Early Life and Education
Todd Wagner was born on August 2, 1960, in Gary, Indiana. He attended Merrillville High School and then Indiana University, where he was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity. Wagner graduated from Indiana University in 1983 with a Bachelor of Arts/Science degree. He later earned a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from the University of Virginia. After law school, Wagner moved to Dallas, Texas, and became a licensed CPA, beginning his legal career with firms like Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, and Hopkins & Sutter. However, he later realized that law wasn't his calling, setting the stage for a career change into the entrepreneurial world.
Rise to Success
Wagner's entrepreneurial journey began in 1995 when he co-founded AudioNet with Mark Cuban. The platform, which broadcast live sporting events and radio stations over the internet, was later renamed Broadcast.com in 1998. As CEO, Wagner led the company through its record-breaking IPO during the dot-com boom. In 1999, Broadcast.com was sold to Yahoo! for $5.7 billion. This sale made Wagner and Cuban instant billionaires. Wagner remained with Yahoo! Broadcast until May 2000, declining an offer to become Yahoo!'s Chief Operating Officer to pursue other interests.
Key Business Strategies
Following the success of Broadcast.com, Wagner co-founded 2929 Entertainment with Mark Cuban. This vertically integrated media company has been involved in the production, distribution, and exhibition of film and television content. 2929 Entertainment has produced films like *Good Night, and Good Luck* and *Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room*. Wagner pioneered the simultaneous release of films in theaters and on digital platforms. He has also invested in and nurtured start-ups and co-owns the Dallas Mavericks.
Philanthropy
Wagner is also known for his philanthropy. In 2000, he established the Todd Wagner Foundation. The foundation supports various programs focused on underserved communities, at-risk youth, and educational opportunities. In 2014, Wagner launched the Charity Network, a digital platform designed to help charities raise funds through platforms like Charitybuzz and Prizeo.