Biz Stone, co-founder of Twitter, is a trailblazer in the tech industry whose entrepreneurial spirit and innovative vision have profoundly shaped the digital world. With an estimated net worth of $250 million in 2025, Stone’s journey from modest beginnings to global influence stands as a testament to resilience and creativity.
Early Life and Education
Born Christopher Isaac Stone on March 10, 1974, in Boston, Massachusetts, Biz Stone grew up in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Despite a modest upbringing, Stone exhibited an early interest in art, design, and technology. His formal education included attending Northeastern University and the University of Massachusetts Boston, although he left before earning a degree. Nevertheless, these early experiences laid the groundwork for a career that would later impact millions.
Breaking Into Tech
Stone’s career began in book publishing, but his curiosity and passion for technology soon led him to the world of startups. One of his first significant roles was at Xanga, an early blogging platform where he honed his skills in software engineering and product development. From there, he joined Odeo, a podcasting startup where he collaborated with Jack Dorsey and Evan Williams. This collaboration would eventually birth Twitter, forever changing Stone’s trajectory.
The Twitter Revolution
In 2006, Stone, alongside Dorsey and Williams, co-founded Twitter. The microblogging platform introduced a revolutionary concept: sharing thoughts and updates in 140 characters or less (later expanded to 280). Twitter quickly evolved into a global communications powerhouse, influencing everything from politics to pop culture. Stone’s creative input helped shape Twitter’s user-friendly interface and its iconic brand identity.
The platform’s success significantly bolstered Stone’s financial portfolio, contributing largely to his $250 million net worth. His role at Twitter, where he served in various leadership and advisory capacities, brought him recognition as one of the tech industry’s key innovators.
Beyond Twitter: Expanding His Legacy
While Twitter remains his most recognized contribution, Stone’s entrepreneurial journey extends beyond one platform. In 2012, he co-founded Medium with Evan Williams, a platform designed for long-form, quality journalism and storytelling. Additionally, Stone founded Jelly, a Q&A search engine acquired by Pinterest, and became involved in The Obvious Corporation, an incubator focused on meaningful tech projects.
Stone is also an active investor and advisor in several startups, particularly those aligned with social good and sustainability, including projects in artificial intelligence and clean energy.
Philanthropy and Advocacy
Beyond business, Stone is deeply committed to philanthropy. Alongside his wife, Livia Stone, he runs the Biz and Livia Stone Foundation, focusing on education, animal welfare, and environmental conservation initiatives in California. Stone also supports DonorsChoose, helping fund classroom projects across the U.S.
His advocacy work and charitable donations reflect his belief in leveraging success for broader societal impact. As a committed vegan and animal rights advocate, Stone ensures his business endeavors align with his ethical values.
Awards and Recognition
Stone’s groundbreaking work has earned him numerous accolades. He was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World and received honors such as:
- Entrepreneur of the Decade by Inc. Magazine
- Innovator of the Year by The Wall Street Journal
- The International Center for Journalists Innovation Award
Personal Life
At 51 years old in 2025, Stone resides in California with his wife, Livia, and their child. Known for his humility and sense of humor, Stone often speaks at global conferences about the intersection of technology and social good.
Interestingly, the nickname “Biz” comes from his father, who affectionately called him “Biz” due to his thick Boston accent pronouncing “Chris’s” as “Biz’s.”
