Michelle Kennedy: The Visionary Founder of Peanut and a Pioneer for Women in Tech
Who is Michelle Kennedy?
Michelle Kennedy is a trailblazing British entrepreneur, lawyer, and advocate for women’s empowerment. Best known as the Founder and CEO of Peanut, she has redefined the way women connect through technology. Her innovative social platform has earned global recognition, including Apple’s Trend of the Year 2021, TIME’s 100 Most Influential Companies 2022, and Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies 2023.
Michelle Kennedy’s journey from corporate law to tech entrepreneurship is a remarkable story of courage, innovation, and purpose. She transformed her personal experience of isolation in early motherhood into a global movement of connection and support for women across all life stages.
Michelle Kennedy’s Early Life and Education
Michelle Kennedy was born in February 1983 in the United Kingdom, which makes her 42 years old in 2025 (turning 43 in February 2026). She pursued a degree in Law (LLB) from the University of Sheffield, one of the UK’s leading institutions. Her strong academic foundation and sharp analytical skills led her into the field of corporate law, where she quickly built a reputation for excellence, precision, and strategic thinking.
From Law to Leadership: Michelle Kennedy’s Career Journey
Early Career in Law
Michelle began her career as a Solicitor at Mishcon de Reya LLP, one of London’s most respected law firms. During her time there, she worked on mergers, acquisitions, and high-profile corporate matters, gaining valuable insight into business structures and deal-making.
Her expertise in corporate law later became instrumental in her transition to the tech industry, where she would use her legal and strategic understanding to lead major companies.
Transition into Tech: Badoo and Bumble
After several years in law, Michelle joined Badoo, a global social networking platform for meeting new people. She quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Deputy CEO—a rare achievement for a woman in the male-dominated tech world.
During her five years at Badoo, she worked closely with founder Andrey Andreev and played a pivotal role in the company’s global expansion. Her work focused on operational growth, legal strategy, and online safety—skills that would later define her own venture.
Michelle was also part of the founding team and Board Advisor for Bumble, where she collaborated with Whitney Wolfe Herd to shape one of the world’s most successful female-focused dating apps. Her deep understanding of online communities, safety, and user engagement made her an invaluable contributor to Bumble’s early success.
The Birth of Peanut: A Platform for Women Everywhere
The inspiration for Peanut came in 2014 when Michelle Kennedy became a mother to her first child, Fin. Despite her successful career and social network, she experienced the loneliness and isolation many new mothers face. She noticed that, while dating apps connected people for relationships, there was no dedicated space for women to connect through motherhood, fertility, and beyond.
In 2016, she decided to change that.
Founding Peanut
Michelle founded Peanut App with a mission to create a safe, supportive, and inclusive community for women. The app launched in 2017, offering features that allowed women to “wave” to nearby users, join topic-based discussions, and form meaningful friendships.
Today, Peanut serves more than 3.5 million women globally, supporting them through every stage of life—from puberty to menopause. It’s a platform where women can discuss everything from fertility and pregnancy to menopause and mental health, without judgement or stigma.
Peanut’s success is driven by Michelle’s unwavering belief that no woman should feel alone, and that technology can be a tool for compassion and connection.
Michelle Kennedy’s Leadership and Achievements
Under Michelle’s leadership, Peanut has been celebrated as one of the most innovative apps in the world.
Major Recognitions:
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Apple’s Trend of the Year (2021)
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TIME’s 100 Most Influential Companies (2022)
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Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies (2023)
These honours highlight her influence not only in technology but also in shaping cultural conversations about womanhood, wellness, and community.
Michelle has also become a respected voice in entrepreneurship and female leadership. She regularly speaks on topics such as startup culture, inclusion in tech, and the challenges women face in business.
Her success with Peanut demonstrates that technology can be human, empathetic, and socially transformative.
Michelle Kennedy Age and Personal Life
Michelle Kennedy is 42 years old as of 2025, having been born in February 1983. While Michelle is widely known for her professional achievements, she is equally proud of her role as a mother and wife, often highlighting the importance of family alongside her career in the technology and entrepreneurship space.
Michelle Kennedy’s Husband
Michelle Kennedy is married to Richard, a private and supportive partner who has remained outside the public spotlight. In interviews, she has described him as “completely brilliant” and a true teammate in balancing family and work.
The couple has two children and live in Greater London, maintaining a family-focused yet fast-paced lifestyle that reflects both ambition and warmth.
Michelle Kennedy’s Children
Michelle Kennedy is a devoted mother to two children:
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Fin (Son) – born around 2014–2015, he was the inspiration behind Peanut’s creation.
