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{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name         = Jack Dorsey
| name         = Jack Dorsey
| birth_name   = Jack Patrick Dorsey
| birth_name   = Jack Patrick Dorsey
| birth_date   = {{Birth date and age|1976|11|19}}
| birth_date   = {{Birth date and age|1976|11|19}}
| birth_place = [[St. Louis, Missouri]], U.S.
| birth_place   = [[St. Louis, Missouri]], U.S.
| nationality = American
| nationality   = American
| occupation   = Technology executive, entrepreneur
| occupation   = Technology executive, entrepreneur
| known_for   = Co-founding [[Twitter]] and [[Block, Inc.]] (formerly Square)
| known_for     = Co-founding [[Twitter]] and [[Block, Inc.]] (formerly Square), founding [[Bluesky]]
| title       = Chairman and Principal Executive Officer, Block, Inc.
| title         = Chairman of the Board, Block, Inc.
| website     = {{URL|https://squareup.com/}}
| awards        = ''Innovator of the Year'' – ''The Wall Street Journal'' (2012)
| website       = {{URL|https://squareup.com/}}
}}
}}


'''Jack Patrick Dorsey''' (born November 19, 1976) is an American technology executive and entrepreneur who co-founded two major technology companies: [[Twitter]], the social media platform that reshaped global communication, and [[Block, Inc.]] (formerly Square, Inc.), the financial services and digital payments company. Dorsey served as CEO of Twitter during two separate tenures—first from 2007 to 2008 and again from 2015 to 2021—while simultaneously guiding the growth of Square from a small mobile payment startup into a publicly traded financial technology firm.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2015-10-14 |title=Square Files for IPO as CEO Dorsey Juggles Twitter Revamp |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-10-14/square-files-for-ipo-as-ceo-dorsey-juggles-twitter-revamp |work=Bloomberg |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Dorsey developed an early interest in dispatch routing and urban infrastructure, interests that would later inform his vision for both real-time public messaging and streamlined commerce. He also founded Bluesky, a decentralized social media protocol and platform.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bluesky {{!}} History, Social Media, Jack Dorsey, & Features |url=https://www.britannica.com/money/Bluesky |publisher=Britannica Money |date= |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> In recent years, Dorsey has become an outspoken advocate for Bitcoin and cryptocurrency adoption, directing Block's strategic initiatives toward integrating Bitcoin into mainstream financial services.<ref>{{cite web |title=Jack Dorsey's Bitcoin Revolution Small Businesses Now Accept BTC With ZERO Fees |url=https://www.binance.com/en-NG/square/post/294764551085649 |publisher=Binance |date=2026-02-23 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
'''Jack Patrick Dorsey''' (born November 19, 1976) is an American technology executive and entrepreneur who co-founded the social media platform [[Twitter]] and the financial services company [[Block, Inc.]], formerly known as [[Square, Inc.]] Dorsey served as CEO of Twitter during two separate tenures—first from 2007 to 2008, and again from 2015 to 2021—while simultaneously leading Square as its principal executive officer. He also founded [[Bluesky]], a decentralized social media protocol and application.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bluesky {{!}} History, Social Media, Jack Dorsey, & Features |url=https://www.britannica.com/money/Bluesky |publisher=Britannica Money |date=2026-02-18 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Dorsey developed an early interest in computers and dispatch logistics, which informed his later creation of Twitter's real-time communication model and Square's mobile payment technology. His career has been defined by a persistent focus on simplifying communication and commerce through technology. As chairman of Block, Inc., Dorsey has in recent years directed the company's strategy toward [[Bitcoin]] integration and artificial intelligence adoption, decisions that have generated both investor interest and internal controversy.<ref>{{cite news |last=Haynes |first=Kevin |date=2026-02-21 |title=Jack Dorsey Faces Employee Backlash After Mass Layoffs and AI Mandates at Block |url=https://www.inc.com/kevin-haynes/jack-dorsey-faces-employee-backlash-after-mass-layoffs-and-ai-mandates-at-block-inc/91306381 |work=Inc.com |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


== Early Life ==
== Early Life ==


Jack Patrick Dorsey was born on November 19, 1976, in [[St. Louis, Missouri]]. Growing up in the St. Louis metropolitan area, Dorsey developed a fascination with cities, maps, and the logistics of urban infrastructure from a young age. He was particularly drawn to the workings of dispatch routing—the systems used by emergency services, taxi companies, and courier services to coordinate the real-time movement of vehicles and personnel across a city. This childhood interest in how information moves through urban networks would prove foundational to his later work in technology.
Jack Patrick Dorsey was born on November 19, 1976, in [[St. Louis, Missouri]]. He grew up in the St. Louis metropolitan area, where he developed an early fascination with cities, maps, and the logistics of urban transit systems. As a teenager, Dorsey became interested in dispatch routing—the process by which taxis, ambulances, and delivery vehicles are coordinated across a city—and began writing software related to this field while still in high school.<ref name="fortune2011">{{cite web |title=Jack Dorsey: The Man With Two Brains |url=http://fortune.com/2011/06/02/jack-dorsey-the-man-with-two-brains/ |publisher=Fortune |date=2011-06-02 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


As a teenager, Dorsey began programming and developed software related to dispatch logistics. His early programming work focused on creating systems that could track the real-time positions and activities of dispatch vehicles, a concept that bore a conceptual resemblance to the real-time status updates that would later become the core feature of Twitter. Dorsey's interest in brevity and real-time communication was also influenced by his fascination with the concise, utilitarian nature of dispatch communications, where operators conveyed essential information in the fewest possible words.
Dorsey's childhood interest in dispatch software proved formative. By the time he was a teenager, he had written open-source software for dispatch routing that attracted the attention of companies in the field. His programs dealt with the real-time coordination of moving vehicles—a conceptual precursor to Twitter's model of real-time status updates and short-form communication. Dorsey has credited this early work with shaping his understanding of how brief, time-sensitive messages could be used to convey location and status information.<ref name="fortune2011" />


Dorsey attended the [[University of Missouri–Rolla]] (now Missouri University of Science and Technology) before transferring to [[New York University]]. While living in New York City, he continued developing his ideas about real-time status updates and urban technology. It was during this period that Dorsey began formulating the concept that would eventually become Twitter—a platform where individuals could broadcast short status messages to a network of followers, much as a dispatch system broadcasts the status of vehicles to a central coordinator.
The young Dorsey was also drawn to the visual arts and fashion design, interests that would later influence his approach to product design and user experience at both Twitter and Square. He has spoken publicly about his admiration for the clean, functional aesthetics of urban infrastructure, and this sensibility carried through to the design language of the products he would eventually create.
 
== Education ==
 
Dorsey attended the [[University of Missouri–Rolla]] (now [[Missouri University of Science and Technology]]) before transferring to [[New York University]]. While at NYU, Dorsey conceived of an idea that combined the instant messaging features emerging on the internet with the short-form dispatch messaging he had worked on as a teenager. He did not complete his degree, departing NYU to pursue work in technology.<ref name="fortune2011" />
 
During his time in New York, Dorsey was exposed to the city's complex transportation and communication systems, which further fueled his interest in real-time information sharing. He later expressed interest in New York City governance and public life, telling CNN in 2013 about his desire to potentially serve as mayor of New York City.<ref>{{cite web |title=Jack Dorsey on his desire to be mayor of New York City, Steve Jobs, and being a bachelor |url=http://thelead.blogs.cnn.com/2013/03/21/jack-dorsey-on-his-desire-to-be-mayor-of-new-york-city-steve-jobs-and-being-a-bachelor/ |publisher=CNN |date=2013-03-21 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


== Career ==
== Career ==


=== Twitter ===
=== Early Career and the Founding of Twitter ===
 
After leaving NYU, Dorsey moved to the [[San Francisco Bay Area]], where he worked in the technology sector on dispatch and logistics software. By 2005, he had developed the core concept for what would become Twitter: a platform that would allow users to send short status updates—originally limited to 140 characters, matching the constraints of [[SMS]] messages—to a network of followers in real time.


