William Bumpus Jr. is a well-known name in the world of venture capital. He is the son of famous broadcast journalist Gayle King and attorney William Bumpus Sr. His story is one of education, hard work, and meaningful impact in business and philanthropy.
Beyond his famous mother, William Bumpus Jr. has built a strong career of his own. He works as a venture capitalist and supports underrepresented founders through his investment work. He also runs a nonprofit that helps students in low-income communities get the technology they need.
In his personal life, William Bumpus Jr. has reached many big milestones. He married his longtime partner, Elise Smith, in a beautiful ceremony at Oprah Winfrey’s home. In late 2025, the couple announced they were expecting their first child together.
Who is William Bumpus Jr.?
William Bumpus Jr. is a venture capitalist and nonprofit founder based in Los Angeles. He is best known as the son of CBS Mornings anchor Gayle King and Connecticut attorney William Bumpus Sr. Despite his famous family, he has carved out his own impressive professional path.
He studied at Duke University and later earned his MBA from Stanford University. His academic background gave him a strong foundation for a career in finance, tech operations, and impact investing. He has worked with major companies like Activision and Headspace before moving into venture capital.
Today, William Bumpus Jr. is a partner at Westbound Equity Partners and Managing Partner at Phoenix Rising. He is also the founder of reWerk, a nonprofit bridging the digital divide for students. His work combines profit-driven investing with genuine community impact.
William Bumpus Jr. Profile Summary
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | William Bumpus Jr. |
| Date of Birth | April 28, 1987 |
| Place of Birth | Greenwich, Connecticut, USA |
| Age (2026) | 38 years old |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| High School | Brunswick School, Greenwich, CT |
| Undergraduate | Duke University (BA, 2009) |
| Graduate School | Stanford University GSB (MBA, 2017) |
| Majors | Psychology & Asian/Middle Eastern Studies |
| Mother | Gayle King |
| Father | William Bumpus Sr. |
| Sister | Kirby Bumpus |
| Godmother | Oprah Winfrey |
| Wife | Elise Smith |
| Children | First child expected (announced Nov 2025) |
| Current Job | Partner, Westbound Equity Partners; Managing Partner, Phoenix Rising |
| Nonprofit | Founder of reWerk |
| Previous Roles | Perella Weinberg Partners, Activision, Headspace, Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Based In | Los Angeles, California |
William Bumpus Jr. Age
William Bumpus Jr. was born on April 28, 1987, in Greenwich, Connecticut. As of March 2026, he is 38 years old and continues to grow as a leader in venture capital. He celebrates his birthday every year at Red Lobster, a tradition his family has kept since he was eight years old.
His age reflects the life experience he brings to his professional and personal roles. At 38, William Bumpus Jr. has already built a diverse career spanning finance, tech, and impact investing. He is a young but seasoned professional with a strong track record behind him.
| Detail | Information |
| Date of Birth | April 28, 1987 |
| Birth Place | Greenwich, Connecticut |
| Age in 2026 | 38 years old |
| Birth Sign | Taurus |
| Birthday Tradition | Celebrates at Red Lobster every year |
| Milestone Year | Married in 2024; expecting first child in 2025–2026 |
William Bumpus Jr. Early Life and Background
William Bumpus Jr. grew up in Greenwich, Connecticut, in a family with a strong public profile. His mother, Gayle King, raised him in a household with clear structure and deep love. She described her parenting style as firm but very present and involved in her children’s lives.
His parents, Gayle King and William Bumpus Sr., were married from 1982 to 1993 before they divorced. Despite the separation, both parents remained active in raising William and his older sister Kirby. The family maintained a healthy co-parenting relationship over the years.
Growing up, William Bumpus Jr. had a remarkable family circle beyond his immediate home. His godmother, media mogul Oprah Winfrey, has been part of his life since childhood. This close bond with Oprah would later play a meaningful role in some of his biggest life moments.
William Bumpus Jr. Education
William Bumpus Jr. followed a very strong academic path from an early age. He attended the Brunswick School in Greenwich, Connecticut, a prestigious private college-preparatory institution. This foundation set him up for entry into one of America’s top universities.
He later went on to earn two degrees from highly respected universities. His undergraduate years at Duke gave him a broad liberal arts education, while his Stanford MBA sharpened his business and investment skills. His education has been a core pillar of his professional success.
