Harper Reed is a hacker/engineer/entrepreneur who builds paradigm-shifting technology and leads others to do the same. Known as a “digital wizard” and “tech pioneer,” Reed has spent the past fifteen years at the frontier of his industry, exploring the ways in which the Internet can transform business, politics, and society.

Reed is currently a Senior Director of Software Development and an Entrepreneur in Residence at PayPal, joining the company after it acquired his startup Modest, Inc. in 2015.

Prior to launching Modest, Reed served as CTO for President Barack Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign, assembling a team of Silicon Valley techies who revolutionized the way data was used in politics. He also served as CTO for the ecommerce retailer Threadless.com from 2004-2009, helping guide its expansion from a 12-person startup, to a multi-million dollar enterprise.

Reed is well known throughout the tech world, where he is regarded as both brilliant and engaging – a philosophy major, ex-professional juggler, and avid photographer – who is not afraid to challenge the status quo. He is an advisor to companies of all sizes and on the boards of Keeper, a leading password manager, the Royal United Services Institute, and his alma mater Cornell College. He was named Moxie’s CTO of the Year Award in 2013 and is a member of Crain’s Top 40 Under 40 list.