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.”