New Delhi: As Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg hit the big 4-0 on May 14, he took to social media to share a series of nostalgic photographs that not only celebrated his birthday but also highlighted key moments from his journey as a tech entrepreneur. Among the shared images was a remarkable one featuring Zuckerberg alongside Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates in a recreated Harvard dorm room, symbolizing the birthplace of Facebook. This particular photo, showcasing two of the world’s wealthiest individuals with a combined net worth of approximately $297.4 billion, resonated with the monumental impact both have had on the tech industry.
Zuckerberg, currently ranked 4th on Forbes’ Real-Time Billionaires List with a net worth of $167.1 billion, and Gates, standing at 9th with $130.3 billion, were pictured in the modest dorm setting where the social media platform was conceived. The image was captioned by Zuckerberg, “Harvard dorm where I launched Facebook (with special guest Bill Gates).”
Reflecting on his departure from Harvard after founding Facebook in 2004, Zuckerberg’s birthday post included a variety of personal snapshots: from his first apartment, marked by its minimalistic setup with just a mattress on the floor, to his childhood computer where he first explored coding. He also shared a glimpse into his “office lockdown,” a space reminiscent of the intense early days of Facebook where he and his team worked tirelessly to outpace competitors.
In a striking departure from his signature grey t-shirt and blue jeans, Zuckerberg was seen donning a black t-shirt, jeans, and a gold chain, indicating a shift in his personal style. Another image brought to life “Pinocchio’s Pizzeria,” a favorite college spot of Zuckerberg’s, recreated for the occasion.
Adding to the celebratory spirit, Priscilla Chan, Zuckerberg’s wife, also participated in the trip down memory lane by sharing her own collection of photos. In her heartfelt message, she expressed her admiration for Zuckerberg’s belief in people’s potential and looked forward to the adventures that lie ahead. “Mark doesn’t usually let me go big for his birthday, but for his 40th, I was allowed to throw a bash as long as our friends and family also roasted him. We all had a blast!” Chan wrote, reflecting on the joyous occasion and the 21 birthdays they have shared together.
The birthday celebration was a testament to Zuckerberg’s journey from a Harvard dropout to a leading figure in the tech world, marking the occasion with a blend of reflection, gratitude, and anticipation for the future.
