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Who is the owner of Semrush?
Semrush is one of the most popular digital marketing platforms in the world, widely used for SEO, PPC, content marketing, and competitive research. But many people still ask: Who owns Semrush? Is it a private company, or does someone control it?
This article breaks down Semrush’s ownership, founders, shareholders, and company structure in a clear and simple way.
Who Founded Semrush?
Semrush was founded in 2008 by two entrepreneurs:
- Oleg Shchegolev
- Dmitry Melnikov
The company started as a small SEO tool built by marketers for marketers. One of its earliest products, SEOquake, helped it gain traction in the SEO community and laid the groundwork for the full Semrush platform we know today.
Who Owns Semrush Today?
Today, Semrush is not owned by a single person.
Semrush operates under Semrush Holdings, Inc., a publicly traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker SEMR.
This means ownership is shared between:
- The founders
- Institutional investors
- Public shareholders (anyone who buys Semrush stock)
- Employees through equity and stock-based compensation
Do the Founders Still Own Semrush?
Yes — the founders still own a significant portion of Semrush and remain deeply involved.
- Oleg Shchegolev
- Co-founder
- Current Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
- Former CEO
- One of the largest individual shareholders
- Dmitry Melnikov
- Co-founder
- Chief Operating Officer (COO)
- Also a major shareholder
Although their ownership percentage decreased after the company went public, they continue to influence strategy through leadership roles and board involvement.
Is Semrush a Public or Private Company?
Semrush became a public company in 2021 through an Initial Public Offering (IPO).
Since then:
- Shares are traded openly on the stock market
- Ownership is distributed among thousands of investors
- No single shareholder fully controls the company
This structure increases transparency and accountability while allowing the company to raise capital for growth.
Who Runs Semrush Now?
Semrush is led by an executive management team overseen by a board of directors.
- CEO: Bill Wagner (appointed in 2025)
- CTO: Oleg Shchegolev (co-founder)
- COO: Dmitry Melnikov (co-founder)
The board includes founders and independent directors with experience in technology, finance, and global business.
Institutional Investors & Shareholders
As a public company, Semrush has institutional investors such as:
- Investment funds
- Asset management firms
- Venture capital firms (from earlier funding rounds)
These investors hold shares but do not manage daily operations. Their influence comes through shareholder voting and long-term investment decisions.
Simple Ownership Summary
- Founded by: Oleg Shchegolev & Dmitry Melnikov
- Owned by: Founders + public shareholders + institutional investors
- Company type: Public company (NYSE: SEMR)
- Founder involvement: Still active in leadership and strategy
Final Thoughts
Semrush is no longer a founder-only company, but its original vision remains strong. The founders still play key roles, while public ownership allows Semrush to scale globally, innovate faster, and serve millions of marketers worldwide.
If you’re evaluating Semrush as a tool or as an investment, understanding its ownership structure helps explain why it balances innovation, stability, and long-term growth.