Bryan Johnson born August 22, 1977 is an American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, writer, and author. He is the founder and CEO of Kernel, a company focused on developing devices to monitor and record brain activity. Additionally, he leads OS Fund, a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage science and technology ventures.
Bryan Johnson Biography 2025
Previously, Johnson founded, chaired, and served as CEO of Braintree, a company that specialized in mobile and web payment solutions for e-commerce businesses. In 2012, Braintree acquired Venmo for $26.2 million, and the combined company was later sold to PayPal for $800 million in 2013. Johnson has garnered media attention for his anti-aging initiative, which he calls “Project Blueprint.”
Bryan Johnson Biography Details
| Born |
August 22, 1977 (age 47)
Provo, Utah, U.S.
|
| Alma mater |
Brigham Young University (BA)
University of Chicago (MBA) |
| Occupation(s) |
Entrepreneur, Business executive |
| Known for |
Founder, CEO of Kernel, OS Fund, Braintree |
| Website |
bryanjohnson.co |
Bryan Johnson Early Life
Born in Provo, Utah, Johnson grew up in Springville, Utah, as the middle child among three brothers and a sister. Following his parents’ divorce, he lived with his mother and stepfather, who owned a trucking business. At the age of 19, Johnson embarked on a mission as a Latter-day Saint, a common practice for young men in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, spending two years in Ecuador. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from Brigham Young University in 2003 and later obtained an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business in 2007.
Bryan Johnson Education
| Bryan Johnson |
Early Life |
| Birth Date |
August 22, 1977 |
| Birth Place |
Provo, Utah, U.S. |
| Raised In |
Springville, Utah |
| Family Background |
Middle child of three brothers and a sister |
| Education |
BA in International Studies, Brigham Young University (2003) |
| Further Education |
MBA, University of Chicago Booth School of Business (2007) |
Career Overview
| Bryan Johnson |
Career |
| First Ventures |
Launched three startups (1999-2003) |
| Braintree Founding |
Founded in 2007 |
| Notable Acquisition |
Acquired Venmo for $26.2 million (2012) |
| PayPal Sale |
Sold Braintree to PayPal for $800 million (2013) |
| OS Fund Creation |
Launched in October 2014 with $100 million investment |
| Kernel Founding |
Established in 2016 with a $100 million investment |
Braintree Details
| Bryan Johnson |
Braintree |
| Year Founded |
2007 |
| Growth Recognition |
Featured on Inc. magazine’s fastest-growing companies list |
| Venmo Acquisition |
Acquired in 2012 for $26.2 million |
| Annual Payment Processing |
$12 billion by September 2013 |
| PayPal Acquisition Date |
September 26, 2013 |
| Profit from Sale |
Over $400 million |
OS Fund Insights
| Bryan Johnson |
OS Fund |
| Announcement Date |
October 2014 |
| Initial Investment |
$100 million of personal capital |
| Focus Area |
Early-stage science and technology companies |
Kernel Innovations
| Bryan Johnson |
Kernel |
| Founding Year |
2016 |
| Initial Investment |
$100 million |
| Focus Shift |
Building devices to measure brain signals |
| Device Demonstration |
Helmet-like devices for recording brain activity (2020) |
| Potential Applications |
Communication for paralyzed individuals, mental health therapies |
Life Extension Attempts
| Bryan Johnson |
Life Extension |
| Project Name |
Project Blueprint |
| Initial Efforts |
Monthly plasma transfusions (2021) |
| Criticism Received |
Skepticism from experts on efficacy |
| Genetic Factors |
Noted as significant in determining life expectancy |
Recognition and Awards
| Bryan Johnson |
Recognition |
| Alumni Award |
2016 Distinguished Alumni Award from University of Chicago Booth |
| Documentary Feature |
Appeared in 2020 documentary “I Am Human” |
Published Works
| Bryan Johnson |
Publications |
| Contribution |
Chapter in “Architects of Intelligence” (2018) |
Personal Life
| Bryan Johnson |
Personal Life |
| Marital Status |
Divorced, three children with ex-wife |
| Religious Background |
Former member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints |
| Hobbies |
Pilot, mountaineer (climbed Kilimanjaro and Toubkal) |
Bryan Johnson Net Worth
Bryan Johnson an estimated net worth of around $400 million.
Bryan Johnson Summary
Bryan Johnson is a multifaceted entrepreneur recognized for his significant achievements in the tech industry and his ambitious exploration of life extension. From founding successful companies like Braintree and Kernel to his ongoing project aimed at anti-aging, Johnson continues to push the boundaries of innovation and personal health. His journey is characterized by a commitment to science, technology, and improving the human experience.