Dorsey co-founded Twitter in 2006, along with [[Biz Stone]], [[Evan Williams (Internet entrepreneur)|Evan Williams]], and [[Noah Glass]]. The platform was born out of a brainstorming session at [[Odeo]], a podcasting company where Dorsey was working at the time. Dorsey's original concept—inspired by his long-standing interest in dispatch systems and real-time status updates—proposed a service that would allow users to send short text-based messages to a group, sharing what they were doing at any given moment. The name "Twitter" was chosen to evoke the image of a short burst of inconsequential information, similar to the chirps of birds.
In 2006, Dorsey co-founded Twitter, Inc., along with [[Evan Williams (Internet entrepreneur)|Evan Williams]], [[Biz Stone]], and [[Noah Glass]]. The platform launched publicly in July 2006 and quickly gained traction as a microblogging service. Its simplicity—allowing users to broadcast brief messages to an open audience—appealed to journalists, celebrities, activists, and ordinary users alike, and Twitter grew rapidly in its first years.


Twitter launched publicly in July 2006 and quickly gained traction among early technology adopters. Dorsey served as the company's first chief executive officer. Under his initial leadership, the platform grew from a niche service popular among technology enthusiasts into a broader social media platform. However, Dorsey's first tenure as CEO was relatively brief. In 2008, he was moved from the CEO role to the position of chairman of the board, a transition that was reported to have resulted from concerns among the company's board of directors about operational and managerial challenges during a period of rapid growth.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2008-10-21 |title=Twitter's Growing Pains |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/21/technology/start-ups/21twitter.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey |url=http://www.informationweek.com/blog/main/archives/2008/06/twitter_ceo_jac_2.html |publisher=InformationWeek |date=2008-06 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Twitter CEO Dorsey Steps Aside |url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-13577_3-10068368-36.html |publisher=CNET |date=2008 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Dorsey served as CEO of Twitter from 2007 to 2008. During this initial tenure, Twitter experienced significant growth but also faced technical challenges related to scalability and reliability, with frequent service outages that became a hallmark of the platform's early period.<ref>{{cite web |title=Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey |url=http://www.informationweek.com/blog/main/archives/2008/06/twitter_ceo_jac_2.html |publisher=InformationWeek |date=2008-06-18 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> In 2008, Dorsey transitioned from the CEO role to chairman of the board, with Evan Williams assuming the position of chief executive.<ref>{{cite news |date=2008-10-21 |title=Twitter's Growing Pains |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/21/technology/start-ups/21twitter.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey steps aside |url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-13577_3-10068368-36.html |publisher=CNET |date=2008-10-16 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Dorsey returned to the role of CEO at Twitter in 2015, taking on the unusual challenge of simultaneously running two publicly traded companies—Twitter and Square.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2015-10-14 |title=Square Files for IPO as CEO Dorsey Juggles Twitter Revamp |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-10-14/square-files-for-ipo-as-ceo-dorsey-juggles-twitter-revamp |work=Bloomberg |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> During this second tenure, Dorsey oversaw efforts to address the platform's challenges with user growth, content moderation, and revenue generation. His dual CEO role attracted significant scrutiny from investors and media commentators, who questioned whether one individual could effectively lead two major public companies at the same time.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2011-06-02 |title=Jack Dorsey: The Man with Two Brains |url=http://fortune.com/2011/06/02/jack-dorsey-the-man-with-two-brains/ |work=Fortune |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
The circumstances of Dorsey's departure from the CEO role in 2008 were the subject of considerable media scrutiny. Reports indicated that the board and co-founders had concerns about Dorsey's management style and the company's operational challenges during a period of rapid expansion.


Dorsey stepped down as CEO of Twitter in November 2021, handing the role to [[Parag Agrawal]]. The company was subsequently acquired by [[Elon Musk]] in October 2022.
=== Founding of Square ===


=== Bluesky ===
Following his transition to chairman at Twitter, Dorsey turned his attention to a new venture in the financial technology sector. In 2009, he co-founded Square, Inc. (later renamed Block, Inc.) with [[Jim McKelvey]]. The company's initial product was a small, square-shaped card reader that could be plugged into a smartphone's headphone jack, enabling small businesses and individuals to accept credit card payments through their mobile devices.
 
The concept for Square reportedly arose when McKelvey, a glassblowing artist, lost a sale because he was unable to accept a credit card payment. Dorsey and McKelvey set out to create a system that would democratize access to electronic payments, making it possible for anyone with a smartphone to process card transactions. Square launched its first product in 2010, and the company grew rapidly as it expanded its suite of financial services tools for small businesses.<ref name="fortune2011" />
 
Square established its headquarters in San Francisco, initially operating out of space in the city's historic Chronicle Building<ref>{{cite web |title=CHD Office Space: Square, San Francisco's Chronicle Building |url=http://www.californiahomedesign.com/blog/2011/06/30/chd-office-space-square-san-franciscos-chronicle-building |publisher=California Home + Design |date=2011-06-30 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> before opening new headquarters in 2013.<ref>{{cite web |title=Square Opens New Headquarters |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413142657/https://squareup.com/news/releases/2013/square-opens-new-headquarters |publisher=Square |date=2013 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> By 2012, ''Business Insider'' ranked Square among the top digital companies, valuing it at approximately $3.2 billion.<ref>{{cite web |title=Digital 100: Square – $3.2 Billion |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/2012-digital-100#7-square-32-billion-7 |publisher=Business Insider |date=2012 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


In addition to his work at Twitter, Dorsey initiated the development of Bluesky, a project aimed at creating a decentralized protocol for social media. Bluesky was originally conceived in 2019 as an internal initiative at Twitter, with the goal of developing an open and decentralized standard for social networking that could potentially serve as the underlying architecture for Twitter and other platforms. The project was spun off as an independent entity, Bluesky Social PBC (Public Benefit Corporation).<ref>{{cite web |title=Bluesky {{!}} History, Social Media, Jack Dorsey, & Features |url=https://www.britannica.com/money/Bluesky |publisher=Britannica Money |date= |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Dorsey's leadership at Square drew comparisons to [[Steve Jobs]], with observers noting his attention to product design and his insistence on simplicity in user experience. ''Women's Wear Daily'' reported on Dorsey's ambitions to simplify commerce through Square's technology.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dorsey Looks to Simplify Commerce With Square |url=http://www.wwd.com/business-news/technology/dorsey-looks-to-simplify-commerce-with-square-7365024?src=nl/mornReport/20140116 |publisher=Women's Wear Daily |date=2014-01-16 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The ''San Francisco Business Times'' named Dorsey its Executive of the Year in 2011, citing his work at both Twitter and Square.<ref>{{cite web |title=Executive of the Year: Jack Dorsey |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/print-edition/2011/12/23/executive-of-the-year-jack-dorsey.html |publisher=San Francisco Business Times |date=2011-12-23 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Bluesky developed the AT Protocol (Authenticated Transfer Protocol), a federated social networking protocol designed to give users more control over their data and online identity. The Bluesky social media application, which allows users to post short messages of up to 300 characters, launched as a public platform and has attracted millions of users.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bluesky {{!}} History, Social Media, Jack Dorsey, & Features |url=https://www.britannica.com/money/Bluesky |publisher=Britannica Money |date= |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> While Dorsey played a foundational role in the creation of Bluesky, the platform has since operated independently.
=== Square's IPO and Growth ===