Education highlights of William Bumpus Jr.:
- Attended Brunswick School, a private prep school in Greenwich, Connecticut
- Graduated from Duke University in 2009 with a BA in Psychology and Asian & Middle Eastern Studies
- Earned his MBA from Stanford University Graduate School of Business in 2017
- His Stanford education placed him among an elite network of business and tech leaders
- His academic background directly supported his career in venture capital and finance
William Bumpus Jr. Family Life
Family is a central part of who William Bumpus Jr. is as a person. He shares a very close relationship with his mother, Gayle King, who openly calls him her “favorite son.” The two are often seen together at public events and remain deeply connected.
His sister, Kirby Bumpus, is his only sibling and is just one year older than he is. Kirby works as a public health professional and was chosen as his “best woman” at his 2024 wedding. The bond between these siblings has remained strong throughout their adult lives.
William Bumpus Jr. married Elise Smith on June 2, 2024, and their family is now growing. The couple announced in November 2025 that they are expecting their first child. With a supportive wife, a loving mother, and a close-knit family circle, William’s personal life is as full as his professional one.
William Bumpus Jr. Parents
William Bumpus Jr. is the son of two accomplished and well-known individuals. His mother, Gayle King, is the celebrated co-anchor of CBS Mornings and one of America’s most recognized broadcast journalists. She has an estimated net worth of around $80 million as of 2026 and earns between $12 million and $15 million annually from CBS.
His father, William Bumpus Sr., is a respected attorney who previously served as an assistant attorney general in the state of Connecticut. Although Gayle and William Sr. divorced in 1993 after eleven years of marriage, the two remained committed co-parents to their children. William Sr. has largely stayed out of the media spotlight compared to his former wife.
Gayle King has always spoken warmly and proudly about her son in public interviews. She has celebrated his wedding, his career milestones, and the news of his upcoming baby with great joy. The relationship between William Bumpus Jr. and his parents has clearly been a source of strength throughout his life.
William Bumpus Jr. Grandparents
William Bumpus Jr. has grandparents on both his maternal and paternal sides of the family. His maternal grandparents are Scott King and Peggy King, the parents of his mother, Gayle King. They are the foundation of the family line that produced one of America’s most famous journalists.
On his paternal side, information about his grandparents is less widely covered in public media. Some genealogical records suggest that his paternal grandfather’s name is Evan Bumpus, though this has not been extensively confirmed. His paternal grandmother’s details remain largely private and out of public circulation.
While the grandparents of William Bumpus Jr. are not famous public figures, they represent the family roots that shaped the people who raised him. His maternal grandparents, in particular, contributed to the values and drive that Gayle King passed down to her children. That family heritage is a quiet but important part of who William Bumpus Jr. is today.
William Bumpus Jr. Wedding
William Bumpus Jr. married Elise Smith on June 2, 2024, in one of the most talked-about celebrity-adjacent weddings of the year. The intimate ceremony was held at the beautiful Montecito, California, estate of his godmother, Oprah Winfrey. It was a private, family-focused event full of personal and emotional moments.
The wedding was officiated by the bride’s father, making the ceremony deeply personal for both families. His sister, Kirby Bumpus, served proudly as the “best woman” during the ceremony. Kirby’s son Luca also played a special role, serving as the ring bearer for the occasion.
A major highlight of the day was a surprise fireworks display organized by Oprah Winfrey herself. The couple walked down the aisle together as the fireworks lit up the sky above Oprah’s garden. William wore a tailored white suit jacket with slacks, while Elise looked stunning in a strapless Amsale gown,n and the couple exchanged heartfelt handwritten vows.
William Bumpus Jr. Wife
William Bumpus Jr.’s wife is Elise Smith, a highly accomplished entrepreneur and business leader. She is the co-founder and CEO of Praxis Labs, a software company that uses virtual reality to improve diversity and inclusion in workplaces. Elise is not just a supportive partner but a successful professional in her own right.
Like her husband, Elise Smith is a graduate of Stanford University, where she earned both an MBA and a Master’s in Education. Her academic and professional background closely mirrors the ambition and drive that William Bumpus Jr. brings to his own work. The two clearly share a deep alignment in values around education, equity, and impact.
