Evan Williams
Early Life and Education
Evan Williams, born on March 31, 1972, in Clarks, Nebraska, is an American entrepreneur and a notable figure in the tech industry. He grew up on a farm in Clarks, where he was exposed to the values of hard work and perseverance. Williams attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln for a year and a half before dropping out to pursue a career in information technology.
Career Beginnings
Williams began his career in the technology sector by working at various startups and technology companies in Florida and Texas. His initial roles were primarily focused on marketing and copywriting, but he quickly transitioned into more technical positions. Williams's early experiences in these diverse roles helped him gain a comprehensive understanding of the tech industry.
Pyra Labs and Blogger
In 1999, Williams co-founded Pyra Labs with Meg Hourihan. Pyra Labs developed Blogger, one of the earliest and most popular blog-publishing tools. Blogger's user-friendly interface and free access revolutionized the way people shared information online. In 2003, Pyra Labs was acquired by Google, marking a significant milestone in Williams's career. This acquisition allowed Blogger to expand its reach and integrate with Google's suite of services.
Odeo and Obvious Corp
After leaving Google, Williams founded Odeo, a podcasting company. Although Odeo did not achieve the same level of success as Blogger, it played a crucial role in Williams's entrepreneurial journey. The challenges faced by Odeo led Williams and his team to pivot and create Obvious Corp, a startup incubator. Obvious Corp became the birthplace of several successful ventures, including Twitter.
Twitter, initially conceived as a side project within Obvious Corp, was co-founded by Williams, Jack Dorsey, and Biz Stone in 2006. Twitter's microblogging platform allowed users to post short, 140-character messages known as "tweets." The simplicity and immediacy of Twitter quickly gained popularity, making it one of the most influential social media platforms globally. Williams served as CEO of Twitter from 2008 to 2010, overseeing its rapid growth and development.
Medium
In 2012, Williams launched Medium, an online publishing platform designed to encourage thoughtful and in-depth writing. Medium aimed to bridge the gap between traditional blogging and social media by providing a space for writers to share long-form content. The platform's clean design and emphasis on quality content attracted a diverse range of writers, from amateur bloggers to professional journalists.
Investment and Advisory Roles
Beyond his ventures, Williams has been an active angel investor and advisor in the tech industry. He has invested in and supported numerous startups, including Blogger, Twitter, Medium, and other emerging technologies. His insights and experience have made him a sought-after advisor for new and growing companies.
Personal Life
Evan Williams is known for his private nature, often keeping his personal life out of the public eye. He is married to Sara Morishige, and they have two children. Williams continues to reside in San Francisco, California, where he remains involved in various entrepreneurial and philanthropic activities.
Legacy and Impact
Williams's contributions to the tech industry have had a lasting impact on how people communicate and share information online. His work with Blogger, Twitter, and Medium has shaped the landscape of digital media and social networking. Williams's ability to identify and develop innovative platforms has cemented his reputation as a visionary entrepreneur.