Global Management | ~2.9% | Hedge Fund | Growth-focused; may advocate for performance-driven changes |
| Baillie Gifford | ~2.3% | Growth Investment Firm | Long-term tech investor; supports founder-led strategy |
| Other Executives & Directors | ~10% | Insiders | Senior leadership; aligned with Baszucki; some hold Class B shares |
David Baszucki – Approx. 8.4%, CEO and Co-founder
David Baszucki is the most influential person in Roblox. He holds around 8.4% of the total outstanding shares, but more importantly, he owns Class B shares. These shares give him 20 votes per share, compared to just 1 vote for Class A shares held by the general public. This special voting power gives Baszucki over 60% of total voting control, allowing him to make most decisions unchallenged.
As the co-founder and CEO, Baszucki guides the vision and long-term strategy of Roblox. He also holds the title “Builderman” within the platform and is directly involved in community engagement. His ownership stake might not be the largest, but due to the voting structure, he is the controlling shareholder.
Altos Ventures – Approx. 10.6%, Early Institutional Investor
Altos Ventures is a venture capital firm that invested early in Roblox. It currently owns about 10.6% of Roblox shares. While it does not have the same voting power as Baszucki, its large economic stake gives it influence over corporate decisions—especially when combined with other institutional investors.
Altos has supported Roblox from its private funding rounds and helped it scale during the pre-IPO phase. Although not involved in day-to-day operations, the firm is represented on the board and plays a role in long-term planning and governance.
Index Ventures – Approx. 9.3%, Venture Capital Investor
Index Ventures is another significant early investor. With around 9.3% ownership, the firm helped finance Roblox’s expansion before it went public. Index Ventures typically invests in high-growth tech companies, and Roblox fits their strategy perfectly.
Their stake, like Altos’, does not come with special voting rights, but it offers substantial leverage when voting on shareholder matters or negotiating governance. The firm maintains an advisory role through its board involvement.
Morgan Stanley – Approx. 5.2%, Institutional Investor
Morgan Stanley holds an estimated 5.2% of Roblox’s Class A shares through its investment and asset management arms. As a major institutional investor, Morgan Stanley manages portfolios for thousands of clients and often buys large positions in publicly traded tech companies.
Morgan Stanley is considered a passive investor, meaning it doesn’t participate in operations. However, it votes in proxy matters such as board elections, mergers, and shareholder proposals. Its stake gives it significant weight in corporate decisions.
Vanguard Group – Approx. 5.1%, Index Fund Manager
Vanguard Group owns about 5.1% of Roblox’s shares. It is one of the world’s largest asset managers, overseeing trillions in client assets through mutual funds and ETFs. Vanguard typically holds shares long-term and votes based on internal governance policies.
Though it doesn’t influence company operations directly, Vanguard’s voting power helps shape major decisions. It often pushes for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) transparency in its portfolio companies.
BlackRock – Approx. 4.6%, Global Investment Manager
BlackRock holds around 4.6% of Roblox stock. Like Vanguard, it invests through index and mutual funds. BlackRock is known for advocating shareholder rights and has significant sway in corporate America due to its large holdings across many companies.
Its investment in Roblox reflects confidence in the platform’s long-term potential. BlackRock may also participate in shareholder advocacy efforts, depending on how Roblox handles issues like user safety and metaverse development.
T. Rowe Price – Approx. 3.2%, Mutual Fund Manager
T. Rowe Price is another key institutional shareholder, with an estimated 3.2% stake. The firm offers mutual funds and retirement plans to millions of retail and institutional clients. It invests in Roblox as part of its long-term growth equity strategies.
T. Rowe Price occasionally issues opinions on company governance and strategic direction. Though not an activist investor, its vote can be critical in high-stakes proxy battles.
Tiger Global Management – Approx. 2.9%, Hedge Fund Investor
Tiger Global is a hedge fund known for investing in high-growth internet companies. It owns about 2.9% of Roblox. Unlike passive investors, Tiger Global may take a more aggressive approach if it sees underperformance.
It could advocate for changes to strategy or leadership, especially if Roblox’s financial results lag behind expectations. Tiger Global is not on the board but can use its economic influence to shape shareholder discussions.
Baillie Gifford – Approx. 2.3%, Long-Term Growth Investor
Baillie Gifford, a UK-based investment firm, holds about 2.3% of Roblox stock. It is known for backing high-potential tech companies globally. Baillie Gifford often supports founders and long-term innovation over short-term profits.
The firm rarely gets involved in governance matters, but its consistent backing signals institutional trust in Roblox’s future.
Company Executives and Directors – Combined Approx. 10%
Aside from David Baszucki, other Roblox executives and board members collectively hold about 10% of the company. This includes Chief Financial Officer Michael Guthrie and other senior leaders. While their individual stakes are smaller, they align closely with Baszucki’s decisions.
Their combined holdings ensure that Roblox remains founder-led and aligned with long-term goals. These insiders often hold Class B shares as well, increasing their voting power.
