NetWorth
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McKelvey
Jim McKelvey
Rank #2408
UNITED STATES•Technology•Mobile payments

Jim McKelvey

Net Worth
$1.674B
-1.18% (24h)
James Morgan McKelvey Jr. is a prominent American entrepreneur, with an estimated net worth of $1.6 billion as of 2024, primarily from his involvement in mobile payments. He co-founded Block, Inc. (formerly Square, Inc.) in 2009, revolutionizing financial services for merchants. McKelvey's career includes founding multiple companies and serving on the board of directors for Block, Inc. He is also the founder of Invisibly. McKelvey has significantly contributed to the technology sector and is known for his innovation and philanthropy, including founding LaunchCode, a non-profit focused on tech education and job placement.

How to read Jim McKelvey's profile

Public net-worth figures are estimates. They combine observable inputs—typically listed equity, disclosed transactions, and market prices—with editorial judgment where filings are incomplete (for example, private holdings, debt, or cross-holdings). For Jim McKelvey, we anchor the narrative to Mobile payments and Mobile payments, then update the headline number as markets move. The chart on this page is meant to show trajectory, not a certified balance sheet.

When you see $1.674B alongside global rank #2408, interpret it as our best synthesis of widely cited ownership and price signals—not a claim about cash on hand. Estimates can diverge from other publishers because of different treatment of options, trusts, charitable vehicles, or illiquid assets. We document the general approach in methodology and welcome corrections via corrections.

Country (UNITED STATES) and career milestones on this page are curated for reader context; they should be verified against primary sources when used for research. Editorial metadata for this profile is refreshed on a rolling basis, with deeper audits at least annually (last noted cycle: 2026).

Looking for depth? When available, the dossier and timeline sections below add long-form context beyond the headline number—prioritize those modules when evaluating claims about strategy, controversies, or philanthropic commitments.

The Full Dossier

Early Life

James Morgan McKelvey Jr. was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. He attended Ladue Horton Watkins High School and later graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with bachelor's degrees in economics and computer science in 1983. During his time at Washington University, he also worked as a glassblowing instructor.

Rise to Success

McKelvey's career began with founding Mira Conference Inc. in 1989. In 2002, he founded Third Degree Glass Factory, a glass art studio and gallery in St. Louis. In 2009, he co-founded Square, Inc. (now Block, Inc.) with Jack Dorsey, which transformed mobile payments. Square's card reader design was recognized by the Museum of Modern Art in 2011. McKelvey served as chairman of Square until 2010 and remains on Block's board.

Key Business Strategies

McKelvey has demonstrated a knack for solving problems, as seen with Square's creation. His willingness to embrace new technologies and build stable organizational structures highlights his strategic approach. In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors, he founded LaunchCode, a non-profit focused on tech education.

Philanthropy

In 2016, McKelvey donated $15 million to Washington University's School of Engineering and Applied Science for a new computer science and engineering building. He and his wife Anna signed The Giving Pledge. Their philanthropic endeavors are managed through The Alpha Epsilon Fund.

Career Timeline

2019

Washington University's engineering school renamed the McKelvey School of Engineering.

Renamed in honor of his father's accomplishments.

2017

Appointed as an Independent Director of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

Appointed as an independent director.

2016

Founded Invisibly

Founded Invisibly, a company seeking to allow consumers to profit from their online data.

2013

Co-founded LaunchCode

Co-founded LaunchCode, a non-profit organization focused on talent growth and job training in technology.

2010

Stepped Down as Chairman of Square, Inc.

Served as chairman until 2010 and currently sits on the Board of Directors at Block, Inc.

2009

Co-founded Square, Inc. (now Block, Inc.)

Co-founded the mobile payment company.

2002

Founded Third Degree Glass Factory

Founded a glass art studio and gallery in St. Louis.

1989

Co-founded Mira Conference Inc.

Founded Mira, a commercial document imaging system

Philanthropic Impact

Education$15M

Washington University School of Engineering

Donated for a new computer science and engineering building.

EducationN/A

LaunchCode

Co-founded LaunchCode, a non-profit focused on tech education and job placement.

Key Business Ventures & Holdings

CompanyStakeValue
Block, Inc.5.00%$1.79M

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life

James Morgan McKelvey Jr. was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. He attended Ladue Horton Watkins High School and later graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with bachelor's degrees in economics and computer science in 1983. During his time at Washington University, he also worked as a glassblowing instructor.

Rise to Success

McKelvey's career began with founding Mira Conference Inc. in 1989. In 2002, he founded Third Degree Glass Factory, a glass art studio and gallery in St. Louis. In 2009, he co-founded Square, Inc. (now Block, Inc.) with Jack Dorsey, which transformed mobile payments. Square's card reader design was recognized by the Museum of Modern Art in 2011. McKelvey served as chairman of Square until 2010 and remains on Block's board.

Key Business Strategies

McKelvey has demonstrated a knack for solving problems, as seen with Square's creation. His willingness to embrace new technologies and build stable organizational structures highlights his strategic approach. In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors, he founded LaunchCode, a non-profit focused on tech education.

Philanthropy

In 2016, McKelvey donated $15 million to Washington University's School of Engineering and Applied Science for a new computer science and engineering building. He and his wife Anna signed The Giving Pledge. Their philanthropic endeavors are managed through The Alpha Epsilon Fund.

Data Sources & Methodology

Figures for Jim McKelvey are synthesized from the sources below and cross-checked against our net worth methodology. Estimates may lag market moves; see corrections to report discrepancies.

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