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Alex DarrowAmerican entrepreneur
Date of Birth: 04.10.1993
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Alex Darrow: A Biography
- Education and Public Speaking
- Founding 'PictureTheWorld'
- Overcoming Challenges and Achievements
- Breaking Records and Future Goals
Alex Darrow: A Biography
Early Life and EducationAlex Andrew Darrow was born on October 4, 1993, in Santa Clara, California. He grew up in Auburn, California, with his younger brother in a family of two engineer builders, Landi and Andrew. At the age of thirteen, Alex began developing innovative concepts and inventing high-tech gadgets. One of his inventions was a silicone mat that uses capacitive systems to turn a computer monitor into a touch screen. He presented this invention to venture capitalists and received invaluable advice from several experts. Alex also developed a social application for the international social network MySpace, which led him to become a potential licensee. He signed a non-disclosure agreement for his invention, which became a subject of a possible license. Additionally, Darrow had the unique opportunity to interact with the Vice President of MySpace Music and the Chief Operating Officer of MySpace.
Education and Public Speaking
Before transitioning to Placer High School, Darrow spent the 2007-2008 school year at a private Jesuit Middle School in Sacramento. He also studied at the elite Phillips Academy during the summer of 2008. Speaking about his future plans after obtaining a high school diploma, Alex stated that he would embark on a career in the business field. On March 3, 2011, at the age of seventeen, Darrow delivered a speech on social entrepreneurship and social innovation at Harvard Business School. His speech was attended by students and faculty not only from Harvard Business School but also from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
Founding 'PictureTheWorld'
Darrow officially launched his organization, 'PictureTheWorld,' in February 2010, although its website went live a few months later, in May 2010. The idea was born when Alex decided to work on a charitable project that would truly unite thousands of people into a large community ready to support a worthy cause. Darrow added, "However, I also wanted to create a project that would be fun, innovative, and a sort of embodiment of the global community. The organization should allow those who make donations to have the opportunity to become part of it. Not just donating but actually joining the movement."
Overcoming Challenges and Achievements
However, it took Darrow nearly two years to gather the necessary funds to launch 'PictureTheWorld.' He earned the startup capital by washing dishes at a pizzeria and refrained from spending money received from his parents on Christmas and birthdays. Eventually, 'PictureTheWorld' became operational, along with its website. As the founder and executive director of the non-profit company, Darrow does not receive a salary. 'PictureTheWorld' is an organization that creates the world's largest photo mosaic using photos provided by people from all over the world. This unique method allowed Darrow to attract several sponsors. All the funds raised are distributed among ten beneficiaries, including organizations such as Doctors Without Borders, 88 Bikes, the World Food Program, and the Benioff Children's Hospital.
Breaking Records and Future Goals
In order to break the record for the largest photo mosaic in the world, 'PictureTheWorld' needs at least another 112,896 photos. The current record holder is the project 'The Big Picture,' created by Helen Marshall in England in 2008. The English organization received support from the Arts Council England, West Midland, and sponsorship from the BBC Corporation.
