# Sam Yagan

> Sam Yagan is a Chicago-based entrepreneur and investor who co-founded SparkNotes and OkCupid, served as Match Group CEO through its 2015 IPO, and led ShopRunner’s sale to FedEx in 2020. He is co-founder and managing partner of Corazon Capital, which announced a $100 million fourth fund in March 2026.

- **Role:** Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Corazon Capital
- **Organizations:** OkCupid, SparkNotes, MetaMachine / eDonkey, Match Group, ShopRunner, Corazon Capital, Excelerate Labs / Techstars Chicago, SpotHero, Voltage Park, Brilliant, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
- **Nationality:** American
- **Education:** High school diploma, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, BA with honors in Applied Mathematics and Economics, Harvard College, MBA, Stanford Graduate School of Business
- **Known for:** TIME 100 honoree in 2013., Led Match Group through its 2015 IPO., Led OkCupid’s sale for $50 million in cash plus potential contingent payments.

## Career timeline

- **1999** — Co-founded SparkNotes while a Harvard senior.
- **2000** — SparkNotes sold to iTurf.
- **2001** — SparkNotes acquired by Barnes & Noble; Yagan served as publisher.
- **2002** — Co-founded MetaMachine, the business behind eDonkey.
- **2003** — Co-founded OkCupid; the service launched in 2004.
- **2005** — Graduated from Stanford GSB.
- **2009** — Co-founded Excelerate Labs, later Techstars Chicago.
- **2011** — Led OkCupid through its sale to Match.com.
- **2012** — Became Match Group CEO.
- **2013** — Co-founded Corazon Capital.
- **2015** — Led Match Group through its IPO.
- **2016** — Became ShopRunner CEO.
- **2020** — Led ShopRunner’s sale to FedEx.
- **2026** — Corazon announced its $100 million Fund IV.

## Achievements

- TIME 100 honoree in 2013.
- Led Match Group through its 2015 IPO.
- Led OkCupid’s sale for $50 million in cash plus potential contingent payments.
- Led ShopRunner’s sale to FedEx in 2020.
- Henry Ford Scholar, Arjay Miller Scholar and Siebel Scholar at Stanford GSB.

## Latest updates

- **2026-05** — Featured in a video advocating educational opportunity in Illinois.
- **2026-04** — Discussed family values, philanthropy and parenting on Startup Dad.
- **2026-03** — Corazon Capital announced the final close of its $100 million Fund IV.

## Links

- Website: https://www.corazon.com/team
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samyagan/
- Twitter/X: https://x.com/samyagan

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/sam-yagan
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-26