SAN FRANCISCO —
Bob Lee, the creator of Cash App and current chief product officer of MobileCoin. Bob Lee was fatally stabbed in San Francisco early Tuesday, according to both the cryptocurrency platform and local police.
The San Francisco Police Department responded to a report of a stabbing on Main Street at 2:35 a.m. Tuesday, finding a 43-year-old man with apparent stab wounds. The victim was taken to a hospital but later died.
Though police did not identify the victim, MobileCoin confirmed Lee’s death in response to an email from The Associated Press on Wednesday. MobileCoin CEO Josh Goldbard issued a statement expressing condolences, stating, “Our dear friend and colleague, Bob Lee passed away yesterday at the age of 43, survived by a loving family and collection of close friends and collaborators.”
The motive behind Bob Lee’s fatal stabbing is still unknown, and an investigation is currently ongoing. Lee’s death has shocked the technology industry, with many expressing their condolences on social media.
Bob Lee was a respected figure in the technology industry, having founded the mobile payments app Cash App, which allows users to send and receive money. He also served as the chief product officer of MobileCoin, a privacy-focused cryptocurrency platform.
Bob Lee’s contributions to the technology industry will not be forgotten, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of innovators. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
According to MobileCoin CEO Josh Goldbard, Bob Lee initially joined the company as an early stage investor and advisor, before taking on the role of chief product officer and helping to launch the Moby app. Lee’s previous experience as the chief technology officer at Square in 2013 was instrumental in the development of Cash App, which is now a popular money transfer application.
Prominent venture capitalist Ron Conway, founder of San Francisco-based investment firm SV Angel, expressed his condolences on Twitter, describing Lee’s death as an immense tragedy. Conway recalled Lee’s inspiring talk at their CEO Summit and remembered him as a great innovator with a brilliant mind and spirit. He also hoped that the perpetrator would be swiftly apprehended.
The police have not released any further information on the circumstances surrounding Lee’s stabbing, stating that the investigation is still ongoing. Officer Niccole Pacchetti, a public information officer, confirmed that additional details will be provided as they become available.
Bob Lee’s death has highlighted the issue of violence in San Francisco, which has been grappling with an increase in crime in recent years. According to statistics from the San Francisco Police Department, there were 47 homicides in the city in 2021, up from 41 in 2020.
Bob Lee’s contributions to the technology industry and his tragic death have also sparked a conversation about the need for greater safety measures in the tech community, particularly in areas where employees frequently work late hours. Several tech companies have since announced plans to increase security measures and provide additional support for employees who may feel unsafe.
As the investigation into Lee’s death continues, the tech community mourns the loss of a brilliant mind and visionary leader. His legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of innovators, and his presence will be greatly missed.