Hadi Partovi is an Iranian-American entrepreneur, investor, and advocate for computer science education. He is best known as the co-founder and CEO of Code.org, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to computer science in schools. Partovi has also been an active angel investor, with early stakes in companies including Facebook, Dropbox, Airbnb, and OpenAI.
Born in Tehran, Iran, Partovi immigrated to the United States with his family as a child. He attended Harvard University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in computer science. After graduation, he worked at Microsoft, where he contributed to the development of Internet Explorer and MSN. He later held roles at several startups, including Tellme Networks and iLike, before turning his focus to education and investing.
Code.org and Computer Science Education
In 2013, Partovi and his twin brother, Ali Partovi, launched Code.org. The organization's flagship initiative, the Hour of Code, has reached tens of millions of students worldwide, introducing them to basic programming concepts through one-hour tutorials. Code.org has also worked with school districts across the United States to integrate computer science into K-12 curricula, and it has advocated for policy changes that make computer science a graduation requirement in many states.
Under Partovi's leadership, Code.org has partnered with major technology companies, including Amazon Web Services, Apple, and Microsoft, to fund teacher training and curriculum development. The organization reports that over 100 million students have participated in its programs as of 2024.
Early Investments in AI
Partovi was an early investor in OpenAI, the research organization behind generative AI models such as GPT-4. He also invested in Anthropic, another leading AI safety and research company. His investment portfolio includes a range of AI-focused startups, reflecting his belief that artificial intelligence will transform industries and education.
In interviews, Partovi has emphasized the importance of preparing students for an AI-driven economy. He has argued that understanding the basics of machine learning and data science is as essential as reading and writing for future generations. This perspective has shaped Code.org's curriculum, which now includes lessons on AI ethics and the societal impacts of automation.
Advocacy and Public Speaking
Partovi is a frequent speaker at education and technology conferences, where he advocates for equitable access to computer science. He has testified before U.S. Congress on the need for federal funding for computer science education. He also serves on the board of several nonprofit organizations, including the College Board, which administers the Advanced Placement (AP) program.
His advocacy has been credited with influencing the growth of AP Computer Science Principles, a course that has seen significant enrollment increases since its introduction in 2016. Partovi has also supported initiatives to diversify the tech workforce, particularly by encouraging participation from women and underrepresented minorities.
Recognition and Awards
Partovi has received numerous honors for his work. In 2014, he was named one of Fortune's 50 World's Greatest Leaders. He has also been recognized by Forbes and Fast Company for his contributions to education and entrepreneurship. In 2018, he received the Champion of Change award from the White House for his efforts in STEM education.
Personal Life and Legacy
Partovi lives in Seattle, Washington, with his family. He remains active as an investor and advisor, particularly in the AI sector. His twin brother, Ali Partovi, is also a prominent tech investor and co-founder of Code.org.
Partovi's legacy is closely tied to the growth of computer science education. By making coding accessible to millions of students, he has helped shape a generation of problem-solvers. As AI continues to evolve, his work at Code.org and his investments in AI research position him as a key figure in the intersection of technology and learning.
See Also
- Code.org
- Computer science education
- AI ethics
References
- Code.org official website and annual reports.
- Fortune, "50 World's Greatest Leaders," 2014.
- White House, "Champion of Change" announcement, 2018.
- Public interviews and congressional testimony by Hadi Partovi.