Christopher Isaac “Biz” Stone, widely recognized as one of the co-founders of Twitter, has carved a remarkable path in the tech industry. With an estimated net worth of $250 million as of 2025, Stone’s journey from a software engineer to a successful entrepreneur and investor is both inspiring and instructive. His contributions to the tech world go far beyond Twitter, extending to platforms like Blogger, Medium, and Xanga, among others. In this article, we dive deep into Biz Stone’s life, career, and the ventures that define his legacy.
Early Life and Education
Born on March 10, 1974, in Boston, Massachusetts, Biz Stone is 51 years old as of 2025. He spent his formative years in Wellesley, where he attended Wellesley High School. Stone’s academic journey was unconventional; he briefly attended Northeastern University and the University of Massachusetts but left without earning a degree. Despite not completing his formal education, Stone’s innate talent for software engineering and entrepreneurship paved the way for his future successes.
The Path to Twitter: Early Ventures and Breakthroughs
Before co-founding Twitter, Biz Stone honed his skills at various startups, gaining invaluable experience. He was instrumental in creating and launching Xanga, a blogging platform that was a precursor to many modern social media sites. Stone’s talent for developing user-centric products became evident during his stint at Google, where he played a key role in shaping Blogger, one of the earliest and most influential blogging platforms.
However, it was in 2006 that Stone, alongside Jack Dorsey, Evan Williams, and Noah Glass, co-founded Twitter. The microblogging platform’s simplicity and real-time capabilities revolutionized how people communicated online. Stone’s vision and expertise contributed significantly to Twitter’s meteoric rise, transforming it into a cultural and political force globally. By the time he left Twitter in 2011, the platform was already boasting hundreds of millions of active users.
Expanding Horizons: The Obvious Corporation and Medium
Following his departure from Twitter, Biz Stone continued to innovate. He co-founded The Obvious Corporation, a startup incubator focused on solving big problems through technology. One of its notable projects was Medium, a publishing platform that brought a fresh approach to blogging by combining high-quality content with a sleek, user-friendly interface.
Medium’s success can be attributed to Stone’s deep understanding of online publishing and his ability to create platforms that balance simplicity with powerful features. His work at The Obvious Corporation underscored his commitment to fostering meaningful communication and elevating public discourse.
Jelly Industries: A New Way to Search
In 2012, Biz Stone ventured into a new arena with Jelly Industries, a startup focused on reinventing search. As CEO, Stone launched the Jelly app in January 2014. The app offered a unique, picture-based search service, allowing users to answer questions through images, links, or text. Although Jelly did not achieve the same level of success as Twitter, it showcased Stone’s willingness to explore innovative ideas and redefine how people interact with information online.
Despite Jelly’s modest impact, its acquisition by Pinterest in 2017 was a testament to Stone’s knack for creating valuable and forward-thinking products. This acquisition further bolstered his financial standing and reinforced his reputation as a serial entrepreneur.
Net Worth and Financial Success
As of 2025, Biz Stone’s net worth is estimated at $250 million. This wealth is derived from his equity in Twitter, successful exits from various startups, and strategic investments. Stone’s financial acumen extends to angel investing, where he has backed a diverse portfolio of companies spanning different industries. His strategic investments have not only diversified his income streams but also amplified his influence in the tech ecosystem.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Biz Stone’s personal life is as noteworthy as his professional achievements. He resides in Marin County, California, with his wife, Livia, and their son, Jacob. Stone’s commitment to ethical living is evident in his choice to adopt a vegan lifestyle—a decision inspired by a visit to a farm sanctuary. His passion for animal welfare is complemented by his active involvement in various charitable causes focusing on the environment, poverty alleviation, health, and education.
Stone’s philanthropic efforts reflect a holistic approach to life, blending his professional success with a genuine commitment to making the world a better place. His contributions to both the tech world and society at large paint the picture of a visionary who sees wealth as a means to drive positive change.
Return to Twitter and Beyond
In 2017, Biz Stone made headlines when he announced his return to Twitter. His comeback was driven by a desire to help the platform navigate new challenges and strengthen its community-focused initiatives. While his role was not directly tied to day-to-day operations, Stone’s influence was instrumental in guiding Twitter’s culture and strategic direction during a critical period.
Since then, Stone has continued to explore new ventures and investment opportunities, maintaining a steady presence in the startup community. His ability to balance multiple roles—entrepreneur, investor, philanthropist, and author—demonstrates a rare versatility and an enduring passion for innovation.
Books and Thought Leadership
In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Biz Stone is an accomplished author. His books, Blogging: Genius Strategies for Instant Web Content and Who Let the Blogs Out?, offer valuable insights into the world of digital communication and social media. Stone’s writings reflect his deep understanding of the internet’s evolving landscape and provide practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and content creators.
He has also contributed as an op-ed columnist for The Atlantic, sharing his perspectives on technology, ethics, and society. Stone’s ability to articulate complex ideas in a relatable manner has earned him a loyal following both online and offline.