Christof Wittig

Christof Wittig is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Hornet Networks, a leading global queer social networking platform established in 2011 to provide a safer, more authentic digital space for the LGBTQ+ community, particularly gay men. Under his leadership, Hornet has grown to become one of the world’s foremost queer social networks, achieving daily user acquisition rates exceeding 17,000 new users organically. The platform notably integrates advanced safety measures including AI-powered content moderation, community-led protections, and geofencing tools, reflecting Christof’s commitment to social justice and online community safety.

Christof’s entrepreneurial background is marked by serial software ventures and investor roles. Prior to Hornet, he was founder and CEO of LiquidM, recognized as the first mobile demand-side platform (DSP) offered as software-as-a-service (SaaS), where he successfully scaled the company into a top 10 mobile-first DSP globally within two years. He also founded and ran other tech startups such as Servo Software and db4objects. His track record includes both founding and exiting multiple companies, with an emphasis on building high-growth tech businesses and investing in innovative startups.

Educationally, Christof holds a Master of Science in Management from Stanford University Graduate School of Business, where he was a Sloan Fellow (Class of 2004). Additionally, he earned an architecture degree from the Technical University of Munich, highlighting a multidisciplinary academic foundation combining design thinking with strategic management. He is based in San Francisco, California.

Christof frequently shares insights on building inclusive digital ecosystems, the ethical responsibilities of tech platforms, and fostering queer spaces that empower identity and community connection. He is an active advocate for LGBTQ+ innovation and social equity, with regular public engagements including podcasts, interviews, and conference appearances—such as his participation in the 2024 AIDS Conference in Munich and keynote addresses on online safety at global industry events.

Hornet’s recent strategic milestones under Wittig’s guidance include the triumphant legal victory enabling the app’s reentry into the Turkish Apple App Store, acquisition of competitors to reinforce market leadership, and continuous product innovations exemplified by major app updates emphasizing enhanced chat features and user engagement.

In summary, Christof Wittig exemplifies a visionary tech entrepreneur uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology, social impact, and community-driven innovation, leveraging his extensive operational and investment experience to steadily scale Hornet’s influence within the queer digital space and beyond.