High School Dropout Turned Billionaire Completes First Civilian Spacewalk

Jared Isaacman, a billionaire and CEO of Shift4 Payments, has made headlines as a civilian astronaut, recently completing the first all-civilian spacewalk. His journey began as a teenage entrepreneur when he dropped out of high school to start a payment processing company in his parents' basement, using a $10,000 investment from his grandfather. Shift4 Payments went public in 2020 and is now valued at approximately $7.4 billion. Isaacman, who has a net worth of $1.9 billion, is also an accomplished pilot, having set a world record for the fastest around-the-world flight in a light jet. His passion for aviation led him to explore opportunities in the private space industry, culminating in his command of the first all-civilian mission to orbit in 2021. Isaacman has expressed a desire to make space accessible to everyone, reflecting on his early ambitions to venture into space. His entrepreneurial journey, marked by early burnout and a commitment to innovation, showcases his evolution from a basement startup to a significant player in both the payment processing and aerospace industries.

- Jared Isaacman is the CEO of Shift4 Payments, valued at $7.4 billion.

- He completed the first all-civilian spacewalk and previously commanded a civilian mission to orbit.

- Isaacman started his business in his parents' basement with a $10,000 investment.

- He is an accomplished pilot and set a world record for a fast around-the-world flight.

- Isaacman aims to make space travel accessible to the general public.