The couple’s wedding date, June 2, holds special meaning because it marks three important anniversaries. It is the date of their very first date, the date of their engagement, and now the date of their wedding. In November 2025, the couple announced they are expecting their first child, adding yet another joyful chapter to their story.
William Bumpus Jr. Job
William Bumpus Jr. has built a career that spans finance, technology operations, and impact-driven venture capital. He began his professional journey at Perella Weinberg Partners, working on mergers, acquisitions, and restructuring deals. From there, he took on roles at companies like Activision in Shanghai and Headspace in the United States.
Today, he is focused on investing in startups led by underrepresented founders. As a partner at Westbound Equity Partners, he targets sectors like sustainability, food tech, and education. His role at Phoenix Rising as Managing Partner adds another layer of investment leadership to his growing portfolio.
Current and past roles of William Bumpus Jr.:
- Partner at Westbound Equity Partners (formerly Concrete Rose Capital)
- Managing Partner at Phoenix Rising
- Founder of reWerk, a nonprofit providing tech to low-income students
- Former Business Lead and interim Chief of Staff at Headspace
- Former Business Operations Lead at Activision, Shanghai
- Former Head of Corporate Development at Guanxi.me
- Former Analyst at Perella Weinberg Partners
- Former Executive Director at the Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation
- Board Member at Digital NEST, a nonprofit high-tech training center for youth
What Does William Bumpus Jr. Do for a Living?
William Bumpus Jr. makes his living primarily through venture capital investing. He works as a partner at Westbound Equity Partners, a firm that focuses on backing underrepresented founders and building diverse teams. The firm recently closed a $100 million second fund, reflecting strong investor confidence in their vision.
He also serves as Managing Partner at Phoenix Rising, another investment-focused entity that contributes to his professional income. His combined roles in venture capital make him a well-positioned investor in today’s fast-moving startup economy. Beyond investing, he also draws from his deep experience in tech operations and finance.
As the founder of reWerk, William also dedicates meaningful time to nonprofit work. The organization provides study-from-home technology to students in low-income communities of color, addressing the digital divide. While nonprofit work is mission-driven rather than a primary income source, it is a big part of how William Bumpus Jr. defines what he does for a living.
William Bumpus Jr. Net Worth
William Bumpus Jr.’s exact personal net worth has not been publicly disclosed as of 2026. However, given his roles in venture capital and his extensive career in high-level tech and finance, he is widely considered a high-earning professional. His financial position is supported by both management fees and potential carried interest from successful investments.
His wealth is further supported by the professional success of his wife, Elise Smith, who leads a venture-backed software company. For context, his mother, Gayle King, has an estimated net worth of $80 million and earns between $12–$15 million annually from CBS. While William’s figures are private, his career trajectory places him firmly among affluent professionals in Los Angeles.
| Category | Detail |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Primary Income | Venture capital (management fees + carried interest) |
| Firm Fund Size | Westbound recently raised $100M second fund |
| Secondary Income | Phoenix Rising Managing Partner role |
| Prior High-Income Roles | Headspace, Activision, Perella Weinberg Partners |
| Mother’s Net Worth | ~$80 million (Gayle King, 2026) |
| Wife’s Career | CEO of Praxis Labs (venture-backed company) |
| Financial Status | High-earning professional in the VC sector |
William Bumpus Jr. Income Sources
William Bumpus Jr. generates income from multiple professional sources in the investment world. His primary earnings come from his work at Westbound Equity Partners, where he earns management fees and a share of investment returns. He also draws income from his leadership role at Phoenix Rising as Managing Partner.
His earlier corporate career at firms like Perella Weinberg, Activision, and Headspace gave him strong earning years before he transitioned into venture capital. These experiences also built the professional credibility that helps him attract deals and partnerships today. His income picture is that of a well-diversified investment professional.
Income sources of William Bumpus Jr.:
- Management fee salary from Westbound Equity Partners
- Carried interest from successful portfolio investments
- Managing Partner income from Phoenix Rising
- Prior earnings from Headspace as Business Lead and interim Chief of Staff
- Prior earnings from Activision as Business Operations Lead in Shanghai
- Prior earnings from Perella Weinberg Partners as a financial analyst
- Prior income from the Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation as Executive Director
William Bumpus Jr. Social Media
William Bumpus Jr. keeps a relatively low profile on social media despite coming from a very high-profile family. He does not maintain a widely publicized public Instagram or Twitter/X account. His professional presence is most visible through LinkedIn, where he shares updates about his investment work.
