News Summary
WhatsApp co-founder Jan Koum’s super yacht ‘Mogambo’ has set sail from Charleston to Palm Beach, Florida. At 241 feet long, the yacht boasts numerous luxury amenities and requires a crew of 20 for its operation. The yacht was purchased in 2012 for $75 million and is known for its extravagant features including a beach club, jacuzzi, and swimming pool.
Charleston: WhatsApp Co-Founder Jan Koum’s Super Yacht ‘Mogambo’ Departs for Florida
The super yacht ‘Mogambo’, owned by WhatsApp co-founder Jan Koum, has set sail from Charleston headed for Palm Beach, Florida. The yacht departed at 6:57 a.m. on April 24, 2025, after being spotted at the City Marina along the Ashley River.
About ‘Mogambo’
- Length: 241 feet, equivalent to over two and a half basketball courts.
- Purchased: Koum bought the yacht for $75 million in 2012.
- Flag: Sails under the Cayman Islands flag.
- Speed: Can reach up to 17 knots (approximately 20 miles per hour).
Amenities and Operation
‘Mogambo’ features numerous luxurious amenities:
- Beach club
- Beauty room
- Jacuzzi
- Gym and spa
- Swimming pool
- Four jet-skis and a waterslide
- Accommodates up to 12 guests in seven cabins
The yacht requires a crew of 20 to operate, with an annual operating cost estimated between $5 million and $7 million. Chartering ‘Mogambo’ costs approximately $681,600 per week.
Background on Jan Koum
Jan Koum, co-founder of WhatsApp in 2009, saw the company sold to Facebook in 2014 for $19 billion. Koum’s net worth is currently estimated at $16 billion.
Besides being a tech entrepreneur, Koum is known for his contributions in the Bay Area, including a five-property compound in Atherton, California, and significant donations to community projects, such as a recent contribution to restore a light system on the Bay Bridge.
It’s worth noting that the yacht was built by Nobiskrug, a German shipbuilding company that has recently faced financial difficulties and was acquired by another German firm earlier this year.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Mogambo Yacht in Charleston
- Wikipedia: Jan Koum
- SFGATE: Jan Koum Yacht News
- Google Search: Jan Koum yacht
- Fortune: Mike Lynch Superyacht Celebration
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Superyacht
- New York Times: Yacht Sinking Incident
- Google News: Yacht Sinking
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