From Passionate Programmer to Visionary CEO

DAVID BARRETT

Founder and CEO,

Expensify

David Barrett’s journey from a small-town programmer to the CEO of a billion-dollar fintech company is nothing short of extraordinary. Born in Saginaw, Michigan, Barrett discovered his passion for coding at the age of six—a passion that would eventually lead him to revolutionize how businesses manage their expenses. With a degree in computer engineering from the University of Michigan, Barrett’s early career was marked by innovation in virtual reality and 3D graphics, setting the stage for his future success. Reflecting on his path, Barrett often shares, “The best ideas come from the most unexpected places.” This belief in serendipity and innovation would soon guide him to create one of the most influential platforms in financial technology.

Expensify: From a Simple Idea to a Billion-Dollar Revolution

In 2008, after stints in the video game industry and at the peerto-peer file-sharing company Red Swoosh, Barrett founded Expensify in San Francisco. What began as an idea for a prepaid debit card to help the homeless morphed into a revolutionary expense management platform after banks rejected the initial concept. Barrett’s pivot led to the creation of Expensify, a tool designed to simplify the complex and often tedious process of managing business expenses. Expensify’s first major breakthrough was the introduction of SmartScan, a feature that allowed users to capture and transcribe receipts easily. Barrett’s goal was clear: “We didn’t just want to make expense reports easier; we wanted to make them enjoyable.” This innovation resonated with businesses globally, propelling Expensify to over 12 million users across more than 200,000 companies. Today, Expensify is valued at approximately $3.87 billion, and Barrett remains at the helm, steering the company towards new horizons

Empowering the Future: A Legacy of Innovation and Integrity

David Barrett’s leadership goes beyond financial success; it is about using that success to make a difference in the world. Today, Expensify operates on four continents, yet Barrett remains deeply involved, ensuring that the company’s growth is aligned with its mission to solve realworld problems. “At the end of the day, it’s about solving problems that matter,” Barrett often says—a mantra that has guided his career and continues to inspire those around him. As Expensify continues to evolve, Barrett’s influence as a visionary leader will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on both the fintech industry and the broader global community.

Leading with Purpose: Blending Innovation and Social Responsibility

Barrett’s leadership is marked not only by technological innovation but also by a deep commitment to social responsibility. “Businesses have a duty to be a force for good in the world,” Barrett asserts. This philosophy led to the creation of the Expensify Card and its Karma Points program, where 10% of every transaction’s revenue is donated to causes like climate justice, food security, and housing equity. In 2020, Barrett made headlines for his bold political stance, urging Expensify’s users to vote in the U.S. Presidential election. His declaration that “In a democracy, there’s no such thing as being apolitical” underscored his belief that corporate leaders have a responsibility to influence positive change. Under Barrett’s guidance, Expensify went public in November 2021, marking another milestone in the company’s journey. The IPO not only solidified Expensify’s position in the fintech world but also demonstrated Barrett’s unwavering commitment to growth and innovation .