Biz Stone, a trailblazer in the world of social media and tech entrepreneurship, is widely recognized for co-founding Twitter and influencing how billions of people communicate online. As of 2025, Biz Stone, now 50 years old, has a net worth estimated at $250 million. His wealth stems not only from Twitter’s massive success but also from a series of high-profile ventures and smart investments that have shaped his remarkable career. From Silicon Valley to global media stages, Stone continues to leave an indelible mark on technology and social innovation.
Early Life: Humble Beginnings in Massachusetts
Born Christopher Isaac Stone in 1974 in Boston, Massachusetts, Biz was raised in Wellesley, a suburban town outside Boston. Coming from modest beginnings, Stone grew up primarily under the care of his mother after his parents divorced. His early fascination with art and design would later serve as a foundation for his creative approach to technology.
Stone attended Northeastern University briefly before transferring to the University of Massachusetts Boston. However, he chose to forgo completing his degree, opting instead to enter the burgeoning tech world—a decision that would prove life-changing. Despite not finishing college, Stone often credits his time in academia with nurturing the critical thinking skills that would fuel his entrepreneurial path.
Climbing the Ranks in Silicon Valley
Stone’s entry into the professional world began at Little, Brown and Company, a Boston-based publishing firm. But it was his move to Silicon Valley that marked a turning point in his career. He joined Xanga, one of the early blogging platforms, where he honed his skills in web publishing and user engagement.
In 2003, Stone’s trajectory shifted dramatically when he crossed paths with Evan Williams, who had just sold Blogger to Google. Stone joined Google alongside Williams and contributed to further developing Blogger, which had already become a cornerstone of early internet culture. This collaboration set the stage for their next big leap into social media history.
The Twitter Era: A Global Communication Revolution
In 2006, Stone, alongside Jack Dorsey, Evan Williams, and Noah Glass, co-founded Twitter. Initially conceptualized as a microblogging service to share short status updates, Twitter evolved into a powerhouse platform for real-time information sharing and social interaction.
As Twitter’s Creative Director, Stone played a key role in shaping its unique identity. His background in design heavily influenced the platform’s user interface and branding. Stone was instrumental in implementing core features such as the 140-character limit (later expanded to 280 characters), the now-iconic @ mentions, and the widespread adoption of hashtags to categorize conversations.
Under his leadership, Twitter became central to global conversations, playing a pivotal role in movements like the Arab Spring and becoming a go-to source for breaking news. Stone’s ability to merge design thinking with technological innovation made him one of the faces of Twitter during its meteoric rise.
Stone remained with Twitter until 2011, helping guide the company through hyper-growth and ensuring its cultural relevance across industries and continents.
Expanding Horizons: Medium, Jelly, and Obvious Ventures
After stepping back from Twitter’s day-to-day operations, Stone returned to his entrepreneurial roots. In 2011, he partnered again with Evan Williams to revive The Obvious Corporation, an incubator and investment firm dedicated to developing socially impactful businesses.
In 2012, Stone co-launched Medium, a long-form publishing platform aimed at offering writers and readers a space for more thoughtful and in-depth storytelling. Medium has grown into a respected destination for journalism, opinion pieces, and niche content, attracting both casual bloggers and professional writers.
In 2013, Stone founded Jelly Industries, a question-and-answer app designed to enhance how people seek information online. Jelly’s innovative approach to human-powered search engines caught the attention of Pinterest, which acquired the company in 2017.
Beyond Jelly and Medium, Stone’s ventures include Chroma, a search engine centered around color queries, and Obvious Ventures, an investment fund committed to supporting companies that blend profitability with social good. Obvious Ventures has invested in several high-impact startups, including Beyond Meat, which aligns with Stone’s personal vegetarian lifestyle and passion for environmental sustainability.
Advocacy and Philanthropy: Tech with a Conscience
Stone has consistently promoted the idea that business success should coincide with social responsibility. A strong advocate for environmental causes, education reform, and animal welfare, Stone has used his influence and resources to support organizations and initiatives aligned with these values.
Together with his wife, Livia, he manages the Biz and Livia Stone Foundation, which funds projects focused on education, the arts, and environmental conservation. Stone is also a board member of several mission-driven organizations, including Beyond Meat and Polaroid, underscoring his commitment to blending innovation with positive global impact.
In 2013, Stone published his memoir, “Things a Little Bird Told Me,” in which he shared his personal and professional journey, highlighting the principles that have guided his life: creativity, empathy, and the desire to foster meaningful connections through technology.
Personal Life and Lifestyle
Biz Stone has been married to Livia Stone since 2007, and together they have a son named Jacob. The family resides in Marin County, California, where they lead a relatively private life compared to the high-profile nature of Stone’s professional achievements.
Despite his success and wealth, Stone maintains a reputation for humility and groundedness, often emphasizing collaboration and values-driven leadership over personal accolades.
Legacy and Influence in 2025
With a net worth of $250 million and a portfolio of successful ventures, Biz Stone stands as a symbol of how creativity and purpose can thrive in the tech world. His influence stretches far beyond Twitter, extending into the realms of venture capital, social impact, and corporate ethics.
In an industry often criticized for focusing solely on scale and profit, Stone’s dedication to fostering companies that “do well by doing good” continues to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs. As a technologist, author, and philanthropist, Biz Stone remains a key figure in shaping how technology can be a force for positive change.