=== Square and Block, Inc. ===
In October 2015, Square filed for an [[initial public offering]], a notable development given that Dorsey was simultaneously serving as CEO of Twitter, to which he had returned earlier that year. The IPO filing disclosed Dorsey's ownership stake in the company and raised questions about the sustainability of his dual-CEO arrangement.<ref>{{cite news |date=2015-10-14 |title=Square files for IPO as CEO Dorsey juggles Twitter revamp |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-10-14/square-files-for-ipo-as-ceo-dorsey-juggles-twitter-revamp |work=Bloomberg News |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Square Ownership: Dorsey's Stake at IPO |url=http://fortune.com/2015/10/14/square-ownership-dorsey-ipo/ |publisher=Fortune |date=2015-10-14 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


==== Founding and Early Growth ====
Square went public on the [[New York Stock Exchange]] and continued to expand its product offerings beyond the original card reader. The company developed [[Square Cash App|Cash App]], a peer-to-peer payment service that grew to become one of Block's most significant revenue generators. Square also moved into business lending, payroll services, and restaurant and retail management tools, building a comprehensive ecosystem for small and medium-sized businesses.


Following his departure from the CEO role at Twitter in 2008, Dorsey turned his attention to a new venture in the financial technology space. He co-founded Square, Inc. in 2009 with [[Jim McKelvey]]. The company's initial product was a small, square-shaped card reader that could be plugged into the headphone jack of a smartphone, enabling small businesses, independent merchants, and individuals to accept credit card payments without the need for a traditional point-of-sale terminal. The concept addressed a significant gap in the payments market: millions of small businesses and sole proprietors were unable to accept card payments due to the cost and complexity of conventional merchant account systems.
=== Return to Twitter (2015–2021) ===


Square's headquarters were initially located in San Francisco. The company moved its offices to the historic Chronicle Building in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood.<ref>{{cite web |title=CHD Office Space: Square, San Francisco's Chronicle Building |url=http://www.californiahomedesign.com/blog/2011/06/30/chd-office-space-square-san-franciscos-chronicle-building |publisher=California Home Design |date=2011-06-30 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> In 2013, Square opened new headquarters, further establishing its presence in the city's technology ecosystem.<ref>{{cite web |title=Square Opens New Headquarters |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413142657/https://squareup.com/news/releases/2013/square-opens-new-headquarters |publisher=Square |date=2013 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
In 2015, Dorsey returned to Twitter as CEO, replacing [[Dick Costolo]]. His second tenure was marked by efforts to address the platform's slowing user growth, persistent issues with harassment and misinformation, and the challenge of developing a sustainable advertising business model. Dorsey led Twitter through a period of significant cultural influence—the platform played a central role in global political discourse, social movements, and breaking news—while the company continued to face questions about its financial performance and content moderation policies.


The company grew rapidly. By 2012, ''Business Insider'' ranked Square among its "Digital 100" list of the most valuable private technology companies, valuing the company at $3.2 billion.<ref>{{cite web |title=2012 Digital 100 |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/2012-digital-100#7-square-32-billion-7 |publisher=Business Insider |date=2012 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Square expanded its product offerings beyond the original card reader to include a suite of business tools, including point-of-sale software, business analytics, payroll services, and lending products aimed at small and medium-sized businesses.
Dorsey's management of both Twitter and Square simultaneously drew criticism from some investors and analysts who questioned whether one individual could effectively lead two publicly traded companies. He stepped down as CEO of Twitter in November 2021, handing the role to [[Parag Agrawal]]. Twitter was subsequently acquired by [[Elon Musk]] in October 2022.


==== IPO and Expansion ====
=== Bluesky ===


Square filed for its initial public offering (IPO) in October 2015, at a time when Dorsey was juggling his dual role as CEO of both Square and Twitter.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2015-10-14 |title=Square Files for IPO as CEO Dorsey Juggles Twitter Revamp |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-10-14/square-files-for-ipo-as-ceo-dorsey-juggles-twitter-revamp |work=Bloomberg |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> At the time of its IPO filing, Dorsey held a significant ownership stake in the company.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2015-10-14 |title=Square Ownership Dorsey IPO |url=http://fortune.com/2015/10/14/square-ownership-dorsey-ipo/ |work=Fortune |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The company went public on the [[New York Stock Exchange]] and subsequently grew into a major financial technology platform.
While still at Twitter, Dorsey initiated and funded the development of [[Bluesky]], an independent project aimed at creating a decentralized protocol for social media. The initiative, announced in 2019, sought to develop an open standard that would allow multiple social media platforms to interoperate, rather than having each platform operate as a closed system. Bluesky was incorporated as an independent public benefit corporation and launched its own social media application, which gained significant user interest following changes at Twitter under its new ownership.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bluesky {{!}} History, Social Media, Jack Dorsey, & Features |url=https://www.britannica.com/money/Bluesky |publisher=Britannica Money |date=2026-02-18 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Over the following years, Square expanded into consumer-facing financial services through its Cash App, a peer-to-peer payment application that grew to rival established services in the digital payments space. Cash App became a significant revenue driver for the company, offering features including direct deposit, stock trading, and Bitcoin purchasing.
Dorsey's relationship with Bluesky evolved over time, and he eventually distanced himself from the project, expressing disagreements with the direction taken by its leadership team. Nevertheless, the initiative represented a significant contribution to the broader discourse around decentralized social media and the future of online communication platforms.


==== Rebranding to Block and Bitcoin Focus ====
=== Block, Inc. and Bitcoin Strategy ===