His mother, Gayle King, is far more active on social media and has shared glimpses of William’s life milestones. She announced his wedding and the news of his upcoming baby through her own platforms. For those looking to follow William Bumpus Jr. online, checking his LinkedIn profile is currently the most reliable option.
| Platform | Status |
| Not publicly active or widely known | |
| Twitter/X | No confirmed public account |
| Active professional profile available | |
| Not publicly confirmed | |
| Public Mentions | Often featured on Gayle King’s social media |
Fast Facts About William Bumpus Jr.
William Bumpus Jr. is one of those individuals whose life combines privilege, purpose, and personal ambition in equal measure. He was born into a notable family but has worked hard to establish his own identity and legacy. His story is one that many young professionals find genuinely inspiring.
From his Red Lobster birthday tradition to his firework-lit wedding at Oprah’s estate, his life is full of memorable details. He is a Stanford MBA graduate, a venture capitalist, a nonprofit founder, and now a soon-to-be father. Every chapter of his life reflects both his upbringing and the drive he has developed entirely on his own.
Quick facts about William Bumpus Jr.:
- Born April 28, 1987, in Greenwich, Connecticut
- Son of Gayle King and William Bumpus Sr.
- Godmother is Oprah Winfrey
- Graduated from Duke University in 2009 and Stanford in 2017
- Married Elise Smith on June 2, 2024, at Oprah’s Montecito estate
- Expecting his first child in late 2025
- Founder of nonprofit reWerk, launched in 2020
- Partner at Westbound Equity Partners (formerly Concrete Rose Capital)
- Celebrates his birthday at Red Lobster every year since age eight
- Board Member at Digital NEST nonprofit organization
Final Thoughts
William Bumpus Jr. is much more than the famous son of Gayle King and William Bumpus Sr. He is a driven, well-educated professional who has carved out a genuinely impressive career on his own terms. From Wall Street to Silicon Valley to venture capital, his journey shows what focused ambition can build over time.
His personal life is equally full and grounded in strong relationships. His marriage to Elise Smith, his close bond with his family, and his upcoming role as a father all speak to the kind of person he is beyond the boardroom. William Bumpus Jr. brings the same care and intentionality to his personal world that he brings to his professional one.
As of 2026, William Bumpus Jr. is at an exciting point in both his career and his family life. His firm, Westbound Equity Partners, is managing a growing $100 million fund with a clear social mission. With a baby on the way and a strong portfolio behind him, the best chapters of his story may still be ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is William Bumpus Jr.?
William Bumpus Jr. was born on April 28, 1987, making him 38 years old as of March 2026.
Who are William Bumpus Jr.’s parents?
His parents are broadcast journalist Gayle King and Connecticut attorney William Bumpus Sr., who were married from 1982 to 1993.
Who is William Bumpus Jr.’s wife?
He married Elise Smith on June 2, 2024. She is the co-founder and CEO of Praxis Labs, a virtual reality and DEI software company.
Where did William Bumpus Jr. go to college?
He attended Duke University for his undergraduate degree and earned his MBA from Stanford University Graduate School of Business in 2017.
What does William Bumpus Jr. do for a living?
He is a venture capitalist and serves as a Partner at Westbound Equity Partners and Managing Partner at Phoenix Rising. He also founded the nonprofit reWerk.
What is William Bumpus Jr.’s net worth?
His exact net worth has not been publicly disclosed, but he is a high-earning venture capital professional in Los Angeles.
Is William Bumpus Jr. married?
Yes, William Bumpus Jr. is married to Elise Smith. They wed on June 2, 2024, at Oprah Winfrey’s estate in Montecito, California.
Who is William Bumpus Jr.’s godmother?
His godmother is Oprah Winfrey, a lifelong family friend of his mother, Gayle King,g and the host of his wedding.
Does William Bumpus Jr. have children?
As of November 2025, William and his wife, Elise Smit, have announced they are expecting their first child together.
What is William Bumpus Jr.’s Instagram?
William Bumpus Jr. does not maintain a widely known public Instagram account. His most active professional presence is on LinkedIn.
Ava Mitchell turns celebrity facts into smart, scroll-worthy stories at Star Ledger Pro, backed by 3 years of experience.
