Catherine Cook

Catherine Cook
Name	Catherine Cook
Birth date	1980s
Birth place	Chicago, Illinois, United States
Alma mater	University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign
Occupation	Entrepreneur, technologist, author
Known for	Co-founder of MyYearbook / MeetMe

Catherine Cook is an American entrepreneur and technology executive noted for co-founding the social networking site MyYearbook, which later became MeetMe. She gained prominence for building online communities targeted at teenagers and young adults and for her work at the intersection of social media, consumer technology, and online safety. Cook has been profiled in major media outlets and has participated in startup accelerators, venture initiatives, and speaking engagements related to entrepreneurship and technology.

Early life and education

Cook was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, and grew up in a family that encouraged early computing and business interests. She attended local schools in Chicago before enrolling at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, where she studied accounting and entrepreneurship programs offered by the Gies College of Business. During her time at Urbana–Champaign she became involved with campus organizations and student projects that connected her with emerging internet platforms and peer networks. The experiences at Illinois placed her in contact with peers who later participated in technology startups and venture communities such as Y Combinator-alumni networks and regional incubators.

Entrepreneurial ventures

In 2005, Cook and her brothers launched a social networking project that evolved into MyYearbook, positioning the site as a social network for high-school and college students. The venture connected to established social platforms like Facebook, Myspace, and later competitive services such as Badoo and Tagged by focusing on matchmaking, profiles, and interactive features. MyYearbook leveraged viral growth strategies similar to those used by startups associated with Silicon Valley and engaged with advertising partners from the advertising industry and consumer brands to monetize traffic.

MyYearbook underwent strategic pivots to emphasize mobile engagement as smartphones from manufacturers like Apple and Samsung became dominant. The company integrated features comparable to those found on apps like Tinder for social discovery while maintaining community features present on platforms like Classmates.com. In 2011–2014 the company rebranded as MeetMe and executed product changes to capture users from both domestic and international markets, negotiating partnerships and licensing arrangements common to internet startups. The company later pursued a public listing via mergers and transactions with financial entities and engaged advisors associated with NASDAQ-listed technology companies.

Career and public activities

Beyond MyYearbook/MeetMe, Cook has engaged in public speaking at conferences attended by entrepreneurs, investors, and technologists, including events similar to TechCrunch Disrupt and forums hosted by startup incubators. She has contributed to discussions about platform safety, content moderation, and youth privacy alongside organizations such as Common Sense Media and advocacy groups concerned with online child protection. Cook has participated in mentorship programs connected to accelerator networks like 500 Startups and educational initiatives tied to business schools including the Kellogg School of Management and the Harvard Business School executive education community.

Her career has included advisory roles and board participation for early-stage companies in areas spanning mobile apps, social discovery, and consumer content, collaborating with investors from venture capital firms such as Sequoia Capital, Accel Partners, and angel networks tied to the Techstars community. Cook has been featured in profiles by mainstream outlets such as Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and technology-focused publications like Wired and Fast Company discussing startup growth, monetization strategies, and the challenges of scaling social platforms.

Personal life

Cook resides in the United States and has been involved in philanthropy and community engagement efforts connected to youth programs and STEM outreach initiatives. She has supported nonprofit organizations focused on digital literacy and mentorship, collaborating with groups such as Girls Who Code and regional education foundations. Cook balances professional activities with family life and has spoken publicly about the demands of entrepreneurship and the role of founders in shaping company culture and product responsibility.

Awards and recognition

Cook has received recognition for entrepreneurship and innovation from industry bodies and media outlets. Her work with MyYearbook/MeetMe earned nominations and features in lists that highlight notable young founders and influential figures in social media, akin to profiles published by Inc. (magazine), Bloomberg, and Fortune (magazine). She has been invited to serve as a judge and mentor for startup competitions and awards associated with technology conferences and university entrepreneurship programs, contributing expertise to panels for organizations like SXSW and business plan competitions at institutions such as the University of California, Berkeley.

Category:American technology company founders Category:People from Chicago