Reed Hastings

Could this signal a deeper alliance between Facebook and Microsoft? That’s how we’re reading the news today that Netflix founder Reed Hastings has joined the board of Facebook. Hastings already sits on the board of Microsoft, which invested $240 million in the social networking powerhouse in 2007.

That was the same year that Hastings joined the board of Microsoft.

“Facebook is propelling a fundamental change in how people connect with each other and share all kinds of content,” said Hastings in a press release. “I’m looking forward to working with Mark and the rest of the board to help Facebook take advantage of all the opportunities ahead.”

In addition to Hastings and Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook’s board includes Marc Andreessen of Andreessen Horowitz; Jim Breyer of Accel Partners; Donald E. Graham, chairman and CEO of The Washington Post Company; and Peter Thiel of Clarium Capital.

Microsoft also maintains a deep advertising relationship with Facebook, and having Hastings on the boards of both companies could help the two companies strengthen ties moving forward. Hastings involvement with Facebook, given his leadership at Netflix, also could signal that Facebook is getting even more interested in attacking the booming online video market.

Previously on GeekWire: Netflix CEO Reed Hastings on his Microsoft board position, Steve Ballmer dustup

Like what you're reading? Subscribe to GeekWire's free newsletters to catch every headline

Job Listings on GeekWork

Find more jobs on GeekWork. Employers, post a job here.