Entrepreneur & Technology Executive; Co-Founder of TripAdvisor; Former CEO at TripAdvisor; Board Director at CarGurus

Newton, MA, USA
Live Event: $100,000 - $200,000 Virtual Event: Please Contact More Fee Info

Stephen Kaufer Biography

Stephen Kaufer is an entrepreneur and technology executive recognized as the co-founder of TripAdvisor, a major platform in the travel and hospitality industry. Kaufer holds a Bachelor of Arts in computer science from Harvard University. Early in his career, he co-founded CenterLine Software, a company focused on developing programming and testing tools for software engineers, and served as president of CDS, Inc., an independent software vendor.

Kaufer launched TripAdvisor with Langley Steinert, initially as a business-to-business database of travel information for consumer-facing sites such as Expedia and AOL. He later transitioned TripAdvisor to a consumer-focused model, making it publicly accessible, aggregating information on hotels and attractions, encouraging user reviews, and generating revenue through referral fees from travel companies. Under Kaufer’s leadership as CEO, TripAdvisor expanded to include 24 travel media brands operating in 48 markets worldwide, attracting more than 400 million visitors per month.

Kaufer has received several awards for entrepreneurship and leadership in the travel industry, including induction into the British Travel & Hospitality Hall of Fame, the Pioneer Award from the International Society of Hospitality Consultants, and the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. He holds multiple software patents and has spoken at numerous travel and technology conferences globally.

After retiring as TripAdvisor’s CEO, Kaufer co-founded Give Freely, a browser extension designed to help users save money while shopping online and generate donations to charities through retailer-paid affiliate marketing commissions. This initiative reflects Kaufer’s ongoing commitment to leveraging technology for social impact within the e-commerce and charitable giving sectors.

Kaufer has served on the Board of Directors for Glassdoor and currently serves on the Board of Directors of CarGurus. He is also a member of the Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation’s Board of Directors, supporting research in memory of his first wife, Caroline. Kaufer’s career demonstrates a focus on entrepreneurship, digital innovation, and the use of technology to build communities and drive positive change in both the travel and nonprofit sectors.

BOOK Stephen Kaufer

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 09/17/2026.

Stephen Kaufer Videos

Breakthroughs Today, Cures Tomorrow | Stephen Kaufer

Breakthroughs Today, Cures Tomorrow | Stephen Kaufer

Board Member Stephen Kaufer discusses the personal reason behind his involvement with NETRF and why he continues to stay engaged.

Tripadvisor Founder Stephen Kaufer Reveals What You NEED

Tripadvisor Founder Stephen Kaufer Reveals What You NEED

Tripadvisor Founder Stephen Kaufer Reveals What You NEED to Know Before Starting a Company.

Interview with Founder and retiring CEO of TripAdvisor - Steve Kaufer

Interview with Founder and retiring CEO of TripAdvisor - Steve Kaufer

Founder and retiring CEO of TripAdvisor, Steve Kaufer is interviewed by Charles River Regional Chamber's President, Greg Reibman at the the 5th...

  • How do I book Stephen Kaufer to speak at my event?

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  • What are the speaker fees for Stephen Kaufer

    Speaking fees for Stephen Kaufer, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Stephen Kaufer are $100,000 - $200,000 for live events and available upon request for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Stephen Kaufer, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Stephen Kaufer speak about?

    Stephen Kaufer is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Adventure, Business, Business Leadership, Computer Science, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Hospitality, Inventors, Leadership
  • Where does Stephen Kaufer travel from?

    Stephen Kaufer generally travels from Newton, MA, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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Stephen Kaufer is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Stephen Kaufer for your event is $100,000 - $200,000. Stephen Kaufer generally travels from Newton, MA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Eric Glyman, Brian Kelly, R "Ray" Wang, Barbara Corcoran and Shegun Otulana. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Stephen Kaufer for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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