Who owns Roku?

Business / By / October 1, 2023

Roku was founded in 2002 by Anthony Wood who is also the current CEO and majority shareholder.

Roku is an American manufacturer of digital media players used specifically for video streaming. The company, which was founded in 2002 by Anthony Wood, posted Q4 2022 revenue of $867.1 million with around 100 million customers in the United States.

AspectDescriptionAnalysisExamples
Products and ServicesRoku is a streaming platform and device manufacturer that offers a range of products and services for streaming content. The company provides streaming devices (Roku players and Roku TVs), an operating system (Roku OS), and a platform (Roku Channel) that aggregates content from various streaming services. Roku’s ecosystem allows users to access a wide variety of streaming content on their TVs.Roku’s core offerings include hardware devices, an operating system, and a content platform. The platform aggregates content from various streaming services, making it convenient for users to access their favorite shows and movies.Roku streaming players (e.g., Roku Express), Roku-powered smart TVs, Roku OS, Roku Channel (free and premium content).
Revenue StreamsRoku generates revenue through multiple streams, including the sale of streaming devices, licensing Roku OS to TV manufacturers, advertising on the Roku Channel, revenue share from content distribution, and subscription and transactional fees from premium channels and content.Revenue from device sales and licensing Roku OS to TV manufacturers forms a significant portion. Advertising on the Roku Channel and revenue share from content distribution add to income. Subscription and transactional fees contribute to diversified revenue streams.Revenue from device sales, licensing fees, advertising on the Roku Channel, revenue share from content providers, subscription fees from premium channels, transactional fees for content rentals.
Customer SegmentsRoku serves a broad customer base, including cord-cutters, streaming enthusiasts, households seeking affordable streaming solutions, and content providers looking to reach a large audience. The platform is designed to cater to a diverse range of users.Roku’s platform appeals to individuals and households seeking flexible streaming options. Content providers benefit from Roku’s broad user base to distribute their content.Cord-cutters, streaming enthusiasts, cost-conscious consumers, content providers seeking distribution.
Distribution ChannelsRoku distributes its hardware devices through various retail channels, including online and physical stores. The Roku OS is integrated into smart TVs from partner manufacturers. The Roku Channel is available on Roku devices and the web, while the platform’s app store provides access to third-party streaming apps.Multiple distribution channels ensure accessibility for customers. Integration of Roku OS into TVs expands reach. The Roku Channel can be accessed on various devices, and the app store allows for app distribution.Online and physical retail stores, TV manufacturers with Roku OS integration, Roku Channel on Roku devices and web, Roku’s app store.
Key PartnershipsRoku collaborates with TV manufacturers to integrate Roku OS into smart TVs. The company also partners with streaming services to offer their content on the platform. Additionally, advertising partnerships help monetize the Roku Channel.Partnerships with TV manufacturers expand Roku’s ecosystem. Content partnerships ensure a diverse range of content on the platform. Advertising partnerships generate revenue.Collaborations with TCL, content partnerships with Netflix and Disney+, advertising partnerships with brands for Roku Channel.
Key ResourcesRoku’s key resources include its streaming technology, user base, partnerships with TV manufacturers and content providers, Roku OS development, data analytics capabilities, and advertising platform.Roku’s technology infrastructure supports streaming and user data analysis. Partnerships with TV manufacturers and content providers provide access to content. Roku OS development is essential for platform growth. Data analytics inform content recommendations and advertising targeting.Streaming technology, partnerships with TV manufacturers, Roku OS development team, user data analytics, advertising platform, content distribution agreements.
Cost StructureRoku incurs costs in hardware manufacturing, research and development for Roku OS, content acquisition, marketing and advertising, employee salaries, data storage and analytics, and customer support.Manufacturing costs for hardware devices are significant. R&D investment in Roku OS and content acquisition costs support the platform. Marketing campaigns drive user adoption. Employee salaries are substantial due to technical expertise. Data storage and analytics are crucial for content recommendations.Manufacturing Roku devices, R&D for Roku OS, acquiring content licensing rights, marketing campaigns, employee wages, data storage and analytics infrastructure, customer support.
Competitive AdvantageRoku’s competitive advantage lies in its user-friendly platform, broad compatibility, extensive content library, partnerships with TV manufacturers, and advertising capabilities. It offers a versatile streaming solution with a focus on content aggregation and monetization.Roku’s platform is known for its ease of use and broad device compatibility. Content aggregation from multiple services appeals to users. Partnerships with TV manufacturers expand its reach. Advertising capabilities on the Roku Channel contribute to revenue.Roku’s user-friendly interface, compatibility with a wide range of devices, content aggregation, partnerships with TV manufacturers like Samsung, advertising partnerships with brands.
Value PropositionRoku provides users with a convenient and customizable streaming experience. It offers access to a vast library of content, including free and premium options. For content providers, Roku offers a platform to reach a large and engaged audience.Roku’s value proposition centers on delivering a seamless and personalized streaming experience. It caters to users seeking flexibility and choice in their streaming options. Content providers benefit from Roku’s extensive reach and advertising opportunities.Streaming content on Roku devices, accessing a variety of apps, customizing streaming preferences, content providers reaching a large audience.

Anthony Wood

Anthony Wood is the founder, current CEO, and majority shareholder of Roku with approximately 18 million shares across Class A and Class B common stock.

The English-born billionaire also founded the similar DVR company ReplayTV in 1997. The company enabled users to record live television programming to hard disk and then watch it later at a more convenient time.

