Craig Newmark

Craig Alexander Newmark, born December 6, 1952, is an American internet entrepreneur and philanthropist best known as the founder of Craigslist, the classified advertising platform that reshaped how people buy, sell, and connect online. Before launching Craigslist, Newmark spent nearly two decades as a systems engineer and programmer, working at IBM, Bank of America, and Charles Schwab, where he developed the technical skills that would later power his entrepreneurial vision.

In 1995, while employed at Charles Schwab, Newmark created Craigslist as a simple email list for San Francisco events—a modest project born from his desire to foster community. The service quickly evolved into a full-fledged website, and by 2000 he had handed day-to-day management to Jim Buckmaster to focus on broader philanthropic goals. Under Newmark's early stewardship, Craigslist maintained a famously lean operation and built a reputation for putting user trust above revenue.

Beyond Craigslist, Newmark has directed his energy toward philanthropy. He founded Craig Newmark Philanthropies in 2015, which supports journalism, cybersecurity, and voter protection efforts. He has stated his intention to give away the majority of his wealth, including a pledge to donate up to $1 billion. Newmark remains an outspoken advocate for ethical technology, customer service, and the public interest in the digital age.