Yahoo was once the king of the internet. Though no longer the giant it used to be, many still wonder who owns Yahoo today. The company’s brand is still widely recognized, but its ownership has changed hands over the years. Here’s everything you need to know about Yahoo, its history, its current owner, and its place in the tech world today.
History of Yahoo
Yahoo began in January 1994 as a project by Stanford University students Jerry Yang and David Filo. They initially called it “Jerry and David’s Guide to the World Wide Web.” It was later renamed Yahoo, which stood for “Yet Another Hierarchically Organized Oracle.”
The site quickly grew and became one of the most visited web portals during the 1990s and early 2000s.
Yahoo went public in 1996 and enjoyed explosive growth during the dot-com boom. It expanded into services like Yahoo Mail, Yahoo News, Yahoo Finance, and Yahoo Messenger. However, with the rise of Google, Facebook, and other platforms, Yahoo struggled to maintain its dominance.
Over the years, Yahoo made several failed acquisitions and business decisions, including rejecting a $44.6 billion takeover bid from Microsoft in 2008.
Eventually, its core internet operations were sold in 2017, marking the end of Yahoo as an independent internet company.
Who Owns Yahoo: Major Shareholders
Today, Yahoo is owned by Apollo Global Management, a private equity firm. Apollo acquired Yahoo from Verizon Communications in 2021. The deal was valued at around $5 billion. Verizon had previously acquired Yahoo’s core internet business in 2017 for $4.48 billion and merged it with AOL under the brand “Oath,” which was later renamed Verizon Media.
After facing ongoing challenges in the digital media space, Verizon decided to offload its media assets. Apollo took control, and Yahoo now operates as a standalone company once again, but under private ownership.
Apollo owns 90% of Yahoo, while Verizon retains a 10% stake in the business.
Below is the list of the two shareholders of Yahoo as of 2025:
| Shareholder | Ownership Percentage | Role | Control/Influence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apollo Global Management | 90% | Majority owner since 2021 acquisition | Holds full operational control; appoints executive leadership and sets corporate strategy |
| Verizon Communications | 10% | Minority owner, retained stake after 2021 divestiture | No operational control; passive financial interest |
Apollo Global Management – 90% Ownership
Apollo Global Management is the majority owner of Yahoo, holding a 90% stake. This acquisition was completed in September 2021, when Apollo purchased Verizon Media, which included Yahoo and AOL, for $5 billion. Under Apollo’s ownership, Yahoo operates as a standalone company, focusing on growth and innovation in the digital media and technology sectors.
Verizon Communications – 10% Ownership
Verizon Communications retains a 10% stake in Yahoo following the 2021 sale to Apollo. While Verizon no longer manages Yahoo’s operations, this minority stake allows Verizon to maintain a financial interest in Yahoo’s performance and strategic direction.
Who is the CEO of Yahoo?
As of 2025, Jim Lanzone serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Yahoo. Appointed in September 2021 following Apollo Global Management’s acquisition of Yahoo from Verizon, Lanzone brought with him a wealth of experience in the digital media and technology sectors. Prior to joining Yahoo, he held prominent roles, including CEO of Tinder and CEO of CBS Interactive, where he was instrumental in launching CBS All Access, now known as Paramount+.
Under Lanzone’s leadership, Yahoo has embarked on a transformative journey, focusing on revitalizing its core services and embracing emerging technologies. A significant aspect of this transformation is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) across Yahoo’s platforms. Notably, Yahoo acquired Artifact, an AI-powered news aggregator developed by Instagram co-founders, and integrated its technology into Yahoo News, enhancing user experience through personalized content delivery.
Lanzone’s strategic vision extends to other Yahoo services as well. Yahoo Finance, a cornerstone of the company’s offerings, is undergoing an AI-driven overhaul aimed at providing users with advanced tools for financial research and decision-making.
Decision-Making Structure and Corporate Governance
Yahoo operates as a privately held company, with its ownership divided between Apollo Global Management (90%) and Verizon Communications (10%). As the majority stakeholder, Apollo exercises significant influence over Yahoo’s strategic direction and corporate governance. The company’s board of directors, appointed by Apollo, oversees major decisions and ensures alignment with the overarching goals set forth by the ownership.
