Biz Stone, born Christopher Isaac Stone in 1974, is a renowned American entrepreneur, investor, and author with a net worth estimated at $250 million as of 2025. Best known as one of the co-founders of Twitter, Stone’s contributions to the tech industry extend far beyond social media. His work in building innovative platforms like Medium, Jelly, and The Obvious Corporation has made him a pioneer in Silicon Valley’s startup ecosystem. With a career spanning decades, Stone has continuously combined creative thinking with a focus on social good.
Early Life and Education: Humble Beginnings
Stone grew up in Wellesley, Massachusetts, in a single-parent household after his parents divorced. Raised primarily by his mother, Stone’s upbringing was modest but filled with early signs of creativity. Initially passionate about art and design, these interests would later influence how he approached user experience and product development in his tech ventures.
After high school, Stone briefly attended Northeastern University before transferring to the University of Massachusetts Boston. Despite leaving before earning a degree, he has frequently credited this period with helping to shape his perspective on creativity and problem-solving.
Breaking into Silicon Valley: From Publishing to Tech
Stone’s first professional role was with publishing giant Little, Brown and Company. However, the allure of the emerging internet era soon drew him to Silicon Valley. He joined Xanga, one of the early blogging platforms, where he learned firsthand about digital communities and user engagement.
The turning point came in the early 2000s when Stone crossed paths with Evan Williams, the creator of Blogger. The two teamed up at Google, where Stone worked on refining Blogger after Google acquired the platform. This collaboration would serve as the precursor to one of the most influential partnerships in tech history.
The Birth of Twitter: A Social Media Revolution
In 2006, Stone, alongside Evan Williams and Jack Dorsey, co-founded Twitter, a platform initially designed as a simple status update tool. Stone’s influence at Twitter extended beyond the technical architecture; as Creative Director, he played a key role in shaping the platform’s tone and culture. His design instincts helped establish hallmark features like the 140-character limit (later expanded to 280), the @mention system, and the now ubiquitous hashtag.
Under Stone’s creative leadership, Twitter rapidly grew into a cultural and communication powerhouse, facilitating real-time conversations during critical global events such as political uprisings, humanitarian crises, and major sporting events. Stone remained at Twitter until 2011, helping the company navigate its formative years and significant scaling challenges.
Entrepreneurial Path After Twitter
After stepping away from day-to-day operations at Twitter, Stone rejoined Evan Williams to relaunch The Obvious Corporation. Their goal was to incubate new ideas and invest in mission-driven companies.
One of their most notable projects was Medium, launched in 2012. Designed as a platform for long-form, quality content, Medium attracted journalists, thought leaders, and organizations looking for a space to publish in-depth narratives and commentaries. Stone’s experience in both short-form content via Twitter and publishing through Blogger positioned him perfectly to shape Medium’s ethos.
In 2013, Stone also founded Jelly Industries, a Q&A search engine that reimagined how people seek knowledge online. Pinterest acquired Jelly in 2017, further cementing Stone’s reputation as a successful tech innovator and serial entrepreneur.
Investing and Other Ventures
Stone has also diversified his portfolio through angel investing and venture capital initiatives. Through Obvious Ventures, the venture arm co-founded by Stone, he has supported companies prioritizing social impact alongside financial returns. Notably, Stone has invested in startups focusing on sustainability, health, and ethical consumer goods.
Additionally, Stone contributed to the development of Chroma, a color-focused search engine, aligning with his design-driven approach to tech.
He also sits on the board of Beyond Meat, reflecting his advocacy for plant-based diets and environmental sustainability, values that align with his personal vegetarian lifestyle.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Stone has been married to his wife, Livia, since 2007, and together they have a son named Jacob. The family resides in Marin County, California, where Stone is known for his down-to-earth demeanor despite his tech mogul status.
Philanthropy plays a central role in Stone’s life. Through the Biz and Livia Stone Foundation, the couple supports various causes including education, animal welfare, environmental protection, and poverty alleviation. Stone’s advocacy extends beyond financial contributions, as he often uses his public platform to speak on corporate social responsibility and ethical leadership in business.
Author and Public Speaker
In 2013, Stone published his memoir, “Things a Little Bird Told Me,” where he shared insights on creativity, risk-taking, and building impactful companies. The book reflects Stone’s belief that business success should be tied to social good — a theme that has underpinned his ventures since the early days of Twitter.
Stone has been a sought-after speaker at conferences and universities around the world, where he inspires entrepreneurs to innovate with purpose and compassion.
Recognition and Legacy
Biz Stone’s contributions to technology and society have not gone unnoticed. TIME Magazine named him one of the “100 Most Influential People in the World,” and his entrepreneurial ventures continue to influence how people connect and share information online.
At 51 years old, Stone’s influence shows no signs of waning. From reshaping communication via Twitter to nurturing socially responsible startups, he remains a central figure in tech’s ongoing evolution.
Final Thoughts
Biz Stone’s career is a testament to creativity, adaptability, and a deep sense of social responsibility. His $250 million net worth reflects not just his business acumen but also his ability to repeatedly identify and shape transformative ideas in the digital space. As of 2025, Stone continues to inspire the next generation of innovators to build platforms and companies that create positive change.
