Jack Dorsey is an American technology entrepreneur and business executive, best known for co-founding Twitter and being its CEO for two terms (2006-2008 and 2015-2021). Here are some key points about him:


Early Life and Education:

  • Born: November 19, 1976, in St. Louis, Missouri, USA.

  • Education: Attended Bishop DuBourg High School and later studied at the University of Missouri–Rolla (now Missouri University of Science and Technology) but dropped out after a semester to pursue his entrepreneurial interests.

Career Highlights:

  • Twitter:

    • Co-founder: Along with Noah Glass, Biz Stone, and Evan Williams, Dorsey developed Twitter in 2006.

    • CEO: He served as CEO from Twitter's inception until 2008 when he stepped down. He returned as CEO in 2015 and led the company through its IPO and significant growth until he resigned in November 2021.

    • Vision: Dorsey is credited with the original concept of Twitter, including the idea of microblogging with a 140-character limit (which expanded to 280 in 2017).

  • Square (now Block, Inc.):

    • Co-founder and CEO: In 2009, Dorsey co-founded Square, a company focused on providing payment processing services for small businesses and individuals. He has been the CEO since its inception, with a brief period where he shared the role.

    • Innovation: Under Dorsey's leadership, Square introduced products like Square Reader, Cash App, and ventured into cryptocurrency with Square Crypto.

  • Other Ventures:

    • BlueSky: After leaving Twitter, Dorsey announced plans for BlueSky, a decentralized social media protocol intended to give users more control over their data.

    • Investments: Dorsey has invested in various tech startups, focusing on areas like cryptocurrency, social impact, and urban mobility.

Philosophy and Public Image:

  • Minimalism: Dorsey is known for his minimalist lifestyle and work practices, including a unique work schedule where he dedicates different days to different companies.

  • Cryptocurrency Advocate: He's a vocal supporter of Bitcoin, implementing Bitcoin support in Square and advocating for its adoption as a form of currency.

  • Social Impact: Dorsey has pledged significant portions of his wealth to charity, notably donating to fund relief efforts through StartSmall foundation.

Controversies and Criticisms:

  • Privacy: Dorsey's tenure at Twitter was marked by criticisms related to privacy issues and the platform's handling of misinformation.

  • Leadership Style: His leadership, especially during his return as Twitter's CEO, has been both praised for innovation and criticized for Twitter's slow pace in addressing platform issues.

Legacy:

Jack Dorsey's influence extends beyond the companies he's built. He's seen as a key figure in the evolution of social media, digital payments, and now, decentralized technology. His work has significantly shaped how people communicate and transact online, making him a pivotal figure in the tech industry.