Doug Lebda

Identity and role

Douglas R. Lebda (January 29, 1970 – October 12, 2025) was the founder, Chairman, and CEO of LendingTree, the online marketplace that connects consumers and small businesses with lenders. He led the company from its 1996 founding until his death.

Biography

LendingTree's founder page, the Darden tribute and his LinkedIn profile (self-reported) describe a Bucknell accounting degree, the marketplace idea conceived at Darden, and a 2014 Darden Executive MBA.

LendingTree is a marketing lead generator and licensed mortgage broker, not a lender (company disclosures; we have a copy).

The March 24, 2020 letter & pandemic relief

Lebda signed the fintech coalition letter (published under OnDeck's banner) as "Doug Lebda, Founder & CEO, LendingTree." Dated March 24, 2020, it asked Congress to give Treasury flexibility to inject "upwards of $500 billion" into small businesses through banks, credit unions, online lenders, and payroll processors, and stated: "We seek no gain from this crisis. Our only aim is to protect the millions of small businesses that we are proud to call our customers."

On April 22, 2020 LendingTree launched an SBA lending marketplace to connect small businesses with SBA-approved lenders. Through the LendingTree Foundation, it pledged to donate an amount equal to its net proceeds from participating PPP lenders through May 15, 2020 to COVID-19 relief funds . A final donated figure was not published.

Where they are now (2025–2026)

Lebda died in October 2025 (announcement dated October 13, 2025) in an all-terrain-vehicle accident (LendingTree announcement and Darden tribute). Scott Peyree, then President and COO, was named President and CEO, and Steve Ozonian became Chairman (announcement capture).

Sources held in this archive

Original source documents and archived captures

Jared Hecht — founder of Fundera, the SMB loan marketplace analogue.
Brock Blake — Lendio founder in the same marketplace category.

Sources

OnDeck, "Request to Approve $500 billion in Funding to Small Businesses" (letter, Mar 24, 2020): OnDeck letter to Congress Mar. 24, 2020 (original: ondeck.com) our copy of the letter
LendingTree, "Our Founder, Doug Lebda" (memorial / biography): LendingTree, "Our Founder, Doug Lebda" memorial / biography (original: press.lendingtree.com · stored capture)
LendingTree 8-K exhibit on Lebda's death and CEO succession (SEC, Oct 2025): LendingTree 8-K exhibit on Lebda's death and CEO succession SEC, Oct 2025 (original: sec.gov · stored capture)
LendingTree, "LendingTree Announces the Unexpected Passing of Company Founder, Chairman and CEO Doug Lebda" (Oct 13, 2025): LendingTree, "LendingTree Announces the Unexpected Passing of Company Founder, Chairman and CEO Doug Lebda" Oct 13, 2025 (original: prnewswire.com · stored capture)
LendingTree, "LendingTree Launches SBA Lending Marketplace for Regional and Community Banks" (Apr 22, 2020; includes Foundation pledge): LendingTree, "LendingTree Launches SBA Lending Marketplace for Regional and Community Banks" Apr 22, 2020; includes F... (original: press.lendingtree.com · stored capture)
UVA Darden tribute (Oct 14, 2025): UVA Darden tribute Oct 14, 2025 (original: news.darden.virginia.edu · stored capture)
LinkedIn, Doug Lebda profile (self-reported): LinkedIn, Doug Lebda profile (self-reported) (original: linkedin.com)