Mark Zuckerberg's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Mark Zuckerberg. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

2007: Named Top Innovator by MIT Technology Review

In 2007, Mark Zuckerberg was added to MIT Technology Review's TR35 list as one of the top 35 innovators in the world under the age of 35.

2008: Zuckerberg Becomes Youngest Self-Made Billionaire

In 2008, Mark Zuckerberg became the world's youngest self-made billionaire at the age of 23.

2008: Most Influential Person

Time named Zuckerberg one of the most influential people in the world in 2008.

2009: Ranked on Vanity Fair 100 List

In 2009, Mark Zuckerberg ranked number 23 on the Vanity Fair 100 list.

July 21, 2010: Facebook Reaches 500 Million Users

On July 21, 2010, Mark Zuckerberg reported that Facebook had reached the 500-million-user mark.

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: Named Most Influential Person by Vanity Fair

In 2010, Vanity Fair magazine named Mark Zuckerberg number 1 on its list of the Top 100 "most influential people of the Information Age".

2010: Time Person of the Year

In 2010, Zuckerberg was named the Time Person of the Year, coinciding with Facebook reaching over half a billion users.

January 16, 2011: Golden Globe Award for Best Picture

On January 16, 2011, The Social Network won the Golden Globe Award for Best Picture. Producer Scott Rudin thanked Facebook and Zuckerberg for allowing them to use his life and work as a metaphor.

2011: Most Influential Person

Time named Zuckerberg one of the most influential people in the world in 2011.

May 2012: Facebook Goes Public

In May 2012, Mark Zuckerberg took Facebook public with majority shares.

April 6, 2013: Facebook Home Promotional Campaign

On April 6, 2013, Facebook's head of consumer marketing, Rebecca Van Dyck, said that 85 million American Facebook users were exposed to the first day of the Home promotional campaign.

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.

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.

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).

June 2016: Named a Top Business Visionary

In June 2016, Business Insider named Mark Zuckerberg one of the "Top 10 Business Visionaries Creating Value for the World" due to his and his wife's pledge to give away 99% of their wealth.

December 2016: Ranked Tenth on Forbes List

In December 2016, Zuckerberg was ranked tenth on the Forbes list of the World's Most Powerful People.

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.

2019: Most Influential Person

Time named Zuckerberg one of the most influential people in the world in 2019.

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.

2023: Forbes 400 Ranking

In 2023, Zuckerberg was ranked eighth on the Forbes 400 list of wealthiest Americans with a personal wealth of $106 billion.

October 2024: Second Richest Person in the World

In October 2024, Zuckerberg became the second richest person in the world.

December 2024: Fourth Richest Person

As of December 2024, Zuckerberg's net worth was estimated at $219 billion by Forbes, making him the fourth richest person in the world.

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.