Who Controls Roblox: Decision-Makers and Leadership
Roblox operates with founder-led control. While many investors own Roblox shares, actual decision-making rests largely in the hands of one person—David Baszucki, the co-founder and CEO. His voting power, board influence, and leadership position make him the central figure in Roblox’s corporate structure.
David Baszucki – Founder, CEO, and Controlling Shareholder
David Baszucki is the creative force behind Roblox. He co-founded the company in 2004 and has served as CEO ever since. He leads all major corporate decisions, from product strategy and innovation to partnerships and long-term growth.
Baszucki is not just the CEO—he is also the largest controlling shareholder. Through his ownership of Class B shares, he holds over 60% of total voting power. These super-voting shares carry 20 votes per share, while Class A shares (held by regular investors) carry only one. This structure ensures that Baszucki maintains control even though he owns less than 10% of the company’s total equity.
He is deeply involved in Roblox’s development philosophy and culture. Known in the Roblox community as “Builderman”, Baszucki continues to engage with both developers and users. His vision is central to the company’s evolution as a metaverse and digital experience platform.
Board of Directors – Oversight and Strategic Guidance
Roblox has a formal Board of Directors, which oversees governance, compliance, and strategic planning. The board includes a mix of company executives, independent members, and venture capital representatives from firms like Altos Ventures and Index Ventures.
However, because of Baszucki’s voting control, the board’s power is somewhat limited. They can advise and recommend, but Baszucki can override most decisions with his majority voting rights. Still, the board plays a key role in setting policies, reviewing executive performance, and ensuring legal and ethical compliance.
Executive Leadership Team – Operational Control
Alongside Baszucki, Roblox is managed by a senior executive team. Some notable leaders include:
- Michael Guthrie – Chief Financial Officer (CFO): Oversees financial operations, reporting, and investor relations.
- Manuel Bronstein – Chief Product Officer (CPO): Leads product innovation and user experience.
- Craig Donato – Chief Business Officer (CBO): Manages partnerships, advertising, and platform monetization.
- Daniel Sturman – Chief Technology Officer (CTO): Directs engineering and infrastructure strategy.
These executives carry out Roblox’s strategic goals and manage its vast platform. They report directly to the CEO and ensure the company meets performance targets and development milestones.
Shareholder Influence – Limited Operational Control
Although institutional investors like Vanguard, Morgan Stanley, and BlackRock own significant Class A shares, they have limited influence over Roblox’s operations. Their voting power is diluted by Baszucki’s Class B shares.
These investors can participate in annual meetings, vote on board elections, and raise shareholder proposals. But in practice, most decisions require Baszucki’s approval to pass.
Super-Voting Share Structure – Ensuring Founder Control
Roblox’s dual-class share structure is key to understanding who controls it. The system is designed to protect the founder’s long-term vision from short-term market pressures. Many tech companies like Meta (Facebook) and Google use similar structures.
Here’s a quick summary:
- Class A shares: 1 vote per share; held by the public and institutions.
- Class B shares: 20 votes per share; mostly held by Baszucki and insiders.
This structure gives Roblox long-term stability under founder leadership, while still allowing public investment and liquidity.
Annual Revenue and Net Worth of Roblox
In 2024, Roblox reported a total revenue of $3.602 billion representing a 29% year-over-year increase from 2023. This growth was primarily driven by heightened user engagement and increased spending on the platform’s virtual currency, Robux.
Key financial metrics for 2024 include:
- Bookings: $4.369 billion, up 24% year-over-year.
- Net Loss: $935.4 million, a reduction from the $1.16 billion loss in 2023.
- Adjusted EBITDA: $180.2 million.
- Operating Cash Flow: $822.3 million, marking a 79% increase from the previous year.
- Free Cash Flow: $641.3 million, up 417% year-over-year.
As of April 2025, Roblox’s market capitalization stands at approximately $38.15 billion. This valuation reflects investor confidence in the company’s growth trajectory and its position within the gaming and metaverse sectors.
Here’s a breakdown of the historical annual revenue of Roblox:
| Year | Annual Revenue (USD) | Revenue Growth |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 (Projected) | $4.2–$4.3 billion | 18–21% (est.) |
| 2024 | $3.60 billion | 28.68% |
| 2023 | $2.80 billion | 25.81% |
| 2022 | $2.23 billion | 15.94% |
| 2021 | $1.92 billion | 107.73% |
| 2020 | $923.88 million | 81.73% |
| 2019 | $508.39 million | 56.45% |
| 2018 | $324.96 million | — |
| 2017 | $45 million | — |
Brands and Companies Owned by Roblox
Roblox Corporation has strategically expanded its ecosystem through several acquisitions, enhancing its platform’s capabilities and user experience. Below are detailed insights into the key brands and companies owned and operated by Roblox:
| Company/Brand Name | Year Acquired/Formed | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Guilded | 2021 | Gaming communication platform for teams and communities. |
| PacketZoom | 2018 | Mobile app performance optimization technology. |
| Hamul Inc. | 2022 | Social gaming features, overlays, and interactive tools. |
| Bash Video | 2021 | Scalable video communication tools for in-game interaction. |
| Twin Atlas | 2022 (studio merger) | Roblox game development (merged RedManta + Sonar Studios). |
| Roblox Studio | In-house brand | Game creation engine for developers to build and publish games. |
| Robux | In-house brand | Virtual currency used for in-game purchases. |
| Avatar Marketplace | In-house brand | Platform for buying, selling, and trading avatar items. |
| Roblox Premium | In-house brand | Subscription service offering Robux and exclusive benefits. |
| Roblox Education | In-house brand | Tools and resources to teach coding and game design. |
Guilded
Guilded was acquired in August 2021. It is a communication platform built specifically for gaming communities. The service offers features such as voice chat, video calls, event calendars, and group scheduling. Unlike more general tools like Discord, Guilded focuses on organized team gameplay. Since the acquisition, it operates as an independent division within Roblox, aiming to expand social interactions among creators and players.