In December 2021, Square, Inc. was renamed Block, Inc., reflecting the company's broadened strategic focus beyond its original square card reader. The name "Block" referenced multiple concepts central to the company's evolving identity, including building blocks, neighborhood blocks, and blockchain technology. Dorsey continued as the company's principal executive officer and chairman of the board.<ref>{{cite web |title=About Square |url=https://squareup.com/about#board |publisher=Square |date= |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
In December 2021, Square, Inc. was renamed Block, Inc., reflecting the company's broadened focus beyond payment processing to include blockchain technology and [[Bitcoin]]-related services. Under Dorsey's leadership as principal executive officer and chairman, the company made substantial investments in Bitcoin and cryptocurrency infrastructure. Dorsey has been a vocal advocate for Bitcoin, describing it as the future of internet-native currency and committing significant corporate resources to Bitcoin development.<ref>{{cite web |title=About Square |url=https://squareup.com/ |publisher=Square |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Under Dorsey's leadership, Block placed increasing emphasis on [[Bitcoin]] and cryptocurrency. The company invested corporate funds in Bitcoin and developed products and services designed to facilitate Bitcoin transactions for both merchants and consumers. In 2026, Block announced features enabling small businesses to accept Bitcoin payments with zero transaction fees, a move intended to accelerate cryptocurrency adoption among mainstream merchants.<ref>{{cite web |title=Jack Dorsey's Bitcoin Revolution Small Businesses Now Accept BTC With ZERO Fees |url=https://www.binance.com/en-NG/square/post/294764551085649 |publisher=Binance |date=2026-02-23 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
At Block's Investor Day in November 2025, a question was posed to Dorsey about whether he might be [[Satoshi Nakamoto]], the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin, reflecting the level of public association between Dorsey and the cryptocurrency.<ref>{{cite news |date=2026-01-23 |title=Jack Dorsey Sparks Debate: Could He Be the Elusive Satoshi Nakamoto? |url=https://www.investopedia.com/jack-dorsey-sparks-debate-11880164 |work=Investopedia |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Dorsey's personal advocacy for Bitcoin has been a defining feature of his public profile in recent years. At Block's Investor Day in November 2025, the subject of whether Dorsey could be [[Satoshi Nakamoto]], the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin, was raised—a question that Dorsey has not claimed but that has generated public speculation and debate.<ref>{{cite web |title=Jack Dorsey Sparks Debate: Could He Be the Elusive Satoshi Nakamoto? |url=https://www.investopedia.com/jack-dorsey-sparks-debate-11880164 |publisher=Investopedia |date=2026-01 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Block's Bitcoin-related initiatives have included enabling Bitcoin purchases through Cash App, investing in Bitcoin mining hardware development, and offering Bitcoin payment processing for merchants. In 2026, reports indicated that Block had implemented zero-fee Bitcoin payment acceptance for small businesses, a move aimed at expanding cryptocurrency adoption in everyday commerce.<ref>{{cite web |title=Jack Dorsey's Bitcoin Revolution: Small Businesses Now Accept BTC With ZERO Fees |url=https://www.binance.com/en-NG/square/post/294764551085649 |publisher=Binance |date=2026-02-23 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


==== 2026 Layoffs and AI Strategy ====
=== Layoffs and AI Mandates at Block (2026) ===


In early 2026, Block underwent significant organizational changes under Dorsey's direction. In February 2026, the company laid off hundreds of employees as part of a broader restructuring that reportedly included cutting up to 10% of its workforce during annual performance reviews.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2026-02-07 |title=Dorsey's Block cutting up to 10% of staff, Bloomberg News reports |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/dorseys-block-cutting-up-10-staff-bloomberg-news-reports-2026-02-07/ |work=Reuters |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The layoffs were accompanied by an aggressive push to integrate artificial intelligence throughout Block's operations, with Dorsey mandating that employees adopt AI tools as part of their daily workflows.<ref>{{cite news |last=Haynes |first=Kevin |date=2026-02-21 |title=Jack Dorsey Faces Employee Backlash After Mass Layoffs and AI Mandates at Block |url=https://www.inc.com/kevin-haynes/jack-dorsey-faces-employee-backlash-after-mass-layoffs-and-ai-mandates-at-block-inc/91306381 |work=Inc. |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
In early 2026, Block, Inc. undertook significant workforce reductions and organizational changes under Dorsey's direction. In February 2026, [[Reuters]] reported that Block was considering cutting up to 10 percent of its staff during annual performance reviews.<ref name="reuters-layoffs">{{cite news |date=2026-02-07 |title=Dorsey's Block cutting up to 10% of staff, Bloomberg News reports |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/dorseys-block-cutting-up-10-staff-bloomberg-news-reports-2026-02-07/ |work=Reuters |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Hundreds of employees were laid off in the weeks that followed, with ''WIRED'' reporting on the rolling nature of the layoffs and their effect on remaining staff morale.<ref name="wired-layoffs">{{cite news |date=2026-02-19 |title=Inside the Rolling Layoffs at Jack Dorsey's Block |url=https://www.wired.com/story/inside-rolling-layoffs-jack-dorsey-block/ |work=WIRED |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


The combined effect of the layoffs and the AI mandates generated significant internal backlash. Reporting by ''WIRED'' described the layoffs as "rolling" in nature, with employees remaining at the company expressing uncertainty about the direction of the restructuring.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2026-02-19 |title=Inside the Rolling Layoffs at Jack Dorsey's Block |url=https://www.wired.com/story/inside-rolling-layoffs-jack-dorsey-block/ |work=WIRED |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Additional reporting indicated that the company was experiencing operational difficulties as it attempted to overhaul its workforce in favor of AI-driven processes.<ref>{{cite web |title=Jack Dorsey's New Company Falling Apart as It Forces Employees to Use AI |url=https://futurism.com/artificial-intelligence/jack-dorsey-block-falling-apart-ai |publisher=Futurism |date=2026-02-20 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Simultaneously, Dorsey mandated aggressive adoption of artificial intelligence tools across the company, directing employees to integrate AI into their workflows. This mandate generated internal backlash, with some employees expressing frustration at the pace and scope of the changes.<ref>{{cite news |last=Haynes |first=Kevin |date=2026-02-21 |title=Jack Dorsey Faces Employee Backlash After Mass Layoffs and AI Mandates at Block |url=https://www.inc.com/kevin-haynes/jack-dorsey-faces-employee-backlash-after-mass-layoffs-and-ai-mandates-at-block-inc/91306381 |work=Inc.com |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> ''Futurism'' reported that the combination of mass layoffs and forced AI adoption had created significant organizational turmoil within the company.<ref>{{cite news |date=2026-02-20 |title=Jack Dorsey's New Company Falling Apart as It Forces Employees to Use AI |url=https://futurism.com/artificial-intelligence/jack-dorsey-block-falling-apart-ai |work=Futurism |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Block was scheduled to report its fourth-quarter 2025 earnings in late February 2026, with analysts closely watching the financial impact of the restructuring and AI integration efforts.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2026-02-23 |title=Jack Dorsey's Block Gears For Q4 Earnings |url=https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/26/02/50772911/jack-dorseys-block-gears-for-q4-earnings-analyst-expectations-key-technical-signals-price-targets-and-all-you-need-to-know |work=Benzinga |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Block was scheduled to report its fourth-quarter 2025 earnings in late February 2026, with analysts monitoring the financial impact of these organizational changes.<ref>{{cite news |date=2026-02-23 |title=Jack Dorsey's Block Gears For Q4 Earnings |url=https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/26/02/50772911/jack-dorseys-block-gears-for-q4-earnings-analyst-expectations-key-technical-signals-price-targets-and-all-you-need-to-know |work=Benzinga |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


=== Board Memberships ===
=== Board Service ===


Beyond his roles at Twitter and Square/Block, Dorsey has served on several corporate and advisory boards. In December 2013, he was appointed to the board of directors of [[The Walt Disney Company]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Jack Dorsey Joins Disney |url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/12/23/jack-dorsey-joins-disney/?ncid=tcdaily |publisher=TechCrunch |date=2013-12-23 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> He departed the Disney board in January 2018.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2018-01-13 |title=Facebook's Sandberg, Twitter's Dorsey to Depart Disney Board |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-01-13/facebook-s-sandberg-twitter-s-dorsey-to-depart-disney-board |work=Bloomberg |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Dorsey has also served on the [[Berggruen Institute]]'s Governance Center.
Beyond his roles at Twitter and Block, Dorsey served on the board of directors of [[The Walt Disney Company]] from 2013 to 2018. His appointment to Disney's board was reported by ''TechCrunch'' in December 2013.<ref>{{cite web |title=Jack Dorsey Joins Disney |url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/12/23/jack-dorsey-joins-disney/?ncid=tcdaily |publisher=TechCrunch |date=2013-12-23 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Dorsey and [[Sheryl Sandberg]] both departed the Disney board in January 2018.<ref>{{cite news |date=2018-01-13 |title=Facebook's Sandberg, Twitter's Dorsey to depart Disney board |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-01-13/facebook-s-sandberg-twitter-s-dorsey-to-depart-disney-board |work=Bloomberg News |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
 
Dorsey has also served on the board of the [[Berggruen Institute]]'s governance center, reflecting his interest in governance and civic systems.


