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Jason Olim and Matthew Olim

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THEN: CDNOW Founders (1994)
NOW: Freshman Fund CEO and CTO

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Jason and Matthew Olim started CDNOW from their parents’ basement just a couple of years out of college. The twin brothers worked on the business -- as CEO and CTO, respectively -- until 2000, when Bertelsmann offered up $117 million for the company.

Today, Jason and Matthew have resurrected their working relationship with Freshman Fund, an online gift registry for college savings. But things are a little different now. “Back then I was the CEO of a public company,” said Jason in a phone call to SAI. “There were 60- to 70-hour weeks and 550 employees. There were helicopter rides and meetings with Sony, Time Warner and Bertelsmann. Now things are mellower. There are fewer surprises.”

Apart from Freshman Fund, Matthew has been investing in small budget films, participating in local charity work and enjoying life. Jason recently got married, with Matthew as his Best Man.

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