Within this framework, CEO Jim Lanzone is entrusted with the day-to-day management and operational execution of Yahoo’s strategies. He leads a team of executives responsible for various facets of the business, including product development, marketing, and technology integration. Notably, in 2025, Yahoo appointed Josh Line as Chief Marketing Officer to spearhead efforts in rejuvenating the brand and expanding its market presence.
Past Leadership
Before Lanzone’s tenure, Yahoo experienced several leadership changes:
- Guru Gowrappan (2018–2021): Led Yahoo during its transition under Verizon Media, focusing on digital transformation and content expansion.
- Tim Armstrong (2017–2018): Oversaw the integration of Yahoo and AOL under the Oath brand, aiming to create a unified digital media entity.
These leadership shifts reflect Yahoo’s evolving strategy in response to the dynamic digital landscape.
Who Controls Yahoo?
Yahoo is privately owned, which means its control lies primarily in the hands of its private equity owner. As of 2025, operational and strategic control is structured through corporate governance led by its parent firm and appointed executives.
Summary of Control
- Strategic and financial control: Apollo Global Management
- Oversight and policy direction: Yahoo’s Board of Directors
- Operational execution: CEO Jim Lanzone and the executive team
- Minor financial interest: Verizon Communications.
Let’s dig deep and find out more details on who controls and manages Yahoo:
Apollo Global Management: Majority Control
Apollo Global Management holds 90% of Yahoo’s ownership, making it the primary controlling entity. Apollo is a U.S.-based private equity powerhouse known for acquiring and managing large businesses across various industries. Since acquiring Yahoo from Verizon in 2021, Apollo has full authority over Yahoo’s corporate governance.
This includes:
- Appointing board members
- Setting strategic goals
- Approving large capital expenditures and acquisitions
- Oversight of executive leadership, including the CEO
While Apollo does not manage daily operations, it influences major business decisions, structural changes, and long-term direction. Yahoo’s growth strategy, acquisitions (such as integrating Artifact’s AI tools in 2024), and its product roadmap are all approved under Apollo’s investment thesis.
Verizon Communications: Minority Influence
Verizon Communications still holds a 10% stake in Yahoo. However, as a minority shareholder, Verizon has no voting control or decision-making authority in daily matters. Its involvement is passive and limited to financial returns and potential participation in high-level board discussions, if invited by Apollo.
Verizon no longer has operational input or seats on the board. It acts more like a legacy stakeholder, reflecting its past ownership but without meaningful control today.
Yahoo Board of Directors
The Yahoo Board is appointed primarily by Apollo. This board oversees governance, executive compensation, strategic partnerships, and performance reviews. It holds the power to approve or replace executive leadership. The board typically includes Apollo representatives, industry experts, and independent advisors who serve Apollo’s long-term investment interests.
Executive Management: Operational Control
While Apollo and the board provide oversight, day-to-day control is exercised by Yahoo’s executive team. CEO Jim Lanzone leads this team and reports directly to the board. The executive suite manages:
- Product strategy (Yahoo Mail, Finance, News, and Sports)
- Technology development, including AI integration
- Brand marketing and partnerships
- Revenue generation and financial planning
In 2025, with new CMO Josh Line and product-driven leadership, the executive team is tasked with growing Yahoo’s relevance and monetizing its user base in the competitive digital media space.
Net Worth of Yahoo
As of May 2025, Yahoo’s estimated net worth is approximately $10 billion. This valuation reflects the company’s diversified revenue streams, including advertising, subscription services, and partnerships, as well as its investments in emerging technologies and platforms.
The table below shows the historical net worth of Yahoo for the last 10 years:
| Year | Estimated Net Worth (USD) | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | $35 billion | Yahoo’s valuation peaked before selling its core business. |
| 2016 | $33 billion | Yahoo agreed to sell core internet assets to Verizon for $4.8B. |
| 2017 | $25 billion | Verizon completed the acquisition; Yahoo became part of Oath. |
| 2018 | $20 billion | Continued decline in user growth and ad revenue under Oath. |
| 2019 | $18 billion | Verizon Media restructured; Yahoo services still in use. |
| 2020 | $17 billion | Verizon began shifting focus away from digital media. |
| 2021 | $12 billion | Apollo acquired Yahoo for ~$5 billion; revalued under private equity. |
| 2022 | $9 billion | Operational improvements under Apollo; stable performance. |
| 2023 | $9.5 billion | Investments in AI, finance tools, and media expansion. |
| 2024 | $10 billion | Estimated net worth; reflects post-layoff restructuring and AI integration. |
Companies Owned by Yahoo
As of 2025, Yahoo continues to manage and operate several key companies and brands. These brands, primarily focused on digital media, technology, and consumer services, represent Yahoo’s diverse offerings in the online space.