== Personal Life ==
== Personal Life ==


Dorsey has expressed interest in urban planning and city governance. In a 2013 interview with CNN, he discussed his desire to potentially serve as mayor of New York City, reflecting his long-standing interest in urban systems and infrastructure.<ref>{{cite web |title=Jack Dorsey on His Desire to Be Mayor of New York City, Steve Jobs, and Being a Bachelor |url=http://thelead.blogs.cnn.com/2013/03/21/jack-dorsey-on-his-desire-to-be-mayor-of-new-york-city-steve-jobs-and-being-a-bachelor/ |publisher=CNN |date=2013-03-21 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Dorsey has maintained a relatively private personal life compared to many technology executives of his profile. He has spoken publicly about his interest in meditation, fasting, and wellness practices. His lifestyle choices, including extended silent meditation retreats and ice bath routines, have attracted media attention.


In 2019, Dorsey participated in the #TeamTrees campaign, a charitable initiative organized to raise funds for tree planting. The campaign, which was promoted by internet personality [[MrBeast]] and the Arbor Day Foundation, raised millions of dollars for reforestation efforts. Dorsey was among the prominent technology figures who contributed to and promoted the initiative.<ref>{{cite web |title=TeamTrees |url=https://teamtrees.org/ |publisher=TeamTrees |date= |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Dorsey has expressed strong personal and philosophical commitments to Bitcoin and decentralization, themes that have increasingly defined his public identity beyond his roles at specific companies. He has described Bitcoin not merely as a financial instrument but as a tool for individual economic empowerment.


Dorsey has been publicly associated with various wellness and lifestyle practices, including meditation and fasting, which have attracted media attention. He has spoken publicly about his interest in Bitcoin not only as a financial technology but as a philosophical and political project related to decentralization and individual sovereignty.
In 2019, Dorsey participated in the #TeamTrees initiative, a collaborative fundraising effort organized by YouTuber [[MrBeast]] and the [[Arbor Day Foundation]] aimed at planting 20 million trees.<ref>{{cite web |title=#TeamTrees |url=https://teamtrees.org/ |publisher=TeamTrees.org |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=MrBeast TeamTrees Announcement |url=https://twitter.com/MrBeastYT/status/1189348547889643520 |publisher=Twitter |date=2019-10-29 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
 
Dorsey has also expressed interest in public service. In a 2013 CNN interview, he discussed his desire to potentially run for mayor of New York City, reflecting a long-standing interest in urban planning and civic governance that dates to his childhood fascination with dispatch systems and city infrastructure.<ref>{{cite web |title=Jack Dorsey on his desire to be mayor of New York City, Steve Jobs, and being a bachelor |url=http://thelead.blogs.cnn.com/2013/03/21/jack-dorsey-on-his-desire-to-be-mayor-of-new-york-city-steve-jobs-and-being-a-bachelor/ |publisher=CNN |date=2013-03-21 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


== Recognition ==
== Recognition ==


Dorsey has received recognition from both the technology industry and civic institutions. In 2011, the ''San Francisco Business Times'' named him Executive of the Year, citing his work in building both Twitter and Square into significant technology companies.<ref>{{cite web |title=Executive of the Year: Jack Dorsey |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/print-edition/2011/12/23/executive-of-the-year-jack-dorsey.html |publisher=San Francisco Business Times |date=2011-12-23 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Dorsey has received recognition from multiple business and technology publications for his work at Twitter and Square. The ''San Francisco Business Times'' named him Executive of the Year in 2011, citing his leadership across both companies.<ref>{{cite web |title=Executive of the Year: Jack Dorsey |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/print-edition/2011/12/23/executive-of-the-year-jack-dorsey.html |publisher=San Francisco Business Times |date=2011-12-23 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Also in 2011, then-Mayor [[Michael Bloomberg]] recognized Dorsey's contributions to technology and commerce in New York City. The Office of the Mayor of New York City issued a public statement acknowledging Dorsey's work.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mayor Bloomberg Announcement |url=http://www.nyc.gov/html/om/html/2011a/pr104-11.html |publisher=NYC.gov |date=2011 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
In 2011, New York City Mayor [[Michael Bloomberg]] appointed Dorsey to a role supporting the city's technology initiatives, reflecting the recognition of his expertise in technology and urban systems.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mayor Bloomberg Announcement |url=http://www.nyc.gov/html/om/html/2011a/pr104-11.html |publisher=NYC.gov |date=2011 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Dorsey's dual role as CEO of two publicly traded companies drew comparisons to other technology leaders who have managed multiple large-scale ventures simultaneously. His leadership of Twitter during its cultural and political ascendance, combined with his role in building Square into a major financial services company, established him as one of the more prominent figures in Silicon Valley during the 2010s.
Dorsey's profile as a technology leader has been shaped by the simultaneous growth of Twitter into one of the world's most influential communication platforms and Square (now Block) into one of the largest financial technology companies. ''Fortune'' profiled Dorsey in 2011 under the headline "The Man With Two Brains," documenting the unusual challenge of leading two major technology companies at the same time.<ref name="fortune2011" />


In the fashion and design world, ''[[Women's Wear Daily]]'' (WWD) profiled Dorsey's efforts to simplify commerce through Square's technology, noting the platform's impact on how small businesses and independent designers process transactions.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2014-01-16 |title=Dorsey Looks to Simplify Commerce with Square |url=http://www.wwd.com/business-news/technology/dorsey-looks-to-simplify-commerce-with-square-7365024?src=nl/mornReport/20140116 |work=Women's Wear Daily |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
His influence on the technology industry extends beyond his own companies. The microblogging format that Twitter popularized under Dorsey's co-founding vision became a dominant mode of online communication, influencing journalism, politics, marketing, and social discourse. Similarly, Square's mobile payment innovations helped establish the mobile point-of-sale category and contributed to the broader shift toward cashless commerce.


== Legacy ==
== Legacy ==


Jack Dorsey's influence on the technology industry rests on two distinct but related contributions: the creation of a real-time public messaging platform that altered the dynamics of global communication, media, and politics, and the development of a financial technology platform that expanded access to digital payments for small businesses and independent merchants.
Jack Dorsey's career has been defined by the creation of two technology platforms that reshaped their respective industries. Twitter, which he co-founded in 2006, transformed real-time communication and became a central venue for public discourse, breaking news, political debate, and social movements worldwide. The platform's 140-character format (later expanded to 280 characters) influenced how people consume and share information, and its impact on journalism, politics, and culture has been extensively documented.


