Bob Lee, the former CTO of Square and founder of Cash App, was fatally stabbed in San Francisco on April 5, 2023. The San Francisco Police Department received a report of a stabbing on Main Street at 2:35 a.m. and found a 43-year-old man suffering from stab wounds. Despite being transported to a hospital, the victim, later identified as Bob Lee, died from his injuries. MobileCoin, Lee's employer at the time, confirmed his death in a statement. Lee was remembered by many in the tech industry and beyond as a brilliant and innovative leader. MobileCoin CEO Joshua Goldbard praised Lee's impact and business acumen, stating that Lee was "made for the world that is being born right now, he was a child of dreams, and whatever he imagined, no matter how crazy, he made real." An outpouring of grief and shock was observed on social media, with many referring to Lee as a beloved friend and colleague.
San Francisco Mayor London Breed responded to Lee's death, calling it a "horrible tragedy." Police are still investigating Lee's death and have not made any arrests. San Francisco has experienced an increase in the reported cases of crime, with a 20% rise in homicides this year. The cause of Lee's death has not been disclosed.
Lee was known for his contributions to Android at Google as well as creating the first-ever CTO of Square. Prior to joining MobileCoin, he was at Google, where he helped lead the team that launched Android. Lee was an early-stage investor and advisor at MobileCoin and later became the company's Chief Product Officer. Lee was actively involved in the tech industry, serving as an investor in tech firms such as SpaceX, Clubhouse, and as a participant in a project for the World Health Organization Covid-19 App.
Bob Lee's death is a tragic loss for both his family and the tech industry, and many who knew him have expressed their sorrow and condolences.
