Discover David Cheriton net worth, the tech savant and Stanford professor whose financial acumen has positioned him among Silicon Valley’s elite. This piece unveils the sources and scale of his wealth, from groundbreaking investments to his pivotal role in technology advancements.
Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | David Ross Cheriton |
| Popular Name | David Cheriton |
| Gender | Male |
| Birth Date | March 29, 1951 |
| Age | 73 |
| Parents | N/A |
| Siblings | N/A |
| Birthplace | Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Ethnicity | N/A |
| Education | B.S., University of British Columbia (1973) M.S., University of Waterloo (1974) Ph.D., University of Waterloo (1978) |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
| Wife/Spouse | Iris Fraser (1980-1994) |
| Children | 4 |
| Dating | Partner: Fusun Ertemalp |
| Net Worth | estimated $15.2 billion |
| Source of Wealth | Investments in tech companies |
| Height | N/A |
What is the Net Worth of David Cheriton in 2024?
As of June 23, 2024, David Cheriton‘s net worth is estimated at $15.2 billion. This impressive figure places him among the top wealthy tech personalities globally.
To put this in perspective, Jim Pattison has an estimated net worth of $9 billion, Charles Koch estimates at $59.5 billion, and Colin Huang boasts an estimated $52.3 billion.
Cheriton’s wealth, derived mainly from strategic early investments in tech giants like Google, illustrates his keen insight into the tech industry. This comparison highlights his significant financial standing, particularly within the tech sector, making him one of the most notable figures in this field.
David Cheriton Finance Overview
Early Life and Education
David Cheriton was born on March 29, 1951, in Vancouver, British Columbia. He initially enrolled at the University of Alberta to study music but switched to mathematics after being rejected by the music department.
He later earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of British Columbia in 1973 and went on to obtain a Master of Science and Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Waterloo in 1974 and 1978, respectively.
Early Career and Initial Ventures
Cheriton began his academic career as an assistant professor at the University of British Columbia. He later joined Stanford University, where he became a professor and led the Distributed Systems Group. His early work involved developing microkernel operating systems, including Thoth, Verex, and the V operating system.
Investment in Google
One of Cheriton’s most notable financial moves was his early investment in Google.
In 1998, he, along with Andy Bechtolsheim, invested $100,000 each in the fledgling company. This investment turned out to be immensely profitable, significantly boosting his net worth. This move showcases Cheriton’s ability to identify and capitalize on lucrative opportunities in the tech industry.
Co-founding Granite Systems
In 1995, Cheriton co-founded Granite Systems with Andy Bechtolsheim. The company focused on developing gigabit Ethernet products and was acquired by Cisco Systems in 1996 for $220 million. This acquisition provided Cheriton with substantial financial returns, further enhancing his wealth.
Co-founding Kealia
In 2001, Cheriton and Bechtolsheim teamed up again to co-found Kealia, a company specializing in streaming video servers. Sun Microsystems acquired Kealia in 2004, adding another successful exit to Cheriton’s portfolio. This venture exemplified his continuous innovation and strategic business acumen.
Co-founding Arista Networks
Cheriton co-founded Arista Networks in 2004, focusing on network technology. The company went public in 2014, and its market cap has since grown to around $30 billion. Cheriton’s involvement in Arista Networks, from its inception to its IPO, demonstrates his ability to guide companies from startup to public success.
Other Notable Investments
Beyond these ventures, Cheriton was an early investor in VMware, which was acquired by EMC for $625 million in 2004.
He also invested in Aster Data Systems, acquired for $263 million in 2011. These investments highlight his knack for identifying and supporting high-potential tech companies.
Philanthropic Activities
Despite his wealth, Cheriton is known for his philanthropy. He donated $25 million to the University of Waterloo, leading to the renaming of its School of Computer Science to the David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science.
He also donated $7.5 million to the University of British Columbia and $12 million to Stanford University to support faculty, fellowships, and scholarships.
Current Ventures and Roles
Currently, Cheriton serves as the Chief Data Center Scientist at Juniper Networks, following the acquisition of his company Apstra in 2021. His ongoing involvement in the tech industry underscores his continuous contribution to technological advancements and innovation.
Personal Financial Philosophy and Lifestyle
Known for his frugal lifestyle, David Cheriton avoids ostentatious displays of wealth. He once mentioned that buying a Honda Odyssey was his biggest splurge. His modest lifestyle is a testament to his values and approach to wealth preservation.
FAQs about David Cheriton
Who is David Cheriton?
He is a Canadian-American computer scientist, professor, and billionaire entrepreneur known for his role in the tech industry and academia.
What companies has he invested in?
He has invested in several notable companies, including Google, VMware, and Arista Networks.
What is Cheriton’s academic background?
He earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of British Columbia and his Ph.D. in computer science from Stanford University.
What is Cheriton’s role at Stanford University?
He is a professor in the computer science department at Stanford University, where he has been teaching since the 1980s.
What major tech company did he co-found?
He co-founded Arista Networks, a leading cloud networking company, in 2004.
What are some of Cheriton’s contributions to computer science?
He has contributed significantly to networking technology and distributed systems, including innovations in the development of TCP/IP protocols.
How did he become involved with Google?
He was an early investor in Google, providing initial funding and mentorship to its founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin.
What philanthropic activities is David Cheriton known for?
He is known for his philanthropy in education and technology research, donating millions to Stanford and other educational initiatives.
What is Cheriton’s teaching philosophy?
He emphasizes practical application of theoretical knowledge and innovation, encouraging students to develop real-world solutions.
How does he view the tech industry?
He believes in the importance of innovation and disruptive technologies to drive progress and economic growth.
What recognitions has he received?
He has received numerous awards for his contributions
Conclusion
As one of the top-earning CEOs, David Cheriton’s financial strategies are as intriguing as they are effective. We invite you to comment, share, and engage more deeply with this topic at World of CEOs.
For further reading on influential CEOs and their success stories, visit our website at WorldofCEOs.com. Thank you for reading.
