Jeff Hoffman is a serial entrepreneur, proven CEO, bestselling author, Hollywood film and music producer, and humanitarian whose career spans technology, entertainment, and social impact. Best known as a founder of Priceline.com/Booking.com and uBid.com, Hoffman has built, led, and advised multiple billion-dollar companies while empowering entrepreneurs in more than 190 countries.
Entrepreneurial Visionary:
A self-described “problem solver,” Hoffman’s entrepreneurial journey began when he invented the airport ticketing kiosk, revolutionizing air travel worldwide. He went on to co-found Priceline.com, now a global travel giant valued at over $80 billion, and later led startups such as uBid.com and ColorJar, an “idea accelerator” helping launch new ventures.
Hoffman has founded or helped grow eight startups across sectors ranging from technology to entertainment, always guided by his philosophy:
“Entrepreneurship is not about money—it’s about solving real problems and making a difference.”
Global Leadership & Impact:
As Chairman of the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN), Hoffman supports entrepreneurial ecosystems in over 190 countries, mentoring founders and driving global economic growth. He also serves as a founding board member of The Unreasonable Group, whose portfolio companies have raised over $6.6 billion and positively impacted more than 720 million lives worldwide.
Hoffman regularly advises the White House, U.S. State Department, United Nations, and other international bodies on innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation. Through his nonprofit, World Youth Horizons, he provides homes, schools, healthcare, and food to children in need across the globe.
Media & Entertainment Success:
Beyond technology, Jeff Hoffman is an award-winning producer in both film and music:
- Producer of a Grammy Award–winning jazz album
- Executive Producer of an Emmy Award–winning TV show
- Hollywood film producer of Cabin Fever, a $1.3 million indie hit grossing over $100 million
- Concert producer for major artists including Elton John, Beyoncé, Britney Spears, NSYNC, and Boyz II Men
His company, Black Sky Entertainment, created acclaimed media projects across film, television, and live events, merging creativity with entrepreneurial strategy.
Author, Speaker, and Mentor:
A bestselling author, Hoffman co-wrote SCALE: Seven Proven Principles to Grow Your Business and Get Your Life Back, a practical guide to sustainable business expansion.
He is a sought-after global keynote speaker, having presented in more than 70 countries on topics such as:
- Innovation and creativity in business
- Entrepreneurial leadership
- Building scalable companies
- Social entrepreneurship and purpose-driven impact
Hoffman also leads innovation workshops for Fortune 500 companies and government organizations, teaching leaders how to apply entrepreneurial thinking to drive progress.
Awards & Recognition:
- Champion of Entrepreneurship Award, JP Morgan Chase, Citibank & Rising Tide Capital
- Lifetime Achievement Award, Los Angeles Tribune
- Entrepreneurs Hall of Fame Inductee
- Humanitarian Award, Disney & Be Great
- George Brown Award for International Cooperation, U.S. State Department
- Commitment to Excellence Award, CitySummit
- Best of the Best Award, Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization
Advisory & Humanitarian Roles:
Hoffman serves on corporate boards across six continents and advises startups in emerging markets through programs like CEED Global (Centers for Entrepreneurship and Executive Development). His Jeff Hoffman Advisory Services firm provides strategic consulting and growth training to entrepreneurs, corporations, and governments worldwide.
He also co-founded GiveForward.com, which helped raise more than $5 billion for charitable causes, and has worked on numerous global humanitarian and educational initiatives.
Personal Philosophy:
Jeff’s success stems from a deeply rooted belief in the power of mindset, education, and resilience. Growing up in a small Arizona town, he wrote his dreams—“Visit 50 countries” and “Produce movies and music”—on his bathroom mirror. Years later, he achieved both, visiting over 70 countries and producing award-winning media projects while inspiring millions.
His formula for success is simple but profound:
“Decide your dream, educate yourself, become valuable, and solve real problems.”
Quick Facts:
- Companies Founded: Priceline.com, uBid.com, ColorJar, Black Sky Entertainment
- Organizations Led: Chairman, Global Entrepreneurship Network; Founder, World Youth Horizons
- Awards: Grammy, Emmy, and multiple entrepreneurship honors
- Book: SCALE: Seven Proven Principles to Grow Your Business
- Global Reach: Mentors entrepreneurs in 190+ countries
