Tony Xu: From Dishwasher to DoorDash Billionaire and Beyond

The American dream takes many forms, but few embody it as powerfully as the story of Tony Xu, the co-founder and CEO of DoorDash. Born in Nanjing, China, and raised in the United States, Xu went from washing dishes in his mother’s restaurant to building one of the world’s most successful food delivery companies. His journey is a testament to perseverance, immigrant grit, and the courage to innovate in the face of uncertainty.

Today, DoorDash is a multibillion-dollar business and the market leader in U.S. food delivery. But Xu’s rise was not simply about profits and growth — it was about empowering local businesses, staying true to values, and reshaping how America dines. His story offers powerful lessons for entrepreneurs everywhere.

Humble Beginnings: A Childhood Shaped by Sacrifice

Tony Xu’s journey begins with his family’s immigration to the U.S. when he was five years old. His mother, a small restaurant owner, worked long hours to keep her business afloat. Xu often joined her in the kitchen, scrubbing dishes late into the night. These experiences exposed him to the challenges small business owners face every day — long hours, thin margins, and the constant pressure to survive.

Xu has reflected on how growing up in Interview that environment shaped him. He noted that sometimes when you don’t see many opportunities, it can feel discouraging. But it can also teach independence and resilience. Left to entertain himself, young Tony learned English by playing basketball at the local park and watching television shows. In fact, he even named himself after actor Tony Danza from Who’s the Boss?

Those years instilled in Xu a belief that hard work and creativity were the keys to progress. More importantly, they gave him a mission that would later define DoorDash: helping local businesses succeed in a changing economy.

Stanford to Startup: Turning a Class Project into a Revolution

Xu attended Stanford University , where the seeds of his entrepreneurial journey took root. Alongside fellow students, he developed a simple but powerful idea: create a delivery platform that would connect local restaurants to customers. At the time, many mom-and-pop eateries lacked the resources to offer delivery, putting them at a disadvantage in a convenience-driven world.

This classroom project became DoorDash, founded in 2013. Xu and his co-founders started small, personally delivering food orders in Palo Alto. But they quickly saw the potential of scaling the service. Their vision wasn’t just to move food from point A to point B — it was to build a logistics platform that empowered local businesses while providing customers with choice and convenience.

By combining technology with a deep understanding of restaurant challenges, DoorDash began to stand out. It focused on the suburbs, an area competitors had largely ignored, and built a reputation for reliability.

Weathering Challenges and Building Market Leadership

The road wasn’t easy. DoorDash faced intense competition from giants like Uber Eats, Postmates, and Grubhub. Yet Xu’s leadership helped the company carve out its own identity. While rivals chased big cities, DoorDash expanded into smaller communities where demand was strong but options were limited.

This strategy paid off. By 2019, DoorDash had overtaken Grubhub as the largest U.S. food delivery service by market share. Today, it controls more than 60% of the market in many regions.

The defining moment came in December 2020 when DoorDash went public. Its IPO was one of the biggest of the year, valuing the company at over $60 billion at one point. For Xu, the milestone was not just financial — it was validation of years of persistence and a commitment to supporting local businesses.

Leading with Values: The Pandemic Test

Leadership is often defined during crises, and for Tony Xu, that test came during the COVID-19 pandemic . As lockdowns shuttered dining rooms, restaurants across the U.S. faced existential threats. For many, delivery was the only lifeline.

Xu made a bold proposal: cut DoorDash’s commissions to help struggling restaurants. Chief Business Officer Keith Yandell worried this could jeopardize profits, especially with the IPO looming. But Xu stood firm, arguing that if DoorDash failed to support its partners now, its mission would be meaningless.

The decision not only helped thousands of restaurants survive but also strengthened DoorDash’s reputation as a trusted partner. It was a gamble that reflected Xu’s long-term vision — that doing right by small businesses would ultimately benefit everyone.

Beyond DoorDash: Expanding Influence

At just 37, Tony Xu’s impact extends beyond DoorDash. He is a board member of Meta, the parent company of Facebook, where his insights into consumer behavior and platform growth add valuable perspective.

Xu has also been recognized by Fortune’s 40 Under 40, highlighting him as one of the most influential young leaders in business. His interests go beyond technology and food delivery — he is an avid sports fan, which led to DoorDash becoming the NBA’s first official food delivery partner. This partnership positioned the company not just as a service, but as a cultural brand integrated into American life.

Lessons from Tony Xu for Entrepreneurs

Tony Xu’s journey offers lessons that resonate with entrepreneurs, leaders, and dreamers alike:

1. Embrace Your Roots

Xu’s early experiences washing dishes shaped his empathy for small business owners. He turned personal hardship into professional purpose.

2. Think Long-Term, Even in Crisis

His pandemic decision to cut commissions showed that values-driven leadership can coexist with business growth.

3. Adapt and Differentiate

Instead of fighting competitors in crowded city markets, DoorDash focused on suburban expansion, proving the power of strategic differentiation.

4. Stay Mission-Driven

DoorDash’s mission of empowering local businesses remains central, guiding decisions big and small.

5. Give Back as You Grow

As an angel investor, Xu now supports other entrepreneurs, continuing the cycle of innovation and opportunity.

Tony Xu as an Inspiration for the Startup World

Investors and entrepreneurs alike view Xu as a case study in perseverance. As one angel investor put it, few startup stories inspire as much as Tony Xu’s. His determination, strategic vision, and ability to pivot in tough times set him apart.

His story is especially meaningful for immigrant founders, many of whom face barriers of language, resources, and networks. Xu’s rise proves that those challenges, while real, can also fuel resilience and creativity.

Conclusion

From dishwasher to billionaire, Tony Xu has lived a story that inspires millions. But more than his personal wealth or success, it’s the mission behind his journey that stands out. DoorDash was built not just to deliver food, but to help local businesses thrive in a fast-changing economy.

Today, as CEO of DoorDash, board member at Meta, and a respected investor, Xu continues to influence industries far beyond food delivery. His journey reminds us that true leadership isn’t about short-term wins — it’s about building solutions that last, values that endure, and communities that prosper.

Tony Xu’s story isn’t just about chasing the American dream. It’s about redefining it for the next generation of entrepreneurs.

FAQs

Q1. Who is Tony Xu?

Tony Xu is the co-founder and CEO of DoorDash, the largest food delivery company in the U.S. He immigrated from China as a child and worked in his mother’s restaurant before becoming an entrepreneur.

Q2. How did Tony Xu get the idea for DoorDash?

The idea originated from a Stanford class project, where Xu and his team wanted to create a platform to help small restaurants offer delivery services.

Q3. What is Tony Xu’s leadership style?

Xu leads with empathy and long-term vision. His decision to cut commissions during the pandemic showed his focus on values and mission-driven leadership.

Q4. What other roles does Tony Xu hold?

Besides running DoorDash, Xu serves on the board of directors at Meta and supports startups as an angel investor.

Q5. How did Tony Xu learn English?

He learned English by playing basketball with other kids and watching television. He even named himself after Tony Danza from the sitcom Who’s the Boss?

Q6. What recognition has Tony 

Xu received?

He was named to Fortune’s 40 Under 40 list and is considered one of the most influential young leaders in business.