Below is a detailed overview of some of the major companies and brands owned by Yahoo:
| Company/Brand | Year | Purchase Price/Details | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yahoo Finance | N/A | N/A | A comprehensive platform providing financial news, real-time stock quotes, and investment tools. It’s a key player in financial media. |
| Yahoo Mail | N/A | N/A | A popular email service with over 200 million active users, offering 1TB of storage and advanced spam protection. |
| Yahoo Sports | N/A | N/A | Offers live scores, fantasy sports, video highlights, and news across major sports leagues like NFL, NBA, and MLB. |
| Yahoo News | N/A | N/A | A news aggregation platform that provides breaking news and in-depth reports on various topics, including politics, business, and technology. |
| Tumblr | 2013 | $1.1 billion | A microblogging platform known for user-generated content, particularly in creative niches like art and memes. |
| Flurry | 2014 | Undisclosed | A mobile analytics and advertising company offering insights into user behavior for mobile app developers. |
| BrightRoll | 2014 | $640 million | A video advertising company providing programmatic ad solutions, helping advertisers buy digital video inventory. |
| Polyvore | 2015 | $230 million | A fashion and lifestyle community platform allowing users to create and share fashion collages. |
| RayV | 2015 | Undisclosed | A video streaming platform focused on high-quality delivery and live streaming across various devices. |
| Zimbra | 2010 | $350 million | Collaboration software that offers enterprise email, calendars, and communication tools. |
| Viaweb | 1998 | $49 million | E-commerce platform that allowed users to create online stores, laying the foundation for Yahoo Store. |
| Konfabulator | 2005 | Undisclosed | A widget software company that allowed users to display desktop widgets. Later rebranded as Yahoo Widgets. |
| GeoCities | 1999 | $3.6 billion | A web hosting platform that allowed users to create personal websites. It was eventually shut down in 2009. |
| Artifact | 2024 | Undisclosed | An AI-powered news aggregation service that personalizes content recommendations for users. |
| Yahoo Ad Tech | N/A | N/A | A suite of digital advertising solutions, including programmatic ads, display advertising, and video ads. Part of Yahoo’s major revenue stream. |
Yahoo Finance
Yahoo Finance remains one of Yahoo’s most iconic and widely used platforms, catering to millions of users who rely on it for financial news, data, and tools. The service covers a broad range of financial topics, including real-time stock market news, in-depth company profiles, financial reports, and investment research tools.
In 2024, Yahoo Finance introduced AI-powered features, which have allowed users to track stock performance and receive personalized financial insights. This makes it an invaluable tool for individual investors, traders, and analysts looking for up-to-the-minute data and analysis.
The platform also boasts advanced charting tools that help users make informed decisions about their investments.
Yahoo Mail
Yahoo Mail is one of the largest email platforms in the world, with over 200 million active users. As a free service, Yahoo Mail offers a host of features, including 1TB of storage, advanced spam protection, and seamless integration with other Yahoo services such as Yahoo Calendar, Contacts, and Notepad.
This extensive set of features makes it a popular choice for personal and business email use.
As of 2025, Yahoo Mail continues to evolve, introducing new security features and intelligent categorization of emails. These improvements aim to enhance the overall user experience, keeping Yahoo Mail competitive with other major email platforms in the market.
Yahoo Sports
Yahoo Sports has long been a dominant presence in the sports media landscape, offering comprehensive coverage of sports leagues such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, and others. The platform provides live scores, statistics, video highlights, and expert analysis, ensuring that fans stay updated with the latest developments in the world of sports.