Shortly before he founded Roku, Wood sold ReplayTV to digital audio device company SONICblue in 2001 for $120 million.

Scott Rosenberg

Scott Rosenberg was a former Roku executive who was a key part of the development of the Roku Channel – the company’s over-the-top video streaming service. 

Rosenberg joined Roku in 2012 and, as VP of Advertising & Business Development, was tasked with building and scaling the company’s advertising interests. He later became SVP of Advertising and then SVP of Platform Business. 

In January 2022, Rosenberg announced he would be stepping down from his role in the middle of the year to pursue other interests. Since then, he has worked as an advisor in various capacities and founded the clean energy start-up Project 257 in November 2022.

Rosenberg holds just under 300,000 Class A shares.

Stephen H. Kay

Stephen H. Kay joined Roku in 2014 in an SVP and General Counsel role where he has remained ever since. Kay manages a team primarily responsible for legal matters such as:

  • Corporate and commercial transactions.
  • Content distribution and production.
  • Intellectual property.
  • SEC reporting.
  • Government relations, and
  • Compliance and corporate governance.

Before joining Roku, Kay served in a similar role at Gemstar-TV Guide and as a managing partner at the law firm Hogan Lovells.

Steve Louden

Steve Louden is a former Roku CFO who played a key role in transforming it into a fast-growing public company. Louden announced in late 2022 that he would be leaving his position to move back to Seattle nearer to family.

A Harvard MBA graduate, Louden worked for 4 years at Expedia as its VP of Corporate Finance and then as its Treasurer. He currently sits on the boards of Silicon Valley Bank and Seattle-based fashion company Zumiez. 

Louden owns around 141,000 Class A shares.

Other minority shareholders

Minority shareholders in Roku include:

  • Mustafa Ozgen (Named Executive Officer).
  • Ravi Ahuja (Director).
  • Jeffrey Hastings (Director).
  • Mai Fyfield (Director).
  • Laurie Simon Hodrick (Director).
  • Neil Hunt (Director). 
  • Gina Luna (Director), and
  • Ray Rothrock (Director).

Collectively, these eight individuals own around 92,000 Class A shares in Roku.

Key takeaways:

  • Roku is an American manufacturer of digital media players used specifically for video streaming. The company was founded in 2002 by Anthony Wood who is also the current CEO and majority shareholder.
  • Scott Rosenberg was a former Roku executive who was a key part of the development of the Roku Channel – the company’s over-the-top video streaming service. He is currently the second-largest individual shareholder. 
  • Other NEOs who own significant stakes in Roku include SVP and General Counsel Stephen Kay and former company CEO Steve Louden.

Key Highlights

  • Founding and Leadership:
    • Roku was founded in 2002 by Anthony Wood, who is also the current CEO and majority shareholder.
    • Anthony Wood is a billionaire and holds around 18 million shares of Class A and Class B common stock.
  • Business and Revenue:
    • Roku is an American manufacturer of digital media players designed for video streaming.
    • The company reported Q4 2022 revenue of $867.1 million.
    • Roku has approximately 100 million customers in the United States.
  • Anthony Wood’s Background:
    • Anthony Wood also founded ReplayTV, a DVR company, in 1997, which allowed users to record and watch television programming later.
    • Before founding Roku, Wood sold ReplayTV to SONICblue in 2001 for $120 million.
  • Scott Rosenberg:
    • Scott Rosenberg was a former executive at Roku.
    • He played a significant role in developing the Roku Channel, the company’s over-the-top video streaming service.
    • Rosenberg held various positions, including VP of Advertising & Business Development and SVP of Platform Business.
    • He left Roku in 2022 to pursue other interests, including founding the clean energy start-up Project 257.
  • Stephen H. Kay:
    • Stephen H. Kay joined Roku in 2014 as SVP and General Counsel.
    • He oversees legal matters related to corporate transactions, content distribution, intellectual property, compliance, and more.
    • Prior to Roku, Kay worked in similar roles at Gemstar-TV Guide and Hogan Lovells.
  • Steve Louden:
    • Steve Louden is a former CFO of Roku.
    • He played a crucial role in Roku’s growth and transition into a publicly traded company.
    • Louden announced his departure in late 2022 to relocate to Seattle.
    • He has held positions at Expedia and serves on the boards of Silicon Valley Bank and Zumiez.
  • Other Minority Shareholders:
    • Other significant minority shareholders in Roku include executives and directors:
      • Mustafa Ozgen (Named Executive Officer).
      • Ravi Ahuja (Director).
      • Jeffrey Hastings (Director).
      • Mai Fyfield (Director).
      • Laurie Simon Hodrick (Director).
      • Neil Hunt (Director).
      • Gina Luna (Director).
      • Ray Rothrock (Director).
    • Collectively, these individuals own around 92,000 Class A shares in Roku.
  • Key Takeaways:
    • Roku is a prominent manufacturer of digital media players focused on video streaming.
    • Anthony Wood, the founder and CEO, is a major shareholder with a significant number of shares.
    • Scott Rosenberg played a crucial role in developing the Roku Channel.
    • Other executives, including Stephen H. Kay and former CEO Steve Louden, also hold notable stakes in Roku.

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Gennaro is the creator of FourWeekMBA, which reached about four million business people, comprising C-level executives, investors, analysts, product managers, and aspiring digital entrepreneurs in 2022 alone | He is also Director of Sales for a high-tech scaleup in the AI Industry | In 2012, Gennaro earned an International MBA with emphasis on Corporate Finance and Business Strategy.
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