Stephen Pair

Stephen Pair is the co-founder and CEO of BitPay, which is known as the world's largest processor of cryptocurrency payments. Pair established BitPay in 2011 after recognizing Bitcoin's potential to change payment methods for businesses and consumers. He has a bachelor's degree in computer science from the Georgia Institute of Technology and more than 20 years of experience in financial and telecommunications industries as an entrepreneur, manager, architect, team lead, and developer. He started programming at a young age and focused on programming languages, compilers, operating systems, and virtual machines. During the 1990s, he became interested in the mechanics of financial markets, economics, and monetary systems, as well as the evolution of these systems as the global internet progressed. His fascination with cryptography, as well as his experience in building software systems, led him to co-found BitPay with his business partner Tony Gallippi.

Stephen Pair is the co-founder and CEO of BitPay, the world's largest processor of cryptocurrency payments. In 2011, Stephen co-founded BitPay because he saw Bitcoin's potential to transform payments for businesses and consumers. As CEO, Stephen is involved in directing the day-to-day operations as well as setting the long-term vision of BitPay, from research and engineering to product development and information technology.

With over 20 years of experience building software systems in the financial and telecommunications industries, Stephen is a seasoned entrepreneur, architect, manager, team lead, and developer. He started programming at a young age on his dad’s TRS-80 Model 1 (circa 1978) and spent much of his early career focused on programming languages, compilers, operating systems, and virtual machines. During the 1990s, he developed an interest in the mechanics of financial markets, economics, and monetary systems, as well as the question of how they might evolve as the global internet developed. He closely followed developments in cryptography along with attempts at creating new electronic money and accounting systems. This background led to the formation of Bitpay.com with his business partner Tony Gallippi.

Prior to founding BitPay, Stephen held various roles in the financial and telecommunications industries, including working as an entrepreneur, architect, manager, team lead, and developer. He has a bachelor's degree in computer science from the Georgia Institute of Technology and holds two patents in the field of streaming analytics, along with several additional filings, some of which are still pending.

Stephen is a member of YPO and an Endeavor Entrepreneur. He serves on the board of BitPay, the board of TechAlpharetta, and the Georgia Tech Advisory Board. He is also an instrument-rated commercial pilot and enjoys playing golf.

Stephen is married to Lisa and has two children, Matthew and Andrew. Together they live in Milton, Georgia. With his expertise in software development and his vision for transforming the payment industry, Stephen Pair has made significant contributions to the world of cryptocurrency and continues to lead BitPay towards a brighter future.

Stephen Pair is a visionary entrepreneur with a deep understanding of the potential of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology to transform the world of payments. He co-founded BitPay in 2011 with the vision of leveraging the power of Bitcoin to enable secure, fast, and efficient payments for businesses and consumers around the world.

As the CEO of BitPay, Stephen is intimately involved in setting the long-term vision for the company, from research and engineering to product development and information technology. His deep experience in building software systems in the financial and telecommunications industries has given him a unique perspective on the opportunities and challenges that come with new technologies.