Yahoo Sports is also a significant player in the fantasy sports arena, hosting millions of players in various online leagues. In addition to fantasy sports, Yahoo Sports produces original content, including podcasts, videos, and articles, which cover the most relevant news and trends in sports. The platform is an essential destination for sports enthusiasts, offering both real-time information and deep dives into sports culture.
Yahoo News
Yahoo News is a trusted source for breaking news, analysis, and in-depth reports on topics such as politics, business, technology, health, and entertainment. The platform aggregates news from a wide range of reputable sources, including major news outlets like Reuters and the Associated Press. Yahoo’s editorial team also contributes original content to cover key events and issues.
In 2024 and 2025, Yahoo News has incorporated artificial intelligence into its operations, allowing users to personalize their news feeds and receive updates on topics of particular interest to them. This shift has made Yahoo News a more tailored experience for its audience, providing readers with content that aligns with their preferences and needs.
Tumblr
Yahoo acquired Tumblr in 2013, a popular microblogging platform known for its creative community and user-generated content. Although Tumblr faced challenges in maintaining user engagement over the years, Yahoo has continued to support the platform, investing in new features to rejuvenate its user base.
Tumblr remains a vibrant space for users to share and create content, including art, photography, writing, and memes. In recent years, Yahoo has made efforts to revitalize Tumblr, introducing monetization tools for creators and engaging with younger audiences who use the platform to share cultural trends. Despite the challenges, Tumblr remains a part of Yahoo’s broader digital strategy, with a focus on creative expression and social media engagement.
Flurry
Flurry, a mobile analytics and advertising company, was acquired by Yahoo in 2014. Flurry provides essential tools for mobile app developers, offering in-depth analytics and insights into user behavior, engagement, and retention. The platform helps developers understand how users interact with their apps, enabling them to make data-driven decisions to optimize performance and increase revenue.
In 2025, Flurry continues to serve as a valuable resource for app developers, particularly in the mobile-first world, where app usage and engagement drive significant digital economy growth. By offering analytics and ad solutions, Flurry plays a critical role in Yahoo’s advertising and tech ecosystem.
Involved Technologies and Investments
In 2024, Yahoo expanded its technological footprint by incorporating emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning into its platforms. The company integrated AI into Yahoo News and Yahoo Finance, using it to personalize content and improve user experience.
One of Yahoo’s significant technology-driven initiatives was its acquisition of Artifact, an AI-powered news aggregator developed by Instagram’s co-founders. This technology has been integrated into Yahoo’s news offerings, enhancing the way content is delivered to users.
The AI-driven features help users find personalized news stories, making their experience more engaging and tailored to their specific interests.
Advertising and Partnerships
Yahoo’s advertising business remains a key revenue driver, with a suite of digital advertising services that include display ads, video ads, and programmatic advertising solutions. The company continues to offer advertising solutions to brands and businesses, helping them reach a large and diverse online audience. In addition to its core ad tech services, Yahoo has formed strategic partnerships with major companies, including Microsoft, to enhance its advertising offerings and expand its reach.
Through these partnerships, Yahoo can tap into additional revenue streams and leverage cutting-edge advertising technologies to serve both advertisers and users effectively. This continues to be a cornerstone of Yahoo’s digital business, alongside its other media ventures.
BrightRoll
Yahoo acquired BrightRoll, a video advertising company, for around $640 million in 2014. The acquisition aimed to boost Yahoo’s presence in the digital video ad market. BrightRoll provides a demand-side platform (DSP) for programmatic video advertising, allowing advertisers to buy digital video ad inventory across various devices and platforms.
Yahoo integrated BrightRoll into its advertising offerings, enhancing its video advertising capabilities and expanding its reach. The acquisition has played a key role in Yahoo’s advertising strategy, allowing the company to better compete with giants like Google and Facebook in the digital advertising space.
Polyvore
In 2015, Yahoo acquired Polyvore, a popular online fashion and lifestyle community, for approximately $230 million. Polyvore allowed users to create and share fashion collages and collections. The acquisition was part of Yahoo’s broader strategy to strengthen its position in the e-commerce and lifestyle content markets.
While Yahoo hoped to leverage Polyvore’s community and user-generated content to create more personalized shopping experiences, the integration of Polyvore into Yahoo’s portfolio did not fully materialize as expected. Yahoo eventually shut down Polyvore in 2018, but the platform’s assets were integrated into other Yahoo properties.
