Hadi Partovi
Hadi Partovi is an Iranian-American entrepreneur, investor, and educator known for his significant contributions to the technology sector and his efforts in STEM education. Here is an overview of his career and influence:
Early Life and Education
- Born in Tehran, Iran, Hadi Partovi moved to the United States with his family at a young age.
- He attended Harvard University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science.
Career
- Microsoft: Partovi worked at Microsoft in the early 1990s, contributing to the development of Internet Explorer and MSN.
- Tellme Networks: He co-founded Tellme Networks, which was one of the first voice-driven information services, later acquired by Microsoft in 2007.
- iLike: Partovi was also behind iLike, a music recommendation and discovery platform, which was eventually sold to MySpace in 2009.
- Code.org: Perhaps one of his most notable contributions is the establishment of Code.org in 2013. This non-profit organization aims to expand access to computer science education in schools, particularly for underrepresented students. Through Code.org, Partovi has been instrumental in promoting coding education through initiatives like the Hour of Code, which has introduced millions of students worldwide to coding.
Investments and Philanthropy
- Partovi has made several strategic investments in tech startups, including Dropbox, Airbnb, and Facebook.
- He has also been involved in numerous charitable activities, particularly focusing on education and technology access for underprivileged communities.
Awards and Recognition
- Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People: In 2014, Hadi Partovi was named one of Time's 100 most influential people for his work with Code.org.
- National Medal of Technology and Innovation: He received this prestigious award in 2016 for his contributions to computer science education.
Publications and Media
- Partovi has been featured in numerous media outlets discussing technology, education, and entrepreneurship. He often speaks at conferences and events about the importance of STEM education.
External Links
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