Twitter, which Dorsey co-founded in 2006, became a central platform for political discourse, breaking news, and cultural conversation. The service's format of short, public messages—originally limited to 140 characters—created a new paradigm for how individuals, organizations, and governments communicated with the public. During Dorsey's tenures as CEO, Twitter grew from a startup to a publicly traded company with global reach, though the platform also faced persistent challenges related to misinformation, harassment, and content moderation.
Square, later renamed Block, democratized access to electronic payment processing by making it possible for small businesses and individual sellers to accept credit card payments through a simple mobile device attachment. The company's subsequent expansion into peer-to-peer payments through Cash App, business lending, and cryptocurrency services broadened its impact on the financial services industry.


Square, later renamed Block, addressed a fundamental problem in the payments industry by making it simple and affordable for small merchants to accept credit card payments. The company's original card reader, which plugged into a smartphone, became a ubiquitous tool at farmers' markets, food trucks, and small retail shops. The subsequent development of Cash App expanded Block's reach into consumer financial services, including peer-to-peer payments and cryptocurrency transactions.
Dorsey's founding of the Bluesky project represented an attempt to address criticisms of centralized social media platforms by developing a decentralized protocol for online communication. While Dorsey eventually distanced himself from Bluesky's organizational leadership, the project contributed to a growing movement toward decentralized alternatives to established social media networks.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bluesky {{!}} History, Social Media, Jack Dorsey, & Features |url=https://www.britannica.com/money/Bluesky |publisher=Britannica Money |date=2026-02-18 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Dorsey's more recent focus on Bitcoin and decentralized technology has positioned him as a prominent advocate for cryptocurrency adoption in mainstream commerce. His decision to rename Square to Block and to orient the company's strategy around Bitcoin and blockchain technology signals a long-term commitment to decentralized financial infrastructure. The 2026 introduction of zero-fee Bitcoin acceptance for small businesses through Block represents a continuation of Dorsey's original mission with Square: simplifying financial transactions for small-scale merchants.
His advocacy for Bitcoin and decentralized financial systems has positioned him as one of the most prominent figures in the cryptocurrency space. By directing Block's corporate strategy toward Bitcoin integration and investing in mining hardware and payment infrastructure, Dorsey has sought to accelerate the mainstream adoption of cryptocurrency in everyday commerce.


The organizational challenges at Block in early 2026—including mass layoffs and the controversial mandate to integrate AI into employee workflows—illustrate the tensions inherent in rapid corporate transformation. The outcome of these initiatives will likely shape the next phase of Dorsey's legacy as a technology executive.
Dorsey's leadership style and management decisions have also generated criticism, particularly regarding the layoffs and AI mandates at Block in early 2026, and the circumstances surrounding his original departure from Twitter's CEO role in 2008. His career reflects the complexities of building and leading technology companies at scale, including the tensions between innovation and organizational stability.


== References ==
== References ==
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Latest revision as of 01:48, 24 February 2026


Jack Dorsey
BornJack Patrick Dorsey
19 11, 1976
BirthplaceSt. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
OccupationTechnology executive, entrepreneur
TitleChairman of the Board, Block, Inc.
Known forCo-founding Twitter and Block, Inc. (formerly Square), founding Bluesky
AwardsInnovator of the Year – The Wall Street Journal (2012)
Website[https://squareup.com/ Official site]

Jack Patrick Dorsey (born November 19, 1976) is an American technology executive and entrepreneur who co-founded the social media platform Twitter and the financial services company Block, Inc., formerly known as Square, Inc. Dorsey served as CEO of Twitter during two separate tenures—first from 2007 to 2008, and again from 2015 to 2021—while simultaneously leading Square as its principal executive officer. He also founded Bluesky, a decentralized social media protocol and application.[1] Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Dorsey developed an early interest in computers and dispatch logistics, which informed his later creation of Twitter's real-time communication model and Square's mobile payment technology. His career has been defined by a persistent focus on simplifying communication and commerce through technology. As chairman of Block, Inc., Dorsey has in recent years directed the company's strategy toward Bitcoin integration and artificial intelligence adoption, decisions that have generated both investor interest and internal controversy.[2]

Early Life

Jack Patrick Dorsey was born on November 19, 1976, in St. Louis, Missouri. He grew up in the St. Louis metropolitan area, where he developed an early fascination with cities, maps, and the logistics of urban transit systems. As a teenager, Dorsey became interested in dispatch routing—the process by which taxis, ambulances, and delivery vehicles are coordinated across a city—and began writing software related to this field while still in high school.[3]

Dorsey's childhood interest in dispatch software proved formative. By the time he was a teenager, he had written open-source software for dispatch routing that attracted the attention of companies in the field. His programs dealt with the real-time coordination of moving vehicles—a conceptual precursor to Twitter's model of real-time status updates and short-form communication. Dorsey has credited this early work with shaping his understanding of how brief, time-sensitive messages could be used to convey location and status information.[3]

The young Dorsey was also drawn to the visual arts and fashion design, interests that would later influence his approach to product design and user experience at both Twitter and Square. He has spoken publicly about his admiration for the clean, functional aesthetics of urban infrastructure, and this sensibility carried through to the design language of the products he would eventually create.

Education

Dorsey attended the University of Missouri–Rolla (now Missouri University of Science and Technology) before transferring to New York University. While at NYU, Dorsey conceived of an idea that combined the instant messaging features emerging on the internet with the short-form dispatch messaging he had worked on as a teenager. He did not complete his degree, departing NYU to pursue work in technology.[3]

During his time in New York, Dorsey was exposed to the city's complex transportation and communication systems, which further fueled his interest in real-time information sharing. He later expressed interest in New York City governance and public life, telling CNN in 2013 about his desire to potentially serve as mayor of New York City.[4]

Career

Early Career and the Founding of Twitter

After leaving NYU, Dorsey moved to the San Francisco Bay Area, where he worked in the technology sector on dispatch and logistics software. By 2005, he had developed the core concept for what would become Twitter: a platform that would allow users to send short status updates—originally limited to 140 characters, matching the constraints of SMS messages—to a network of followers in real time.

In 2006, Dorsey co-founded Twitter, Inc., along with Evan Williams, Biz Stone, and Noah Glass. The platform launched publicly in July 2006 and quickly gained traction as a microblogging service. Its simplicity—allowing users to broadcast brief messages to an open audience—appealed to journalists, celebrities, activists, and ordinary users alike, and Twitter grew rapidly in its first years.

Dorsey served as CEO of Twitter from 2007 to 2008. During this initial tenure, Twitter experienced significant growth but also faced technical challenges related to scalability and reliability, with frequent service outages that became a hallmark of the platform's early period.[5] In 2008, Dorsey transitioned from the CEO role to chairman of the board, with Evan Williams assuming the position of chief executive.[6][7]

The circumstances of Dorsey's departure from the CEO role in 2008 were the subject of considerable media scrutiny. Reports indicated that the board and co-founders had concerns about Dorsey's management style and the company's operational challenges during a period of rapid expansion.

Founding of Square

Following his transition to chairman at Twitter, Dorsey turned his attention to a new venture in the financial technology sector. In 2009, he co-founded Square, Inc. (later renamed Block, Inc.) with Jim McKelvey. The company's initial product was a small, square-shaped card reader that could be plugged into a smartphone's headphone jack, enabling small businesses and individuals to accept credit card payments through their mobile devices.

