Col Needham net worth is an impressive $20 million, built from his groundbreaking work as the founder of IMDb (Internet Movie Database). But how did a computer scientist from Manchester turn a simple movie discussion into one of the most influential entertainment websites in the world?
Let’s explore the fascinating journey behind Col Needham’s $20 million fortune.
Who Is Col Needham?
Col Needham is the brilliant British computer scientist who changed how we explore movies forever. Born in Manchester in 1967, this unassuming tech whiz created IMDb (Internet Movie Database) in 1990 as a simple online movie discussion – little knowing it would grow into the world’s most trusted entertainment resource. For 35 years, he led IMDb as CEO, turning his passion project into a billion-dollar asset that Amazon acquired, earning him a personal fortune of $20 million.
Unlike flashy tech billionaires, Needham maintained a quiet family life in England while revolutionizing how fans and professionals access film information. His story proves that groundbreaking ideas can start from humble beginnings – in his case, literally from a post about “actresses with beautiful eyes.” Today, IMDb serves over 83 million users monthly, all thanks to Needham’s vision of creating the ultimate movie lover’s resource.
Col Needham Bio/ Wiki
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Colin “Col” Needham |
| Birth Date | January 26, 1967 |
| Age | 57 years (as of 2024) |
| Birthplace | Manchester, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Education | – Audenshaw School – Clarendon Sixth Form College – BSc Computer Science, University of Leeds (1988) |
| Career | – Founder & former CEO of IMDb (1990-2025) – Former HP engineer |
| Net Worth | $20 million |
| Key Achievement | Created IMDb → Sold to Amazon (1998) → Built it into world’s largest movie database |
| Spouse | Karen Gaskin (married 1989) |
| Children | Twin daughters |
| Residence | Filton, England |
| Fun Fact | Started IMDb from a Usenet post about “actresses with beautiful eyes” |
Col Needham Age: How Old Is Col Needham?
Col Needham is currently 57 years old, having been born on January 26, 1967, in Manchester, England. The tech visionary was in his early 20s when he first created IMDb as a side project in 1990, showing how young entrepreneurs can build world-changing platforms. Now in his late 50s, Needham recently stepped down as IMDb’s CEO in 2025 after an incredible 35-year run leading the company.
What’s remarkable is that he founded IMDb at just 23, proving you don’t need decades of experience to launch something revolutionary. Over the years, his age and experience helped transform IMDb from a simple movie database into a billion-dollar entertainment empire under Amazon.
Even at 57, Needham remains an inspiring figure in tech, demonstrating that passion and persistence matter more than age when building something extraordinary.
Col Needham Height, Weight
| Attribute | Details | Additional Context |
|---|---|---|
| Height | Approximately 5’9″ (175 cm) | Average height for a British male of his generation |
| Weight | Estimated 160-180 lbs (73-82 kg) | Maintains a healthy weight for his height and age |
| Body Type | Average/Slim | Consistent with his tech professional appearance |
| Eye Color | Blue | Seen in public photos and interviews |
| Hair Color | Light Brown (now graying) | Natural aging visible in recent appearances |
| Distinguishing Feature | Glasses | Often wears rectangular frames in public appearances |
| Health Habits | – No public fitness regimen disclosed – Appears health-conscious |
Maintains professional appearance for tech events |
Early Life & Education
Col Needham was born on January 26, 1967, in Manchester, England, where he spent his formative years developing a passion for technology. His academic journey began at Audenshaw School, followed by Clarendon Sixth Form College, where he honed his analytical skills. The turning point came when he pursued a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at the University of Leeds, graduating in 1988. This solid educational foundation set the stage for his future success, equipping him with the technical expertise that would later help him revolutionize the entertainment industry. Little did he know that his love for movies and tech would soon collide, leading to the creation of one of the most influential platforms in Hollywood.
How IMDb Was Born (The $20M Idea)
It all started in 1990 when Col Needham, then a computer engineer at Hewlett-Packard, made a simple Usenet post about “actresses with beautiful eyes.” What began as a casual discussion among movie fans quickly snowballed into something extraordinary. Enthusiasts started adding their own lists of films and TV shows, and within months, the collection grew to over 10,000 titles.
Seeing the potential, Needham transformed this grassroots project into the Internet Movie Database (IMDb). By 1993, it moved to the World Wide Web, making it accessible to everyone. The site’s free, user-friendly format and comprehensive data made it an instant hit. In 1996, IMDb became an official UK company, and just two years later, Amazon acquired it—a deal that would catapult Needham’s net worth and cement IMDb as the go-to source for entertainment info worldwide.
From a niche hobby to a billion-dollar empire, IMDb’s origin story proves that great ideas often start small. Today, it boasts 83 million users—all thanks to Needham’s vision and a single post about movie stars’ eyes.
The Amazon Deal That Skyrocketed Col Needham Net Worth
In 1998, a game-changing moment transformed Col Needham net worth and the future of IMDb. Amazon, then still an emerging online retailer, acquired the movie database in a deal reportedly worth $5–10 million – a massive sum at the time. This wasn’t just a lucky break; it was smart timing. IMDb had become the go-to resource for movie fans, but lacked the infrastructure to monetize its popularity. Jeff Bezos saw its potential to boost Amazon’s entertainment division, using IMDb’s vast database to enhance DVD sales (and later streaming).
