Childhood and Education Journey of Mark Zuckerberg in Timeline
Discover the defining moments in the early life of Mark Zuckerberg. From birth to education, explore key events.
Mark Zuckerberg is an American businessman best known as the co-founder, chairman, CEO, and controlling shareholder of Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook). He launched Facebook in 2004, revolutionizing social networking and connecting billions globally. Zuckerberg has led Meta through significant acquisitions like Instagram and WhatsApp, expanding its reach and influence. He is also known for his philanthropic endeavors through the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, focusing on health, education, and scientific research. Despite facing scrutiny regarding data privacy and the impact of social media, Zuckerberg remains a prominent figure in the technology industry.
May 14, 1984: Mark Zuckerberg Born
On May 14, 1984, Mark Elliot Zuckerberg was born. He is an American businessman and co-founder of Facebook (now Meta Platforms).
2002: Zuckerberg Enrolls at Harvard
In 2002, Mark Zuckerberg began classes at Harvard, already having a reputation as a programming prodigy. He studied psychology and computer science.
2002: Graduation from Phillips Exeter Academy
In 2002, Mark Zuckerberg graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy.
2002: Zuckerberg Registers to Vote
In 2002, Mark Zuckerberg registered to vote in Westchester County, New York.
2003: Meeting Priscilla Chan
In 2003, Zuckerberg met Priscilla Chan at a frat party.
February 2004: Facebook Launched at Harvard
In February 2004, Mark Zuckerberg, along with his roommates Eduardo Saverin, Andrew McCollum, Dustin Moskovitz, and Chris Hughes, launched Facebook at Harvard College.
2004: Winklevoss Lawsuit Filed
In 2004, Harvard students Cameron Winklevoss, Tyler Winklevoss, and Divya Narendra accused Mark Zuckerberg of intentionally making them believe he would help them build a social network called HarvardConnection.com (later called ConnectU). They filed a lawsuit.
2004: Zuckerberg Moves to Palo Alto
In 2004, Zuckerberg dropped out of Harvard and moved to Palo Alto, California with Moskovitz and other co-founders. They met Peter Thiel who invested in the company and established their first office.
June 25, 2008: Settlement in Winklevoss Lawsuit
On June 25, 2008, the case with the Winklevoss brothers settled, and Facebook agreed to transfer over 1.2 million common shares and pay $20 million in cash.
November 2008: Zuckerberg Casts His First Ballot
In November 2008, Mark Zuckerberg cast his first ballot, after registering to vote in 2002.
2008: Zuckerberg Becomes Youngest Self-Made Billionaire
In 2008, Mark Zuckerberg became the world's youngest self-made billionaire at the age of 23.
September 2010: Chan moves into Zuckerberg's house
In September 2010, Priscilla Chan moved into Zuckerberg's rented house in Palo Alto, California.
September 2010: Donation to Newark Public Schools
In September 2010, Zuckerberg donated $100 million to Newark Public Schools. Critics noted the timing was close to the release of The Social Network, which painted a negative portrait of Zuckerberg.
October 1, 2010: The Social Network Movie Released
On October 1, 2010, The Social Network, a movie based on Zuckerberg and the founding years of Facebook, was released, starring Jesse Eisenberg as Zuckerberg.
October 3, 2010: Zuckerberg Voiced Himself on The Simpsons
On October 3, 2010, Zuckerberg voiced himself on an episode of The Simpsons titled "Loan-a Lisa".
October 9, 2010: Saturday Night Live Lampooned Zuckerberg and Facebook
On October 9, 2010, Saturday Night Live lampooned Zuckerberg and Facebook. Andy Samberg portrayed Zuckerberg. Zuckerberg was reported to have been amused.
October 30, 2010: Colbert Awards Medal of Fear to Zuckerberg
On October 30, 2010, Stephen Colbert awarded a "Medal of Fear" to Zuckerberg at the Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear, "because he values his privacy much more than he values yours".