RayV
Yahoo also acquired RayV, an Israeli-based video streaming platform, in 2015. The acquisition helped Yahoo enhance its video streaming and distribution capabilities, particularly for live streaming content. RayV’s technology enabled high-quality video delivery across devices and locations.
Yahoo hoped to use this technology to improve its video offerings and compete with other streaming services. However, after the acquisition, Yahoo refocused its efforts on other areas of its business, and the RayV technology was eventually phased out.
Zimbra
In 2010, Yahoo acquired Zimbra, a collaboration software company, for around $350 million. Zimbra provides email, calendar, and collaboration tools for businesses and enterprises.
The acquisition allowed Yahoo to enter the enterprise software market and expand its product offerings. Although Yahoo eventually sold Zimbra to Telligent in 2013, the acquisition helped Yahoo build its expertise in enterprise software and cloud-based collaboration tools.
Viaweb
One of Yahoo’s earliest and most influential acquisitions was Viaweb, an e-commerce company founded by Jeff Bezos and others. In 1998, Yahoo acquired Viaweb for $49 million.
Viaweb was known for its web-based software that allowed users to create online stores, which eventually evolved into Yahoo Store. This acquisition laid the groundwork for Yahoo’s push into the e-commerce space during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Konfabulator
Yahoo acquired Konfabulator, a widget software company, in 2005. Konfabulator’s software allowed users to create and display “widgets” on their desktops, offering quick access to information like weather forecasts, stock prices, and news updates.
After the acquisition, Yahoo rebranded the software as Yahoo Widgets, integrating it into its own suite of desktop tools. Although the widget platform did not gain significant traction, the acquisition was part of Yahoo’s broader efforts to innovate in the desktop software market.
GeoCities
In one of Yahoo’s most high-profile acquisitions, the company purchased GeoCities, a pioneering web hosting service, for $3.6 billion in 1999. GeoCities allowed users to create their own websites, which made it one of the largest web hosting services of its time.
At the time of the acquisition, it was one of the largest internet deals in history. Yahoo hoped to capitalize on GeoCities’ large user base, but the platform struggled to keep pace with newer, more dynamic services like Blogger and WordPress.
Yahoo eventually shut down GeoCities in 2009, but the acquisition remains one of the most significant events in Yahoo’s early history.
Involved Technologies and Investments
Apart from these key acquisitions, Yahoo has also made strategic investments in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and cloud computing.
One of its most significant technology acquisitions in recent years was its purchase of Artifact, an AI-powered news aggregation platform, in 2024. Artifact uses advanced algorithms to personalize and curate news stories based on users’ preferences, which has been integrated into Yahoo’s broader news ecosystem.
This acquisition reflects Yahoo’s commitment to investing in cutting-edge technologies to improve user experience and expand its product offerings.
Final Words
Yahoo has undergone a massive transformation since its early internet days. Once a tech pioneer, it now operates as a private company under Apollo Global Management. Verizon still holds a minority stake, but Apollo calls the shots. The company continues to focus on its strengths—news, finance, sports, and email services. While no longer a giant, Yahoo remains a relevant brand in the digital media space.
FAQs
Does Yahoo own Google now?
No, Yahoo does not own Google. Google is owned by Alphabet Inc., which is its parent company. Yahoo and Google were competitors for many years, especially in the search engine and advertising markets. While Yahoo once had a significant presence in search, Google overtook it as the leading search engine globally.
How much did Jerry Yang sell Yahoo for?
Jerry Yang, one of Yahoo’s co-founders, did not sell Yahoo on his own. However, in 2017, Yahoo was sold to Verizon Communications for approximately $4.48 billion. Yang, as a shareholder, benefited from the sale, but the transaction was overseen by the board of directors, not by Yang directly.
Who is running Yahoo now?
As of 2025, Yahoo is owned by Apollo Global Management, a private equity firm. The current CEO of Yahoo is Jim Lanzone, who took over in 2021 after Verizon’s acquisition of Yahoo’s core internet assets. Under Lanzone’s leadership, Yahoo is refocusing on its core media business, including Yahoo Finance, Yahoo Mail, and Yahoo Sports.