PacketZoom
Roblox acquired PacketZoom in 2018. PacketZoom was a mobile networking startup that developed technology to improve app performance, especially in areas with poor internet connectivity. Its Mobile Expresslane platform helped reduce load times and latency. By integrating PacketZoom’s technology, Roblox improved user experience on mobile devices across various global markets.
Hamul Inc.
Hamul was acquired by Roblox in April 2022 for $19.3 million. The company specializes in developing technology to make social experiences more fun and interactive in games. Hamul’s tools allowed players to interact using video overlays, memes, and effects during gameplay. This acquisition enhanced Roblox’s social layer, encouraging richer in-game communication and creativity.
Bash Video
Bash Video was also acquired in 2021. It was a video technology platform that offered lightweight and scalable video communication tools. Roblox acquired Bash Video to improve communication tools within the Roblox engine and support its goal of developing more immersive digital experiences with real-time audio and video capabilities.
Twin Atlas
Twin Atlas was formed in 2022 through the merger of two major Roblox studios—RedManta Games and Sonar Studios. Both studios were known for their hit games such as “World // Zero” and “Dragon Adventures.” Together, they form a powerful internal brand that creates premium content and branded virtual experiences for players and corporate partners.
Roblox Studio
Roblox Studio is the platform’s proprietary game development engine. It is the core creation tool used by millions of developers worldwide. Though not a “brand” in the consumer-facing sense, Roblox Studio is a cornerstone of the company’s ecosystem. It allows anyone to create and publish games and virtual experiences.
Robux
Robux is the official virtual currency of the Roblox platform. It is used to buy avatar items, access paid experiences, and engage in microtransactions within games. Robux is central to the Roblox economy and plays a key role in monetization for both the platform and developers.
Avatar Marketplace
The Avatar Marketplace is a brand within the Roblox ecosystem where users buy, sell, and trade avatar items such as clothing, faces, gear, and accessories. It also supports UGC (User-Generated Content), enabling creators to earn Robux and build fashion brands inside the metaverse.
Roblox Premium
Roblox Premium is a subscription-based brand that offers users monthly Robux stipends, exclusive avatar shop discounts, and enhanced trading capabilities. It replaces the former “Builders Club” brand and is a major part of Roblox’s recurring revenue stream.
Roblox Education
Roblox Education is an internal brand aimed at educators, students, and institutions. It promotes the use of Roblox Studio for learning coding, game design, and digital citizenship. The brand is part of the company’s mission to make creation accessible to all.
Final Thoughts
So, who owns Roblox? While it’s a public company with many shareholders, David Baszucki holds the most power through special shares. He guides Roblox’s future alongside institutional investors and a dedicated executive team. The company’s unique voting structure keeps it founder-led, even after going public. With growing revenue and a massive global user base, Roblox continues to shape the virtual gaming world.
FAQs
Who founded Roblox?
Roblox was founded by David Baszucki and Erik Cassel in 2004.
Is Roblox owned by Microsoft?
No, Roblox is an independent public company. Microsoft does not own it.
Can users buy shares of Roblox?
Yes, Roblox trades under the ticker symbol RBLX on the NYSE. Anyone can buy shares through a stockbroker.
Does David Baszucki still run Roblox?
Yes, he is the CEO and holds controlling voting power through special shares.
What company owns the Roblox platform?
Roblox Corporation owns and operates the Roblox platform.
Who owns Roblox Corporation?
Roblox Corporation is a publicly traded company. The largest shareholders include David Baszucki, the CEO, and Merrill Lynch (institutional investors). Institutional investors and public shareholders also own significant portions.
Who are Roblox’s biggest investors?
Roblox’s largest investors include institutional players like Altimeter Capital and Tiger Global Management. Additionally, its CEO and founder David Baszucki holds a significant stake in the company.
Does Roblox own Fortnite?
No, Roblox does not own Fortnite. Fortnite is owned by Epic Games, another major player in the gaming and metaverse industry.
Is Roblox publicly traded?
Yes, Roblox went public through a direct listing on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in March 2021, with the ticker symbol RBLX.