2010: The Social Network Film Release
In 2010, "The Social Network", a film depicting Zuckerberg's early career, legal troubles, and initial success with Facebook, was released and won multiple Academy Awards.
2010: Zuckerberg Signs The Giving Pledge
In 2010, Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, and investor Warren Buffett signed The Giving Pledge, committing to donate at least half of their wealth to charity.
January 2011: Zuckerberg Appears on Saturday Night Live
In January 2011, Zuckerberg made a surprise guest appearance on Saturday Night Live, which was hosted by Jesse Eisenberg. It was the first time they had met.
2011: Facebook First Participated in San Francisco Pride Celebration
In 2011, Facebook first participated in the San Francisco Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Celebration.
May 19, 2012: Marriage to Priscilla Chan
On May 19, 2012, Zuckerberg married Priscilla Chan in the grounds of his mansion, also celebrating her medical school graduation.
December 2012: Zuckerberg and Chan Pledge Majority of Wealth to Charity
In December 2012, Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan said they would give the majority of their wealth to "advancing human potential and promoting equality" in the spirit of The Giving Pledge.
2012: Zuckerberg Voted in the General Elections
In 2012, Mark Zuckerberg voted in the general elections.
February 2013: Fundraising Event for Chris Christie
In February 2013, Zuckerberg hosted a fundraising event for then-New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, with a focus on education reform.
June 2013: Participation in San Francisco Pride Celebration
In June 2013, Zuckerberg and Facebook employees participated in the San Francisco Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Celebration.
December 2013: Donation of Facebook Shares to Silicon Valley Community Foundation
In December 2013, Zuckerberg announced a donation of 18 million Facebook shares to the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, totaling $990 million in value. This was the largest charitable gift on public record for that year.
2013: Appearance in Terms and Conditions May Apply
In 2013, Mark Zuckerberg appeared in the climax of the documentary film Terms and Conditions May Apply.
October 2014: Donation to Combat Ebola Virus Disease
In October 2014, Zuckerberg and his wife donated $25 million to combat the Ebola virus disease, specifically the West African Ebola virus epidemic.
2014: Construction of Support Yacht Wingman
In 2014, Zuckerberg had the support yacht Wingman built by Damen Yachting.
2014: Zuckerberg Purchases Land in Kauaʻi
In 2014, Zuckerberg purchased 700 acres of land on the Hawaiian island of Kauaʻi.
February 2015: Endowment to San Francisco General Hospital
In February 2015, the couple endowed the foundation of the San Francisco General Hospital with $75 million, which was the biggest individual donation to a U.S. public hospital. The hospital was renamed as The Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center.
July 2015: Announcement of Pregnancy
In July 2015, Zuckerberg announced that he and Priscilla Chan were expecting a baby girl and disclosed previous miscarriages.
November 2015: Paris Attacks
The November 2015 Paris attacks prompted Zuckerberg to make a statement of support for Muslims on December 9, 2015.
December 1, 2015: Pledge to Transfer Facebook Shares to Chan Zuckerberg Initiative
On December 1, 2015, Zuckerberg and his wife pledged to transfer 99% of their Facebook shares, then valued at $45 billion, to the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI).
December 9, 2015: Zuckerberg's statement in support of Muslims
On December 9, 2015, Zuckerberg posted a statement on his Facebook wall expressing support for Muslims in response to the aftermath of the November 2015 Paris attacks and the 2015 San Bernardino attack.
December 2015: Birth of First Daughter
In December 2015, Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan's first daughter was born.
2015: Shooting at Mother Emanuel
In 2015 a shooting took place at Mother Emanuel.
2016: Belief in religion
In 2016, Mark Zuckerberg stated that, after questioning religion, he now believes it is very important.
January 2017: Zuckerberg Files Lawsuits Against Native Hawaiians
In January 2017, Zuckerberg filed eight lawsuits against hundreds of native Hawaiians to claim small tracts of land that they owned within his acreage. He later dropped the lawsuits.