Does Yahoo still exist today?
Yes, Yahoo still exists today. While its ownership has changed several times, Yahoo continues to operate its various platforms, including Yahoo Finance, Yahoo Mail, and Yahoo News, under the management of Apollo Global Management.
Which is bigger, Yahoo or Google?
Google is much bigger than Yahoo. Google (under its parent company Alphabet Inc.) is the largest search engine and one of the most valuable technology companies in the world. Yahoo, while once a giant in the internet space, has significantly diminished in size and influence compared to Google.
Does Yahoo still own Alibaba?
No, Yahoo no longer owns Alibaba. Yahoo’s stake in Alibaba was sold off in several transactions, with Yahoo selling its final shares in Alibaba in 2016. The remaining Alibaba shares were part of Yahoo’s spinoff into a separate company, Altaba, which was liquidated shortly after.
Who is the co-owner of Yahoo?
Currently, Yahoo is owned by Apollo Global Management, a private equity firm. Apollo became Yahoo’s parent company in 2021 after Verizon’s sale of Yahoo’s assets.
Is Yahoo still making money?
Yes, Yahoo is still making money. Despite its decline in comparison to competitors like Google and Facebook, Yahoo generates revenue primarily through its advertising business, Yahoo Finance, and Yahoo Mail. It also continues to offer digital media services, which are profitable.
Is Yahoo older than Gmail?
Yes, Yahoo was founded in 1994, while Gmail was launched by Google in 2004. Therefore, Yahoo predates Gmail by about a decade.
Which country uses Yahoo the most?
Yahoo is most widely used in the United States, where it has maintained a strong user base for decades. Yahoo also has a significant presence in Japan, where Yahoo Japan is a dominant online portal, though it is owned and operated by a different company (Z Holdings).
Is Gmail owned by Yahoo?
No, Gmail is owned by Google, not Yahoo. Gmail is one of the most popular email services in the world and is part of the Google ecosystem.
Did Yahoo refuse to buy Google for $1?
Yahoo did not exactly refuse to buy Google for $1, but it did have an opportunity to acquire Google in its early years. In 1998, Yahoo was offered the chance to buy Google for around $1 million, but Yahoo passed on the offer. Google went on to become one of the most successful companies in history, leaving Yahoo to regret this missed opportunity.
Did Yahoo try to buy Netflix?
Yes, Yahoo considered acquiring Netflix in the early 2000s. However, Yahoo did not move forward with the acquisition, and Netflix eventually became a dominant player in the streaming industry. Yahoo’s failure to acquire Netflix is often seen as one of the company’s missed opportunities.
Why did Yahoo fall?
Yahoo’s fall can be attributed to several factors, including its failure to keep up with the changing internet landscape, poor management decisions, and missed opportunities, such as not acquiring Google and Facebook. Additionally, Yahoo struggled to capitalize on its early lead in search and advertising, allowing competitors like Google and Facebook to surpass it. The company also failed to effectively monetize its media assets, which led to its decline.
Is Yahoo owned by Microsoft?
No, Yahoo is not owned by Microsoft. Yahoo was previously in a partnership with Microsoft for search advertising, but it was never acquired by Microsoft. Yahoo was acquired by Verizon Communications in 2017 and is currently owned by Apollo Global Management.
Who owns Yahoo Mail?
Yahoo Mail is owned by Yahoo, which is currently a subsidiary of Apollo Global Management, a private equity firm. Yahoo continues to operate and develop its email service as a key part of its business.
Who owns Yahoo Finance?
Yahoo Finance is owned by Yahoo, which is now under the ownership of Apollo Global Management. The platform is a leading destination for financial news, stock market data, and investment tools.
Who owns Yahoo News?
Yahoo News is owned by Yahoo, which is now a subsidiary of Apollo Global Management. The platform aggregates news from multiple sources and provides original content on politics, business, technology, and more.
Who is the founder of Yahoo?
Yahoo was founded by Jerry Yang and David Filo in January 1994 while they were students at Stanford University. They initially created the platform as a directory for websites, which later evolved into a leading internet portal and search engine.
Is Yahoo a public company?
No, Yahoo is now privately owned and not listed on any stock exchange.