Joel Gascoigne

Joel Gascoigne is the co-founder and CEO of Buffer, a prominent social media management platform that he established in 2010. Born and raised in Sheffield, England, Gascoigne spent part of his childhood in Japan and later moved to the United States, where he currently resides in Boulder, Colorado with his wife, Jess.13

Career and Contributions

Gascoigne's entrepreneurial journey began with the creation of Buffer, which was inspired by his personal need for a tool to schedule social media posts. The initial idea was validated through a landing page that attracted significant user interest before the product was fully developed. Buffer quickly gained traction, achieving over 1 million users within a few years and generating substantial revenue.125 Under his leadership, Buffer has become known for its commitment to transparency in operations, including openly sharing employee salaries and company revenues.36

Company Philosophy

Buffer operates as a fully remote company, a decision made early in its development. Gascoigne advocates for remote work as a means to democratize access to job opportunities worldwide. He emphasizes the importance of building a positive remote work culture and employee rights.13 Buffer's team has grown to about 90 members and has maintained profitability for several years.12

Personal Life and Interests

In addition to his role at Buffer, Gascoigne is involved in angel investing, helping early-stage startups navigate their challenges. He enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and surfing. He is also passionate about travel and has lived in various countries throughout his career.134

Gascoigne's approach combines technical expertise with a strong focus on community and culture, making him a respected figure in the tech and startup ecosystems.