Jan Koum, the billionaire founder of WhatsApp, has taken delivery of his newest and most extravagant toy: the 101-meter superyacht Moonrise. Built by the legendary Dutch shipyard Feadship, Moonrise recently completed a series of critical sea trials in the North Sea before being officially handed over to its owner. According to publicly available marine tracking data, the vessel is currently en route to Norway on its maiden voyage.
Valued at an estimated $330 million, Moonrise is more than just a floating palace. The yacht stretches 101 meters in length and weighs in at a gross tonnage of 4,000 GT. Despite its massive size, it glides through the water with a quiet elegance, thanks to extensive engineering aimed at reducing both underwater and interior noise. Specially designed propellers, appendages, and a groundbreaking resilient-mounted anchor winch system all contribute to an experience of near-total onboard silence. That level of luxury, however, comes at a cost. The yacht is expected to incur an annual running expense of around $30 million, covering crew salaries, fuel, maintenance, and docking fees.
Design-wise, Moonrise is a visual and technical marvel. The yacht’s sleek profile, drawn by De Voogt Naval Architects, features a vertical bow, clean lines, and a snow-white and metallic grey paint scheme that gives it a modern yet understated look. Interior design is handled by Rémi Tessier, known for his refined, minimalist style and luxurious material choices. While much of the interior remains under wraps, it is known that the vessel features a private owner’s deck, a cinema on the bridge deck, and an expansive sundeck complete with a massage area, gym, and even a hairdressing salon.
Among the most striking aspects of Moonrise is the complete absence of traditional satellite domes. Instead, the yacht uses integrated Starlink receivers, improving connectivity while preserving the yacht’s clean lines. The yacht also includes multiple shell doors that hide a side-loading tender garage and additional storage in the bow, allowing for seamless deployment of watercraft and toys.
Jan Koum, who sold WhatsApp to Facebook in 2014 for $19 billion, is no stranger to the superyacht lifestyle. With an estimated net worth of $17 billion, according to Forbes, he has quietly built an impressive private fleet. In addition to Moonrise, Koum owns the $75 million superyacht Mogambo, a 73-meter vessel built by Nobiskrug, and Nebula, a $40 million support vessel designed to accompany his main yachts and carry additional crew, tenders, and equipment.
With Moonrise now in his hands, Koum joins the ranks of the world’s most discerning yacht owners, combining cutting-edge maritime engineering with refined luxury and discretion. As it glides toward the fjords of Norway, the yacht stands as a testament not only to Feadship’s craftsmanship but also to Koum’s taste for silence, simplicity, and statement-making elegance.