May 25, 2017: Receives Honorary Degree from Harvard
On May 25, 2017, Mark Zuckerberg received an honorary degree from Harvard after giving a commencement speech at the university's 366th commencement day.
August 2017: Birth of Second Daughter
In August 2017, Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan's second daughter was born.
2017: Tour of America
In 2017, Mark Zuckerberg and his wife began a tour of America to visit every state and learn more about the users of the social network. He met with farmers and business owners and spoke at Mother Emanuel.
2017: Call for Action on Global Warming
In 2017, Zuckerberg called for action to stop global warming in a commencement speech at Harvard University.
2019: Popularity of Zuckerberg's dog, Beast
As of 2019, Zuckerberg's Puli dog, Beast, had over two million followers on Facebook.
2020: State-level ballot initiative funding for tax increase
In 2020, Zuckerberg funded a state-level ballot initiative for the 2020 general election that would raise taxes by altering California's Proposition 13 to require the tax assessment of commercial and industrial properties in the state at market rate.
2022: Started training in MMA and BJJ
In 2022, Mark Zuckerberg began training in both mixed martial arts (MMA) and Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ).
March 2023: Birth of Third Daughter
In March 2023, Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan welcomed their third daughter.
May 6, 2023: BJJ tournament win
On May 6, 2023, Mark Zuckerberg competed in a BJJ tournament and won both a silver and gold medal in gi and no gi, competing at white belt.
July 2023: Promoted to blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu
In July 2023, Mark Zuckerberg was promoted to blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu by Dave Camarillo.
August 2024: Letter to House Judiciary Committee
In August 2024, Zuckerberg stated in a letter to the House Judiciary Committee that he regretted not doing more to resist pressure from the Biden administration to censor content related to COVID-19.
September 2024: Mention in Trump's Book
In September 2024, Donald Trump mentioned Zuckerberg in his book 'Save America', threatening legal action.
2024: Sculpture of Wife by Daniel Arsham
In 2024, Zuckerberg commissioned Daniel Arsham to build a 7-foot-tall sculpture of his wife, Priscilla Chan.
2024: Purchase of mega-yacht Launchpad
In 2024, Zuckerberg purchased the mega-yacht Launchpad for about $300 million.
2024: Change in style of clothing
In 2024, Zuckerberg shifted his style from wearing the same gray shirt and jeans to gold chains and trendier streetwear.
2024: Launchpad sails to French Polynesia
In late 2024, the yacht Launchpad sailed roughly 4,800 miles to French Polynesia and waited in Tahiti for weeks without Mark Zuckerberg boarding.
January 2025: Support for Trump Administration
In January 2025, Zuckerberg expressed support for the Trump administration and its stance on American technology companies.
March 2025: Attempt to Leverage Relationship with Trump Administration
In March 2025, Zuckerberg attempted to leverage his relationship with the Trump administration for a favorable settlement in an antitrust case with the FTC.
May 2025: Zuckerberg's Net Worth
According to Forbes, in May 2025, Mark Zuckerberg's estimated net worth stood at US$221.2 billion, making him the second-richest individual in the world.
2025: Voyage to Norway’s fjords for heliskiing
In 2025, Sustainability Times reported a 5,280-mile voyage to Norway’s fjords using a two-yacht fleet for heliskiing. The operation used Wingman's helipad to avoid helicopter landings on Norwegian soil. Also in late 2024 and early 2025, Launchpad sailed 4,800 miles to French Polynesia but Zuckerberg did not board the yacht.
2025: Launchpad fuel consumption and emissions
In 2025, it was reported that Launchpad burned over 528,000 gallons of diesel fuel in nine months, emitting more than 5,300 tons of carbon dioxide, while touring destinations from the South Pacific to Europe before docking in France for servicing.
2025: Operation of Two-Vessel Fleet and Protests in Arctic
In early 2025, it was reported that Zuckerberg's two-vessel fleet, including the Launchpad and Wingman, was operating together in the Arctic, leading to protests over emissions in Longyearbyen.
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