David Baszucki, a prominent figure in the tech and gaming industry, is best known as the co-founder and CEO of Roblox Corporation, a social gaming platform that has revolutionized the way kids and teens engage with video games. Under his leadership, Roblox has grown exponentially, boasting over 50 million daily active users who collectively spent an astounding 41 billion hours on the platform in 2021 alone. The platform allows players to purchase a digital currency called Robux, which can be used to buy special items within games, creating a thriving economy for game developers. In 2021, Roblox creators earned over $530 million, with more than 2,200 developers making $10,000 or more, and over 500 earning $100,000 or more.
As of 2024, David Baszucki’s net worth is estimated to be around $2.4 billion, a testament to his success in the online gaming industry. His wealth primarily stems from his significant stake in Roblox Corporation, which is valued at approximately 13%. This stake is estimated to be worth around $4.2 billion, reflecting the company’s robust performance in the market.
Born on January 20, 1963, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Baszucki grew up in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. He attended Eden Prairie High School, where he was the captain of the TV quiz team. He later pursued a degree in electrical engineering at Stanford University, graduating in 1985 as a General Motors Scholar. His early career included co-founding Knowledge Revolution, a company that developed educational software, which was sold to MSC Software for $20 million in 1998.
Career Journey
David Baszucki’s career began in the late 1980s when he and his brother Greg founded Knowledge Revolution. They developed “Interactive Physics,” an educational software that allowed users to create 2D physics experiments. Following the success of this software, they launched “Working Model,” a mechanical design software. After the acquisition of Knowledge Revolution, Baszucki served as vice president and general manager at MSC Software before venturing into angel investing.
In 2004, Baszucki and Erik Cassel began developing a prototype for what would become Roblox. Initially named DynaBlocks, the platform was rebranded to Roblox in 2005 and officially launched in 2006. Roblox allows users to create and share their own games, fostering a community of developers and players. The platform’s unique model has made it a favorite among younger audiences, and its success has led to significant financial rewards for both the company and its creators.
Financial Success and Philanthropy
David Baszucki’s financial success is not just limited to his stake in Roblox. In 2020, he earned a total compensation of $6.8 million, which skyrocketed to $233 million in 2021, primarily due to a package of restricted stock options. This remarkable compensation made him one of the highest-paid CEOs in the tech industry.
Despite his immense wealth, Baszucki is committed to philanthropy. He has pledged to donate the net proceeds from Roblox’s New York Stock Exchange listing to charitable causes. His philanthropic efforts include significant donations to educational and health-related initiatives, such as the Baszucki Lymphoma Therapeutics Initiative at UC San Francisco, which aims to improve CAR T-cell therapy for lymphoma patients.
Personal Life
David Baszucki resides in San Francisco with his wife, Jan Ellison, a bestselling author. Together, they have four children. Baszucki has been vocal about social issues, particularly in the wake of George Floyd’s murder, expressing his commitment to addressing systemic injustice and promoting equality.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Baszucki has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the tech industry. He was named one of Goldman Sachs’ “100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs” in 2017 and 2018 and recognized by Comparably as one of the “Best CEOs for Diversity” in 2018 and 2019. In 2021, he was featured on Bloomberg Businessweek’s “Bloomberg 50” list, highlighting individuals who have significantly impacted global business.
David Baszucki’s Net Worth Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | David Baszucki |
| Net Worth (2024) | $2.4 billion |
| Age | 61 |
| Source of Wealth | Online games, Self-Made |
| Residence | San Francisco, California |
| Education | Bachelor of Arts/Science, Stanford University |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Children | 4 |
FAQs
What is David Baszucki’s net worth?
As of 2024, David Baszucki’s net worth is estimated to be around $2.4 billion.
What is Roblox?
Roblox is a social gaming platform that allows users to create and share their own games, fostering a community of developers and players.
How much did David Baszucki earn in 2021?
In 2021, David Baszucki earned a total compensation of $233 million, primarily from stock options.
What philanthropic efforts is David Baszucki involved in?
Baszucki has pledged to donate proceeds from Roblox’s stock listing to charitable causes and has made significant donations to health and educational initiatives.
Where does David Baszucki live?
David Baszucki resides in San Francisco, California, with his wife and four children.