The concept for Square reportedly arose when McKelvey, a glassblowing artist, lost a sale because he was unable to accept a credit card payment. Dorsey and McKelvey set out to create a system that would democratize access to electronic payments, making it possible for anyone with a smartphone to process card transactions. Square launched its first product in 2010, and the company grew rapidly as it expanded its suite of financial services tools for small businesses.[3]

Square established its headquarters in San Francisco, initially operating out of space in the city's historic Chronicle Building[8] before opening new headquarters in 2013.[9] By 2012, Business Insider ranked Square among the top digital companies, valuing it at approximately $3.2 billion.[10]

Dorsey's leadership at Square drew comparisons to Steve Jobs, with observers noting his attention to product design and his insistence on simplicity in user experience. Women's Wear Daily reported on Dorsey's ambitions to simplify commerce through Square's technology.[11] The San Francisco Business Times named Dorsey its Executive of the Year in 2011, citing his work at both Twitter and Square.[12]

Square's IPO and Growth

In October 2015, Square filed for an initial public offering, a notable development given that Dorsey was simultaneously serving as CEO of Twitter, to which he had returned earlier that year. The IPO filing disclosed Dorsey's ownership stake in the company and raised questions about the sustainability of his dual-CEO arrangement.[13][14]

Square went public on the New York Stock Exchange and continued to expand its product offerings beyond the original card reader. The company developed Cash App, a peer-to-peer payment service that grew to become one of Block's most significant revenue generators. Square also moved into business lending, payroll services, and restaurant and retail management tools, building a comprehensive ecosystem for small and medium-sized businesses.

Return to Twitter (2015–2021)

In 2015, Dorsey returned to Twitter as CEO, replacing Dick Costolo. His second tenure was marked by efforts to address the platform's slowing user growth, persistent issues with harassment and misinformation, and the challenge of developing a sustainable advertising business model. Dorsey led Twitter through a period of significant cultural influence—the platform played a central role in global political discourse, social movements, and breaking news—while the company continued to face questions about its financial performance and content moderation policies.

Dorsey's management of both Twitter and Square simultaneously drew criticism from some investors and analysts who questioned whether one individual could effectively lead two publicly traded companies. He stepped down as CEO of Twitter in November 2021, handing the role to Parag Agrawal. Twitter was subsequently acquired by Elon Musk in October 2022.

Bluesky

While still at Twitter, Dorsey initiated and funded the development of Bluesky, an independent project aimed at creating a decentralized protocol for social media. The initiative, announced in 2019, sought to develop an open standard that would allow multiple social media platforms to interoperate, rather than having each platform operate as a closed system. Bluesky was incorporated as an independent public benefit corporation and launched its own social media application, which gained significant user interest following changes at Twitter under its new ownership.[15]

Dorsey's relationship with Bluesky evolved over time, and he eventually distanced himself from the project, expressing disagreements with the direction taken by its leadership team. Nevertheless, the initiative represented a significant contribution to the broader discourse around decentralized social media and the future of online communication platforms.

Block, Inc. and Bitcoin Strategy

In December 2021, Square, Inc. was renamed Block, Inc., reflecting the company's broadened focus beyond payment processing to include blockchain technology and Bitcoin-related services. Under Dorsey's leadership as principal executive officer and chairman, the company made substantial investments in Bitcoin and cryptocurrency infrastructure. Dorsey has been a vocal advocate for Bitcoin, describing it as the future of internet-native currency and committing significant corporate resources to Bitcoin development.[16]

At Block's Investor Day in November 2025, a question was posed to Dorsey about whether he might be Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin, reflecting the level of public association between Dorsey and the cryptocurrency.[17]

Block's Bitcoin-related initiatives have included enabling Bitcoin purchases through Cash App, investing in Bitcoin mining hardware development, and offering Bitcoin payment processing for merchants. In 2026, reports indicated that Block had implemented zero-fee Bitcoin payment acceptance for small businesses, a move aimed at expanding cryptocurrency adoption in everyday commerce.[18]

Layoffs and AI Mandates at Block (2026)

In early 2026, Block, Inc. undertook significant workforce reductions and organizational changes under Dorsey's direction. In February 2026, Reuters reported that Block was considering cutting up to 10 percent of its staff during annual performance reviews.[19] Hundreds of employees were laid off in the weeks that followed, with WIRED reporting on the rolling nature of the layoffs and their effect on remaining staff morale.[20]

Simultaneously, Dorsey mandated aggressive adoption of artificial intelligence tools across the company, directing employees to integrate AI into their workflows. This mandate generated internal backlash, with some employees expressing frustration at the pace and scope of the changes.[21] Futurism reported that the combination of mass layoffs and forced AI adoption had created significant organizational turmoil within the company.[22]

Block was scheduled to report its fourth-quarter 2025 earnings in late February 2026, with analysts monitoring the financial impact of these organizational changes.[23]

Board Service

Beyond his roles at Twitter and Block, Dorsey served on the board of directors of The Walt Disney Company from 2013 to 2018. His appointment to Disney's board was reported by TechCrunch in December 2013.[24] Dorsey and Sheryl Sandberg both departed the Disney board in January 2018.[25]

Dorsey has also served on the board of the Berggruen Institute's governance center, reflecting his interest in governance and civic systems.

Personal Life

Dorsey has maintained a relatively private personal life compared to many technology executives of his profile. He has spoken publicly about his interest in meditation, fasting, and wellness practices. His lifestyle choices, including extended silent meditation retreats and ice bath routines, have attracted media attention.

Dorsey has expressed strong personal and philosophical commitments to Bitcoin and decentralization, themes that have increasingly defined his public identity beyond his roles at specific companies. He has described Bitcoin not merely as a financial instrument but as a tool for individual economic empowerment.

In 2019, Dorsey participated in the #TeamTrees initiative, a collaborative fundraising effort organized by YouTuber MrBeast and the Arbor Day Foundation aimed at planting 20 million trees.[26][27]

Dorsey has also expressed interest in public service. In a 2013 CNN interview, he discussed his desire to potentially run for mayor of New York City, reflecting a long-standing interest in urban planning and civic governance that dates to his childhood fascination with dispatch systems and city infrastructure.[28]

Recognition

Dorsey has received recognition from multiple business and technology publications for his work at Twitter and Square. The San Francisco Business Times named him Executive of the Year in 2011, citing his leadership across both companies.[29]

In 2011, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg appointed Dorsey to a role supporting the city's technology initiatives, reflecting the recognition of his expertise in technology and urban systems.[30]

Dorsey's profile as a technology leader has been shaped by the simultaneous growth of Twitter into one of the world's most influential communication platforms and Square (now Block) into one of the largest financial technology companies. Fortune profiled Dorsey in 2011 under the headline "The Man With Two Brains," documenting the unusual challenge of leading two major technology companies at the same time.[3]

His influence on the technology industry extends beyond his own companies. The microblogging format that Twitter popularized under Dorsey's co-founding vision became a dominant mode of online communication, influencing journalism, politics, marketing, and social discourse. Similarly, Square's mobile payment innovations helped establish the mobile point-of-sale category and contributed to the broader shift toward cashless commerce.

Legacy

Jack Dorsey's career has been defined by the creation of two technology platforms that reshaped their respective industries. Twitter, which he co-founded in 2006, transformed real-time communication and became a central venue for public discourse, breaking news, political debate, and social movements worldwide. The platform's 140-character format (later expanded to 280 characters) influenced how people consume and share information, and its impact on journalism, politics, and culture has been extensively documented.

