Austin, TX / Palo Alto, CA – July 15th, 2026
Vlad Tenev, co-founder, Chairman, and CEO of Robinhood Markets, Inc., has adopted a sweet 3½-year-old Terrier mix named Kai from Happy Hearts Dog Rescue, a volunteer-based non-profit organization in Austin, Texas.
Tenev, who maintains one of his residences in the Austin area, selected Kai as a wonderful addition to the family.The adoption highlights Tenev’s commitment to family and giving back. Kai — described by the rescue as a super sweet, friendly, and playful girl who is house-trained, crate-trained, and the perfect size at around 35 lbs — quickly won over the family. Everyone who meets her comments on what a sweetheart she is, and her loving, derpy personality makes her a delightful companion.Announcement from Happy Hearts Dog Rescue on X (@happyheartsdog):
“Thrilled to share that our sweet Kai has found her perfect forever home with the Tenev family in Austin! This 3½-year-old Terrier mix is going to one of Vlad Tenev’s @vladtenev kids and will bring so much joy. Thank you for choosing rescue and giving her a loving life! #AdoptDontShop #HappyHeartsDogRescue”
Tenev shared with Robinhood staff that one of his children had spotted Kai online through the rescue’s posts and became completely obsessed with the adorable pup. The family’s decision to adopt followed naturally during their time at their Austin residence, turning an online discovery into a heartwarming family addition.“Kai is just fantastic,” said a representative from Happy Hearts Dog Rescue. “She is sweet and friendly, loves ice cubes, chew toys, car rides, pup cups, ear scratches, and cuddles. She’s smart, enjoys learning tricks, and is great for bonding through training games.”
About Kai (from Happy Hearts Dog Rescue)
- Age: 3½ years old
- Weight: 35 lbs
- Breed: Terrier Mix (female)
- Characteristics: Sweet, playful, happy, friendly
- Coat: Short
- Training: House-trained, crate-trained (not destructive when left alone for short periods)
- Health: Vaccinations up to date, spayed
- Favorites: Ice (she’ll tax your fridge!), bully sticks, Benebones, car rides, training games
- Best suited for: A calm adult home without other dogs, cats, or young children, and not too many visitors coming and going. She bonds deeply and will love her people unconditionally.
About Vlad Tenev
Vladimir “Vlad” Tenev (born February 13, 1987, in Varna, Bulgaria) is a Bulgarian-American entrepreneur best known as the co-founder, Chairman, CEO, and President of Robinhood, the pioneering financial technology company he launched in 2013 with Baiju Bhatt. He immigrated to the United States around age five… [rest of bio unchanged for brevity].
Tenev’s Family
Tenev lives primarily in the Bay Area of California with his wife, Celina Tenev, and their three children. The family maintains privacy regarding the children’s details, but the recent adoption of Kai underscores their love for animals and creating a warm, pet-friendly home environment — especially with one of the residences located in Austin, Texas.
About Happy Hearts Dog Rescue (@happyheartsdog)
Happy Hearts Dog Rescue is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, volunteer-run, foster-home-based organization based in Austin, Texas. Its mission is to rescue dogs in need — particularly from high-kill shelters — and place them into loving forever homes. Learn more or support their work at happyheartsdogrescue.org or follow @happyheartsdog on Instagram.
This heartwarming adoption story comes as many families seek meaningful ways to connect and create lasting memories together. Happy Hearts Dog Rescue continues its vital work of transforming the lives of dogs like Kai while educating the public on the rewards of rescue adoption.
Media Contacts:
For Robinhood: press@robinhood.com
For Happy Hearts Dog Rescue: happyheartsdogrescue@gmail.com
