Born in 1976 in St. Louis, Missouri, Jack Patrick Dorsey established a career as a tech entrepreneur, programmer, and business executive. His professional trajectory spans the development of various financial and communication platforms, marked by significant leadership roles at major technology companies and ongoing involvement in the evolution of digital infrastructure within the United States.
Formative Years and Education
Raised in St. Louis as the son of Timothy G. Dorsey and Marcia A. Dorsey, Jack Dorsey attended Bishop DuBourg High School. During his adolescence, he explored interests in dispatch routing, which influenced his later technical pursuits. He enrolled at the Missouri University of Science and Technology in 1995, attending for over two years before transferring to New York University. He eventually left his studies at New York University before completing his degree.
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After moving to California, Dorsey worked as a programmer. In 2000, he launched an Oakland-based company focused on dispatching services for taxis, emergency responders, and couriers through web-based systems. During this period, his conceptual work included developing potential medical device networks and exploration of a frictionless service market model. These endeavors preceded his deeper integration into the social messaging space.
Executive Leadership
Dorsey held various executive roles throughout his career, including serving as CEO from 2006 to 2008, 2009, and again from 2015 until 2021. He also served as the chairperson of the board between 2008 and 2015. His tenure involved managing company funding, improving site uptime, and navigating complex regulatory interactions, including appearances before the United States Senate Intelligence Committee in 2018 regarding foreign influence in elections.
Technological Portfolio
Beyond his work in messaging platforms, Dorsey became involved in financial technology. He is a co-founder of Block, Inc., an entity that owns and operates Square, Cash App, Afterpay, Bitkey, and Tidal. He also contributed to the development of Bluesky, a microblogging social networking service. Forbes estimated his net worth to be $5.9 billion as of February 2026.
Fast facts
- Born: 1976, St. Louis, Missouri
- Citizenship: United States
- Educated at: New York University and Missouri University of Science and Technology
- Languages: English, Spanish
- Net worth (as of February 2026): $5.9 billion
- Occupations: Programmer, businessperson, entrepreneur
Questions readers ask
What is Jack Dorsey's educational background?
He attended Bishop DuBourg High School, the Missouri University of Science and Technology, and New York University.
Which companies is Jack Dorsey associated with?
He is a co-founder of Block, Inc.—which includes Square, Cash App, Afterpay, Bitkey, and Tidal—and the social networking service Bluesky.
Achievements
- Educated at New York University, Missouri University of Science and Technology and Bishop DuBourg High School
- Worked as entrepreneur, blogger and businessperson