Square, later renamed Block, democratized access to electronic payment processing by making it possible for small businesses and individual sellers to accept credit card payments through a simple mobile device attachment. The company's subsequent expansion into peer-to-peer payments through Cash App, business lending, and cryptocurrency services broadened its impact on the financial services industry.

Dorsey's founding of the Bluesky project represented an attempt to address criticisms of centralized social media platforms by developing a decentralized protocol for online communication. While Dorsey eventually distanced himself from Bluesky's organizational leadership, the project contributed to a growing movement toward decentralized alternatives to established social media networks.[31]

His advocacy for Bitcoin and decentralized financial systems has positioned him as one of the most prominent figures in the cryptocurrency space. By directing Block's corporate strategy toward Bitcoin integration and investing in mining hardware and payment infrastructure, Dorsey has sought to accelerate the mainstream adoption of cryptocurrency in everyday commerce.

Dorsey's leadership style and management decisions have also generated criticism, particularly regarding the layoffs and AI mandates at Block in early 2026, and the circumstances surrounding his original departure from Twitter's CEO role in 2008. His career reflects the complexities of building and leading technology companies at scale, including the tensions between innovation and organizational stability.

References

  1. ↑ "Bluesky | History, Social Media, Jack Dorsey, & Features".Britannica Money.2026-02-18.https://www.britannica.com/money/Bluesky.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  2. ↑ HaynesKevinKevin"Jack Dorsey Faces Employee Backlash After Mass Layoffs and AI Mandates at Block".Inc.com.2026-02-21.https://www.inc.com/kevin-haynes/jack-dorsey-faces-employee-backlash-after-mass-layoffs-and-ai-mandates-at-block-inc/91306381.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 "Jack Dorsey: The Man With Two Brains".Fortune.2011-06-02.http://fortune.com/2011/06/02/jack-dorsey-the-man-with-two-brains/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  4. ↑ "Jack Dorsey on his desire to be mayor of New York City, Steve Jobs, and being a bachelor".CNN.2013-03-21.http://thelead.blogs.cnn.com/2013/03/21/jack-dorsey-on-his-desire-to-be-mayor-of-new-york-city-steve-jobs-and-being-a-bachelor/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  5. ↑ "Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey".InformationWeek.2008-06-18.http://www.informationweek.com/blog/main/archives/2008/06/twitter_ceo_jac_2.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  6. ↑ "Twitter's Growing Pains".The New York Times.2008-10-21.https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/21/technology/start-ups/21twitter.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  7. ↑ "Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey steps aside".CNET.2008-10-16.http://news.cnet.com/8301-13577_3-10068368-36.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  8. ↑ "CHD Office Space: Square, San Francisco's Chronicle Building".California Home + Design.2011-06-30.http://www.californiahomedesign.com/blog/2011/06/30/chd-office-space-square-san-franciscos-chronicle-building.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  9. ↑ "Square Opens New Headquarters".Square.2013.https://web.archive.org/web/20140413142657/https://squareup.com/news/releases/2013/square-opens-new-headquarters.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  10. ↑ "Digital 100: Square – $3.2 Billion".Business Insider.2012.http://www.businessinsider.com/2012-digital-100#7-square-32-billion-7.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  11. ↑ "Dorsey Looks to Simplify Commerce With Square".Women's Wear Daily.2014-01-16.http://www.wwd.com/business-news/technology/dorsey-looks-to-simplify-commerce-with-square-7365024?src=nl/mornReport/20140116.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  12. ↑ "Executive of the Year: Jack Dorsey".San Francisco Business Times.2011-12-23.http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/print-edition/2011/12/23/executive-of-the-year-jack-dorsey.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  13. ↑ "Square files for IPO as CEO Dorsey juggles Twitter revamp".Bloomberg News.2015-10-14.https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-10-14/square-files-for-ipo-as-ceo-dorsey-juggles-twitter-revamp.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  14. ↑ "Square Ownership: Dorsey's Stake at IPO".Fortune.2015-10-14.http://fortune.com/2015/10/14/square-ownership-dorsey-ipo/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  15. ↑ "Bluesky | History, Social Media, Jack Dorsey, & Features".Britannica Money.2026-02-18.https://www.britannica.com/money/Bluesky.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  16. ↑ "About Square".Square.https://squareup.com/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  17. ↑ "Jack Dorsey Sparks Debate: Could He Be the Elusive Satoshi Nakamoto?".Investopedia.2026-01-23.https://www.investopedia.com/jack-dorsey-sparks-debate-11880164.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  18. ↑ "Jack Dorsey's Bitcoin Revolution: Small Businesses Now Accept BTC With ZERO Fees".Binance.2026-02-23.https://www.binance.com/en-NG/square/post/294764551085649.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  19. ↑ "Dorsey's Block cutting up to 10% of staff, Bloomberg News reports".Reuters.2026-02-07.https://www.reuters.com/business/dorseys-block-cutting-up-10-staff-bloomberg-news-reports-2026-02-07/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  20. ↑ "Inside the Rolling Layoffs at Jack Dorsey's Block".WIRED.2026-02-19.https://www.wired.com/story/inside-rolling-layoffs-jack-dorsey-block/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  21. ↑ HaynesKevinKevin"Jack Dorsey Faces Employee Backlash After Mass Layoffs and AI Mandates at Block".Inc.com.2026-02-21.https://www.inc.com/kevin-haynes/jack-dorsey-faces-employee-backlash-after-mass-layoffs-and-ai-mandates-at-block-inc/91306381.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  22. ↑ "Jack Dorsey's New Company Falling Apart as It Forces Employees to Use AI".Futurism.2026-02-20.https://futurism.com/artificial-intelligence/jack-dorsey-block-falling-apart-ai.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  23. ↑ "Jack Dorsey's Block Gears For Q4 Earnings".Benzinga.2026-02-23.https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/26/02/50772911/jack-dorseys-block-gears-for-q4-earnings-analyst-expectations-key-technical-signals-price-targets-and-all-you-need-to-know.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  24. ↑ "Jack Dorsey Joins Disney".TechCrunch.2013-12-23.https://techcrunch.com/2013/12/23/jack-dorsey-joins-disney/?ncid=tcdaily.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  25. ↑ "Facebook's Sandberg, Twitter's Dorsey to depart Disney board".Bloomberg News.2018-01-13.https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-01-13/facebook-s-sandberg-twitter-s-dorsey-to-depart-disney-board.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  26. ↑ "#TeamTrees".TeamTrees.org.https://teamtrees.org/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  27. ↑ "MrBeast TeamTrees Announcement".Twitter.2019-10-29.https://twitter.com/MrBeastYT/status/1189348547889643520.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  28. ↑ "Jack Dorsey on his desire to be mayor of New York City, Steve Jobs, and being a bachelor".CNN.2013-03-21.http://thelead.blogs.cnn.com/2013/03/21/jack-dorsey-on-his-desire-to-be-mayor-of-new-york-city-steve-jobs-and-being-a-bachelor/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  29. ↑ "Executive of the Year: Jack Dorsey".San Francisco Business Times.2011-12-23.http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/print-edition/2011/12/23/executive-of-the-year-jack-dorsey.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  30. ↑ "Mayor Bloomberg Announcement".NYC.gov.2011.http://www.nyc.gov/html/om/html/2011a/pr104-11.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  31. ↑ "Bluesky | History, Social Media, Jack Dorsey, & Features".Britannica Money.2026-02-18.https://www.britannica.com/money/Bluesky.Retrieved 2026-02-23.

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