For Needham, the deal meant financial security and creative freedom – he stayed on as CEO, guiding IMDb through massive growth under Amazon’s ownership. The site introduced IMDbPro (2002) for industry professionals, acquired Box Office Mojo (2008), and expanded globally. What began as Needham’s passion project became a billion-dollar asset, with his $20 million personal net worth rooted in this pivotal deal.
This growth played a huge role in Col Needham $20 million net worth.
How Col Needham Grew IMDb Into a Billion-Dollar Brand
Col Needham transformed IMDb from a small passion project into a global entertainment empire through smart strategies and relentless innovation. Starting with just a simple movie database in 1990, he focused on making film information accessible, accurate, and free for users—a vision that quickly attracted millions of fans. Under his leadership, IMDb expanded to include actor bios, ratings, trivia, and box office data, becoming the go-to resource for movie lovers and industry professionals alike.
The game-changing moment came in 1998, when Amazon acquired IMDb, providing the resources to scale even further. Needham’s decision to launch IMDbPro in 2002 catered to Hollywood insiders, while acquisitions like Box Office Mojo deepened its industry reach. Despite its growth, Needham kept the core database free, ensuring IMDb remained the most trusted name in entertainment data.
His user-first approach, combined with adaptability (like retiring outdated features such as message boards), kept IMDb ahead of competitors. Today, with over 83 million users, IMDb stands as a billion-dollar brand—proof that vision, persistence, and smart partnerships can turn a hobby into a world-changing business.
Col Needham Personal Life & Lifestyle
Despite his $20 million net worth and global success with IMDb, Col Needham has always maintained a quiet, low-key lifestyle. Married to Karen Gaskin since 1989, the couple lives a private life in Filton, England, raising their twin daughters away from the Hollywood spotlight. Unlike many tech moguls, Needham avoids flashy displays of wealth—you won’t find him on red carpets or splurging on luxury cars. Instead, he focuses on family, technology, and his passion for film. His down-to-earth personality reflects his humble beginnings in Manchester, proving that success doesn’t require fame or extravagance. Even after stepping down as IMDb’s CEO in 2025, Needham remains a respected figure in tech—preferring substance over spectacle.
Col Needham Net Worth Breakdown (2025)
Col Needham’s impressive $20 million net worth primarily comes from his groundbreaking work as the founder and long-time CEO of IMDb. His wealth stems from several key sources:
- The Amazon acquisition (1998): When Amazon purchased IMDb, Needham reportedly earned $5–10 million from the deal, though the exact amount remains undisclosed.
- Salary and stock options: As IMDb’s CEO for 35 years, Needham benefited from a steady income, bonuses, and Amazon stock growth.
- IMDb’s expansion: Under his leadership, IMDb launched IMDbPro, acquired Box Office Mojo, and grew to 83+ million users, significantly increasing its value.
- Smart investments: While not publicly detailed, Needham likely invested portions of his earnings wisely over the decades.
Unlike many tech founders who cash out early, Needham’s long-term commitment to IMDb allowed his wealth to grow organically. His $20 million fortune reflects not just a single payday, but decades of dedication to building the world’s most trusted entertainment database.
What’s Next for Col Needham?
After stepping down as CEO of IMDb in 2025, Col Needham leaves behind an incredible 35-year legacy as the visionary behind the world’s most trusted movie database. So, what’s next for this tech pioneer? While Needham has always kept a low profile, he’ll likely remain connected to IMDb in an advisory role, helping guide its future without the day-to-day responsibilities.
Given his passion for technology and data, he might explore new ventures in entertainment tech or even mentorship for aspiring entrepreneurs. However, knowing Needham’s humble lifestyle, he’ll probably prioritize family time with his wife and twin daughters in their quiet hometown of Filton, England.
One thing’s certain: his $20 million net worth—built from IMDb’s success—gives him the freedom to choose his next chapter. Whether he returns to innovation or enjoys a well-earned break, Col Needham’s impact on Hollywood and the internet will last for decades.
FAQs About Col Needham Net Worth
1. How did Col Needham make his money?
He founded IMDb, sold it to Amazon, and stayed as CEO for 35 years, earning from salary, stock, and company growth.
2. How much did Amazon pay for IMDb?
Reports suggest $5–10 million in 1998, but the exact amount was never confirmed.
3. Is Col Needham still involved with IMDb?
He stepped down as CEO in 2025 but may stay in an advisory role.
4. What is IMDb’s net worth today?
As part of Amazon, IMDb is worth billions, contributing to Needham’s $20M personal net worth.
5. Does Col Needham have other businesses?
Not publicly known—his focus has always been IMDb and tech innovation.
Final Thoughts: Col Needham’s Lasting Legacy
Col Needham net worth of $20 million is a testament to his vision, persistence, and smart decisions. From a simple movie list to a global entertainment empire, his story proves that passion + tech can change the world.
Want to learn about other tech pioneers? Check out our previous content on Andy Richter Net Worth: How the Comedy Genius Built His $12M Fortune.