Michael J. Saylor
Michael J. Saylor
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Michael J. Saylor is an American entrepreneur, executive, and author. He is best known as the co-founder and former CEO of MicroStrategy, a business intelligence and software company. Saylor is a vocal proponent of Bitcoin, and MicroStrategy has become a major corporate holder of the cryptocurrency under his leadership. His journey encompasses a diverse range of experiences, from military aspirations to software innovation and a strong belief in the transformative power of digital assets.
Main Milestones
Birth in Beirut, Lebanon
February 4, 1965
Michael J. Saylor was born in Beirut, Lebanon, to a father who was an Air Force Sergeant, and spent much of his childhood moving between Air Force bases around the world. This nomadic upbringing likely instilled in him a sense of adaptability and a global perspective, traits that would later prove useful in his entrepreneurial ventures.
Graduation from MIT with Double Majors
1987
Saylor demonstrated exceptional academic prowess at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), earning dual degrees in Aeronautics and Astronautics, as well as Science, Technology, and Society. Initially, he had aspirations of becoming a pilot in the Air Force, but his colorblindness prevented him from pursuing that path. This setback led him to explore other avenues, ultimately shaping his career in technology.
Co-founding MicroStrategy
1989
Together with Sanju Bansal, Saylor co-founded MicroStrategy, a company specializing in business intelligence, mobile software, and cloud-based services. Initially, the company focused on data mining software. This marked the beginning of Saylor's long and influential career in the tech industry, building a company that would eventually become a significant player in the software space.
Dot-com Boom and Bust
Late 1990s - Early 2000s
MicroStrategy experienced significant growth during the dot-com boom, but faced a major setback in 2000 when the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) accused the company of accounting irregularities, leading to a restatement of earnings and a significant drop in stock price. This period was a trial by fire for Saylor, forcing him to navigate a crisis and rebuild trust in the company.
Authoring 'The Mobile Wave'
2012
Saylor published his book, 'The Mobile Wave: How Mobile Intelligence Will Change Everything.' The book predicted the transformative impact of mobile technology on business, society, and the world at large. It showcased Saylor's foresight and understanding of technological trends, further solidifying his reputation as a thought leader in the industry. He emphasized how mobile would disrupt established industries and create new opportunities, which proved prescient.
MicroStrategy's Initial Bitcoin Investment
August 2020
MicroStrategy, under Saylor's direction, made its first significant investment in Bitcoin, allocating $250 million of its treasury reserves to the cryptocurrency. This bold move positioned MicroStrategy as one of the first publicly traded companies to adopt Bitcoin as a primary treasury reserve asset. The decision sparked debate but also attracted attention to Bitcoin as a potential hedge against inflation and a store of value.
Aggressive Bitcoin Accumulation
2020-2022
Following the initial investment, MicroStrategy continued to aggressively accumulate Bitcoin, often issuing debt to finance further purchases. Saylor became an outspoken advocate for Bitcoin, arguing for its long-term value proposition and promoting its adoption by other corporations and individuals. This unwavering commitment cemented his status as a prominent figure in the Bitcoin community.
Stepping Down as CEO of MicroStrategy
August 2022
Michael Saylor relinquished his role as CEO of MicroStrategy, transitioning to the position of Executive Chairman. Phong Le, previously the president of the company, assumed the CEO role. This change allowed Saylor to focus more specifically on the company's Bitcoin strategy and advocacy, reflecting the increasing importance of digital assets to MicroStrategy's overall direction. He now concentrates on innovation and the long-term Bitcoin strategy.
Bitcoin Advocate and Executive Chairman
Present
As Executive Chairman, Saylor continues to be a prominent voice in the cryptocurrency space, frequently speaking at conferences, engaging in interviews, and promoting Bitcoin on social media. He remains deeply involved in MicroStrategy's Bitcoin strategy and serves as a key spokesperson for the company's position on digital assets. He is one of the most quoted public figures regarding the asset and its utility.