Michelle Kennedy

Founder and CEO of Peanut

Michelle Kennedy (she/her) is founder and CEO of Peanut, one of the fastest-growing social networking apps for women, listed as Apple’s Trend of the Year 2021 and TIME100’s Most Influential Companies 2022.

Michelle was formerly Deputy CEO of dating behemoth Badoo, and during her tenure was integral to and an inaugural board member of Bumble, which IPOd at a $13bn valuation.

Having worked in social discovery for ten years, Michelle has unprecedented experience and understanding of the safety and growth components of building a social network for women and continues to execute her mission to make Peanut the leading network to connect women when they need each other most.

She is also a strategic investor in Linktree.

Fun facts about Michelle

Peanut was named after her son, when she read he was the size of a peanut in early pregnancy!

Education

Law LLB, University of Sheffield

Work experience

Founder and CEO at Peanut, 2016-present
Board Advisor, Director at Bumble, 2014-2016
Deputy CEO at Badoo, 2105-2016
Group Legal Counsel and Company Secretary at Quotient, 2010-2011
Solicitor at Mishcon de Reya, 2007-2010

Careers highlights

“Peanut is the pinnacle of my career, and every day feels like day one of building this brilliant community.”

Social Profiles

Workplace Site

More articles by Michelle Kennedy

A message to our LA community during the wildfires

To our Peanut community in Los Angeles – our hearts are with you right now. We know many of you are facing incredibly scary moments as these wildfires spread across the region.

We're especially thinking of all the mamas and mamas-to-be who are working so hard to keep their families safe during this frightening time. We see you, and we're here for you.

Peanut meets Tim Cook

What's it like being a mum and a CEO? Well, this week I navigated two kids' birthday parties, a stomach bug, and oh yeah, I was invited to meet THE Tim Cook whilst he was in London this week, along with Lisa P Jackson Vice President Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives and Greg "Joz" Jozwiak SVP of Worldwide Marketing.

The day was all about unlocking potential and promoting diversity, as the Apple team engaged with young minds at the incredible Cauis House, based in Battersea London.