30 Facts About Jeff Hoffman

Early Life and Education

Jeff Hoffman's journey began in the United States, where he was born and raised. His academic pursuits took him to Yale University, a place that would become the launchpad for his entrepreneurial career.

1. Jeff Hoffman was born and raised in the United States.
2. He attended Yale University, where he launched his first software company while still a student.

Entrepreneurial Ventures

Hoffman's entrepreneurial spirit led him to create and grow several successful start-ups. His ventures span various industries, showcasing his versatility and innovative mindset.

3. Hoffman has founded and grown a series of successful start-up companies, including uBid.com, Priceline.com, and Virtual Shopping, Inc.
4. As the CEO of uBid.com, Hoffman guided the company to significant growth and expansion. uBid specializes in the liquidation of excess inventory from major brand name companies and has sold over $2 billion worth of products.
5. Hoffman was one of the original creators of Priceline.com, which later became Booking.com. He held two CEO titles at Priceline and led the development and launch of the consumer company.
6. His company, Virtual Shopping, Inc., developed patented, proprietary software and hardware for online retailing on the Internet. This innovation was later acquired by Europe's Wallenberg Group.

Media and Entertainment

Hoffman's influence extends into the media and entertainment industries, where he has produced films, concerts, and even a Grammy-winning album.

7. After Priceline, Hoffman became a founding partner, Chairman, and CEO of Black Sky Entertainment, an independent production company in the film and music industries.
8. Black Sky Entertainment produced the independent horror film "Cabin Fever," which grossed over $100 million worldwide.
9. Hoffman has produced concerts with Elton John, NSYNC, Beyoncé, Britney Spears, and the Backstreet Boys.
10. He is also the producer of a Grammy-winning jazz album and an executive producer of an Emmy Award-winning television show.

Philanthropy and Mentorship

Jeff Hoffman dedicates a significant portion of his time to mentoring other entrepreneurs and supporting various philanthropic initiatives. His efforts have made a global impact.

11. Hoffman is the founder and CEO of World Youth Horizons, a non-profit organization providing homes, schools, food, and healthcare to children in need around the globe.
12. He is the Chairman of the Global Entrepreneurship Network, which works with entrepreneurs in 190 countries to support and empower them.
13. Hoffman is a founding board member of The Unreasonable Group, whose 289 portfolio companies have raised $6.6 billion in funding and have positively impacted more than 720 million lives worldwide.
14. He serves on the Advisory Board of CEED Global, the Centers for Entrepreneurship and Executive Development, teaching entrepreneurship globally in developing countries.

Government and International Support

Hoffman has lent his expertise to various governmental and international organizations, helping to drive economic growth and entrepreneurship programs.

15. Jeff has supported the White House, the State Department, the United Nations, and similar organizations internationally on economic growth initiatives and entrepreneurship programs.
16. He is the Managing Partner of Jeff Hoffman Advisory Services, a strategic consulting firm that teaches exponential growth to business owners and entrepreneurs. The firm also teaches innovation strategies to corporations and governments worldwide.

Board Memberships and Publications

Hoffman serves on numerous boards and has authored a book to help entrepreneurs scale their businesses.

17. Hoffman serves on the boards of companies in the US, Europe, the Middle East, South America, Africa, and Asia. He supports entrepreneurs and small businesses on a worldwide basis.
18. Jeff is the author of the book "SCALE," a how-to guide for growing your business. The book provides practical advice for entrepreneurs looking to scale their companies.

Public Speaking and Media Presence

As a frequent keynote speaker and media expert, Hoffman shares his knowledge and experiences with a global audience.

19. Hoffman is a frequent keynote speaker, having been invited to speak in over 70 countries. He speaks on topics such as innovation, entrepreneurship, and business leadership.
20. He is a featured business expert seen on Fox News, Fox Business, CNN, CNN International, Bloomberg News, CNBC, ABC, and NPR. He has also been featured in publications including Forbes, Inc., Time, Fast Company, the Wall Street Journal, and more.

Awards and Recognition

Hoffman's contributions to entrepreneurship and philanthropy have earned him numerous awards and accolades.

21. Hoffman has received a Humanitarian Award from Disney and Be Great.
22. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Los Angeles Tribune.
23. He was honored with the Champion of Entrepreneurship Award from JP Morgan Chase, Citibank, and Rising Tide Capital.
24. The US State Department awarded him the George Brown Award for International Cooperation.

Sports Ventures

Hoffman's entrepreneurial spirit even extends into the sports industry, where he has made significant investments and contributions.

25. Jeff built a sports company and bought the Miami Marlins with Derek Jeter.
26. He is one of the founders of GiveForward.com, which has raised $5 billion dollars to support fundraising efforts for medical expenses and other causes.

Innovation in Technology

Hoffman's work in technology includes significant contributions to AI and other advanced fields.

27. Hoffman has been involved in various AI projects, including the development of commercial expert system tools for Xerox LISP machines and Apple Macintosh.
28. He has applied AI technologies to Nintendo and PC video games, as well as financial markets.
29. Hoffman has applied statistical natural language processing techniques to analyzing social media data from Twitter and Facebook. He worked at Google on their Knowledge Graph and managed a deep learning team at Capital One, where he was awarded 55 US patents.

Professional Baseball Career

In addition to his entrepreneurial and philanthropic endeavors, Hoffman also had a professional baseball career.

30. Jeff Hoffman was signed by the Toronto Blue Jays on July 2, 2014. He played for various teams, including the Albuquerque Isotopes in the PCL, where he achieved notable statistics such as a .500 ERA in 2017 and being selected for the Futures Game in 2016.

Jeff Hoffman's Impact

Jeff Hoffman has left a lasting mark on entrepreneurship, technology, media, and philanthropy. From founding uBid.com and Priceline.com to producing concerts with Elton John and Beyoncé, his ventures span diverse fields. His work with the Global Entrepreneurship Network and World Youth Horizons shows his dedication to empowering others and giving back. Hoffman's influence extends to AI projects, sports ventures, and even professional baseball. His book "SCALE" and numerous speaking engagements highlight his commitment to sharing knowledge. With awards from Disney, the State Department, and more, his contributions are widely recognized. Hoffman's journey is a testament to innovation, leadership, and humanitarianism. His efforts have positively impacted millions, making him a true force for good in the world.