Anthony Michael Fadell, known widely for his work in technology and design, is celebrated as the "father of the iPod." Born on March 22, 1969, Fadell's innovative spirit has made a significant impact on the tech industry. His tenure at Apple Inc., starting in 2001, was marked by his role as senior vice president of the iPod division, where he oversaw hardware, software, and accessory development.
Fadell's contributions extended beyond the iPod, as he was also a co-creator of the iPhone, working on the first three generations and managing all aspects of hardware, firmware, and accessories until November 2008. In 2010, he took his expertise to new heights by co-founding Nest Labs, which launched the Nest Learning Thermostat in 2011, revolutionizing home temperature control. Nest's success caught the eye of Google, leading to a $3.2 billion acquisition in 2014.
An inventor with over 300 patents to his name, Fadell's achievements have been recognized globally, including being named one of Time's "100 Most Influential People in the World" in 2014. His creations, notably the Nest Learning Thermostat, the iPod, and the iPhone, have earned spots on Time's list of the "50 Most Influential Gadgets of All Time." Currently, Fadell is the Principal at Future Shape, a global investment and advisory firm coaching over 200 startups in foundational deep technology.