Facebook. The most infamous platform in the world. Mark Zuckerberg. The young internet magnate and entrepreneur who changed the way of the internet for the millennials. The co-founder of Facebook and of spacecraft development project Breakthrough Starshot, regularly receives media attention. But there’s a lot you probably don’t know about Zuckerberg and his early life, here are a few of the most exciting things about him:
1. He Was Labelled a ’Prodigy’ as a Kid
Zuckerberg started programming at the age of 12 and created an instant messaging program for his father’s dental business. His then tutor admitted that is became increasingly challenging to keep up with his pupil and referred to him as a ‘prodigy’.
2. AOL and Microsoft Both Fought Over Him
Before he graduated high school, Zuckerberg was approached by AOL and Microsoft with job offers…he turned them all down.
3. He’s Actually A Nice Guy
Despite becoming the youngest billionaire globally at the age of 23 in 2008, just 4 years after launching Facebook, Zuckerberg appears to be a nice guy. By signing the ‘Giving Pledge’ commitment, Zuckerberg has promised to donate at least 50% of his wealth throughout his lifetime. The campaign encourages wealthy people to donate/contribute a large share of their wealth to philanthropic causes. He backed up this promise by donating £25million to combat the ebola virus back in 2014 and has a a £1 annual salary as Facebook’s CEO.
4. He is Colour Blind
The blue and white colour scheme of Facebook wasn’t a stroke of marketing genius. In fact, Zuckerberg suffers from red-green colour blindness, which means that he sees the colour blue the best!
5. He Really Loves His In-Laws
Having started dating in 2003 while both at Harvard, Zuckerberg decided to learn Mandarin so he could communicate better with his then girlfriend (now wife!) Priscilla Chan’s family members. Awwww!
6. He Can’t Be Blocked
Go on, try it! Mark Zuckerberg cannot be blocked on Facebook.
7. He Is Fit
Zuckerberg set a target to run 365 miles in a year. He reached his goal midway through the summer. Not only does this scream fitness fanatic but also shows a lot about his determination and mental attitude.
8. He Is Known To Be Frugal
Despite becoming the world’s youngest billionaire at 23, Zuckerberg has a reasonably inexpensive taste. He has found all his apartments on Craigslist (the American equivalent of Gumtree) and drives around in a Volkswagen Golf. That being said, he did spend over £30 million buying his neighbours properties to maintain his privacy.
9. He Has A Famous Dog
Zuckerberg has a pet dog called Beast. Beast is a Hungarian Sheepdog (also known as a Puli) with a Facebook page liked by over 2 million people and looks like a mop! Beast has been on a trip to try and herd sheep just as he was bred to do…outcome unknown.
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