Jared Isaacman

Jared Isaacman is a visionary entrepreneur, successful business leader, and accomplished pilot and astronaut. With a remarkable blend of business acumen and a passion for exceeding expectations, Isaacman has made significant contributions to the financial technology, defense, and aerospace industries. As the founder of both Shift4 (NYSE: FOUR) and Draken International, he has spearheaded numerous advancements in commerce technology and national defense strategies. Isaacman founded Shift4 in 1999 at sixteen years old in the basement of his parents’ home. Under his leadership, Shift4 has consistently pushed boundaries, developing cutting-edge payment technologies and solutions that empower businesses across various sectors. In 2022, Shift4 employed over 2,500 people and processed over $200 billion in payments for more than 200,000 customers across the U.S. and Europe. In 2020, Shift4 went public on the New York Stock Exchange. In 2021, Isaacman was named EY Entrepreneur of the Year in recognition of his leadership at Shift4 and demonstrated long- term value through entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, and growth. In addition to running Shift4, Isaacman co-founded Draken International in 2012, a provider of tactical aviation services for all branches of the U.S. Military, Department of Defense, and global allied militaries. With a fleet of 150 tactical fighter aircraft, Draken owned and operated the world’s largest commercial fleet of ex-military aircraft to support military training objectives around the globe. Isaacman sold the company in 2019 to Blackstone. Isaacman’s ambitions have always extended far beyond the corporate realm. He is an accomplished pilot with over 7,500 hours in aircraft ranging from commercial to fighter jets. In 2021, he made history by commanding Inspiration4, the world’s first all-civilian mission to orbit. The SpaceX mission was named Inspiration4 to reflect the crew’s goal to inspire support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® and send a humanitarian message of possibility. Inspiration4 represented a new era for human spaceflight and raised over $250 million for St. Jude. Isaacman also holds several world records, including one for a Speed-Around-The-World flight. He used that endeavor to raise money and awareness for the Make-a-Wish Foundation®. He has also flown in over 100 airshows as part of the Black Diamond Jet Team, dedicating every performance to a charitable cause. A passionate supporter of children’s health and science education initiatives, Isaacman also worked to raise awareness for such organizations, including The U.S. Space & Rocket Center’s Space Camp and the DaVinci Science Center. Jared Isaacman’s remarkable journey as an entrepreneur, CEO, and astronaut showcases his relentless pursuit of excellence and his unwavering belief in the power of innovation. Through his leadership at Shift4 and his groundbreaking exploits in aviation and space, Isaacman seeks to inspire individuals worldwide to dream big and reach for the stars. Isaacman resides in Pennsylvania with his wife, Monica, and their two children.