Spotify Founders Sell $1 Billion in Shares Amid Stock Surge

Spotify's stock has surged by approximately 167% over the past year, reaching an all-time high of $637.69, following the company's announcement of its first full year of profitability in 2024. Both co-founders, Daniel Ek and Martin Lorentzon, have sold over 2.5 million shares, collectively cashing in nearly $1 billion as they shift investments into other tech sectors, including AI and climate change. Recent SEC filings reveal that Ek has sold shares worth around $94 million in 2025 alone, while Lorentzon sold nearly $400 million in November 2024. Despite these sales, they retain a significant 15.9% stake in Spotify, valued at approximately $16.4 billion. The company's growth has been bolstered by rising subscriber numbers, with 675 million users and 263 million paying subscribers reported recently. Analysts note a strong correlation between earnings estimate revisions and stock price movements, suggesting continued interest in Spotify shares due to positive earnings projections.