David Baszucki

Full Name, Age & Place of Birth

David Brent Baszucki, commonly known as the mastermind behind Roblox, was born on January 20, 1963, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. As of June 2025, he is 62 years old. 

Family Heritage and Early Years

David was raised in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, after his Canadian parents—of Ukrainian descent—relocated when he was a child . Fascinated by dirt bikes, go‑karts, and science fiction, he was captain of his high school quiz team at Eden Prairie High School . His early exposure to engineering and creative problem-solving set the stage for his future ventures.

Education & Formative Projects

David earned a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University in 1985, crowned as a prestigious General Motors Scholar . During college, he interned at General Motors, working on software to control car engines. Later, in 2003, he even hosted a libertarian talk radio show in Santa Cruz before fully committing to his entrepreneurial path 

First Startup: Knowledge Revolution

In 1989, David and his brother Greg founded Knowledge Revolution, releasing Interactive Physics, a 2D physics simulation tool for education. They later launched Working Model, a mechanical design simulator. In December 1998, MSC Software acquired the company for about $20 million. David served as MSC’s VP and GM from 2000–2002 before founding an angel investment firm, Baszucki & Associates, supporting ventures like Friendster .

The Birth of Roblox

In December 2003, David partnered with Erik Cassel to create a prototype called DynaBlocks, later renamed Roblox in early 2004. The company formally launched to public in September 2006, offering an innovative platform where users design, script, and play games using Roblox Studio 

Leading a Tech-Media Powerhouse

Under David’s leadership, Roblox evolved into a $41 billion value platform with over 85 million daily active users, nearly half under age 13 . He maintains about 13% ownership, worth hundreds of millions, and has pledged future compensation to charitable efforts . A 2021 Bloomberg report noted he was among the highest-paid CEOs, earning over $230 million 

Safety, Community & Advocacy

David actively champions user safety. In early 2025, he advised parents to limit Roblox access if they’re uneasy, highlighting automated moderation, content filters, and cooperation with law enforcement . Roblox operates over 200 AI systems to monitor behavior across its ever-growing metaverse .

Philanthropy & Personal Life

In March 2021, David and his wife, author Jan Ellison, launched the Baszucki Group and the Baszucki Brain Research Fund, focusing on bipolar disorder and lymphoma therapies. Notably, they donated $150 million in 2022, in partnership with Sergey Brin, to support mental health research . He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife and their four children .

Impact and Legacy

David Baszucki stands out as a visionary who combined engineering brilliance with community-centered innovation. From immersive physics sims to empowering millions to build their own worlds, his journey has shaped how we learn, play, and connect online. His balanced focus on creativity, safety, and generosity leaves a legacy well beyond his CEO title.