About Ted Murphy

Father of The Creator Economy

Ted Murphy is a seasoned serial entrepreneur who has founded six companies since 1994, collectively generating over $300 million in sales. He has raised more than $140 million across both private and public equity markets, while also creating over $5 billion in shareholder liquidity.

Widely regarded as the father of the creator economy, Murphy launched PayPerPost.com in 2006, creating the first influencer marketing platform. He is currently the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of IZEA Worldwide, a leading online marketplace that connects brands with content creators. Under his leadership, IZEA has facilitated more than 4 million transactions between buyers and creators.

Murphy’s entrepreneurial journey spans from bootstrapping startups with credit cards to leading venture-backed companies and ultimately taking his business public at the age of 35. His innovative strategies and visionary leadership have consistently attracted partnerships with major global agencies and iconic brands.

As a sought-after consultant, Murphy has worked with top-tier organizations including FOX, Bombardier, General Motors, Burger King, and Disney. His company, IZEA, has executed successful influencer marketing campaigns for household names such as Amazon, Walmart, Canon, Google, Panasonic, and Starbucks. He has personally negotiated high-profile influencer deals with celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Daymond John.

Recognized as a thought leader in the industry, Murphy frequently shares his insights through television appearances and keynote speeches at global conferences.

Listing Day on NASDAQ

Photography

Woodworking

Personal Life

Alright, let’s drop the third-person talk, shall we? At my core, I’m a creator. Whether it’s building a new business, crafting a product, painting a canvas, or renovating a home—I’m fueled by the act of creating something from nothing. It’s my passion, my drive.

Outside of family, nothing brings me more joy than creation in all its forms. I draw, I paint, I take photos, and make videos. I’m also a woodworker and a amateur electrician. Over the years, I’ve poured myself into countless projects—some turned out better than others, but every one taught me something.

The Murphy Family

Ted is one of six children with two sisters and three half brothers. He is the husband of Tara Murphy and father of Zane Murphy. They live together with their miniature schnauzer Bonzo in the suburbs of Orlando, Florida.

Ted, Tara, and Zane

Early Life

I was born and raised in Long Island, New York, to Tom and Val Murphy. My father was a serial entrepreneur who owned a diverse range of businesses, from furniture stores to radio stations. In the 1980s, he took two companies public, including Maxaxam, which developed a groundbreaking gear system. His entrepreneurial spirit profoundly influenced me, and from an early age, I knew I wanted to follow in his footsteps.

At age 10, my family relocated to Marco Island, Florida, where I spent the rest of my childhood, eventually graduating high school in 1994. During high school, I launched my first venture, selling t-shirts to classmates—a business that nearly got me expelled! After graduation, I attended Florida State University, where I started my second company, which unfortunately didn’t last. However, in my sophomore year, I co-founded Marsiglio & Murphy Design Group (now Contextual Code) with my partner, Mark Marsiglio. The company celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2025.

After selling my stake in the business to Mark and the partners who later joined, I went on to launch MindComet, an interactive agency. I served as CEO until 2006 when I decided to pursue a new venture—founding IZEA, which has now been thriving for over 18 years.