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Nuala (Daughter) – born around 2019–2021, often featured affectionately on Michelle’s Instagram as “Curly Nu” or “Noodler.”
Her family life often features on her Instagram, where she shares glimpses of motherhood, travel, and career milestones with authenticity and grace.
Michelle Kennedy’s Mission Beyond Peanut
Michelle’s vision extends far beyond a single app. Through StartHER, her venture fund, she champions diversity and equality in startup investment. The fund supports female and underrepresented founders, offering access to networks and opportunities that are often denied to women in venture capital.
StartHER’s Notable Investments Include:
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Linktree
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Sunroom
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Lex
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Intimately
Through StartHER, Michelle is helping to reshape the global startup landscape by ensuring that the next generation of entrepreneurs—especially women—receive fair access to funding and mentorship.
Michelle Kennedy’s Influence and Philosophy
Michelle Kennedy is more than a founder; she is a role model for resilience and reinvention. Her philosophy centres on empathy, authenticity, and empowerment. She has shown that success in business doesn’t have to come at the expense of humanity.
She often speaks about balancing motherhood and leadership, acknowledging the imperfections of both:
“I fail almost every day—from forgetting school money to missing an email—but being kind to yourself matters more than perfection.”
This grounded perspective resonates deeply with her audience, reinforcing her reputation as one of the most relatable leaders in tech today.
Michelle Kennedy’s Social Media Presence
On Instagram, under the handle @michellekennedylon, she connects with over 18,000 followers. Her posts blend personal warmth, professional insights, and advocacy for women’s wellbeing. Whether celebrating family milestones, speaking at global conferences, or highlighting Peanut’s achievements, Michelle’s tone remains genuine and inspiring.
Quick Info
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michelle Theresa Kennedy |
| Date of Birth | February 1983 |
| Age (2025) | 42 years old |
| Nationality | British |
| Country of Residence | United Kingdom |
| Profession | Entrepreneur, Lawyer |
| Known For | Founder & CEO of Peanut |
| Education | LLB (Law), University of Sheffield |
| Early Career | Corporate Solicitor at Mishcon de Reya LLP |
| Tech Leadership | Deputy CEO at Badoo; Early Board Advisor at Bumble |
| Company Founded | Peanut (Founded 2016, Launched 2017) |
| Peanut Focus | Women’s social networking (fertility, motherhood, menopause) |
| Awards | Apple Trend of the Year (2021); TIME100 Companies (2022); Fast Company Most Innovative (2023) |
| Marital Status | Married (Husband: Richard) |
| Children | Two (Fin and Nuala) |
| Other Ventures | Founder of StartHER (venture fund for women founders) |
Legacy and Impact
Michelle Kennedy has become a defining figure in the modern women’s movement within technology. By merging empathy with innovation, she has built a company that not only connects millions but also changes conversations around womanhood, motherhood, and identity.
Her influence continues to grow as Peanut expands globally and as StartHER empowers new founders. Through her example, she has proven that technology can be a force for inclusion, compassion, and empowerment.
Final Thoughts on Michelle Kennedy
Michelle Kennedy embodies the modern entrepreneurial spirit—visionary, courageous, and deeply human. From corporate law to tech leadership, from loneliness to global community, her story is one of purpose-driven success.
She is not just the founder of Peanut; she is a voice for women everywhere who believe that connection, kindness, and courage can truly change the world.
FAQs
1. Who is Michelle Kennedy?
Michelle Kennedy is a British entrepreneur, former corporate lawyer, and the Founder and CEO of Peanut, a global social networking app designed to connect women across all life stages.
2. How old is Michelle Kennedy?
Michelle Kennedy was born in February 1983. She is 42 years old in 2025 and will turn 43 in February 2026.
3. What is Peanut and why did Michelle Kennedy create it?
Peanut is a social networking app for women, created to help them connect through fertility, pregnancy, motherhood, menopause, and beyond. Michelle Kennedy founded Peanut after experiencing loneliness during early motherhood.
4. When was Peanut founded?
Michelle Kennedy founded Peanut in 2016, and the app officially launched in 2017. It now supports millions of women worldwide through community, conversation, and connection.
5. What is Michelle Kennedy known for besides Peanut?
She is also known for her leadership roles at Badoo (as Deputy CEO), early board involvement with Bumble, and for founding StartHER, a venture fund supporting female and underrepresented founders.
6. Is Michelle Kennedy married?
Michelle Kennedy is married. She has spoken publicly about her husband, Richard, describing him as a supportive and private partner who stays largely out of the public spotlight.
