Entrepreneurs
Eric Schmidt Net Worth

Net Worth: | $23 Billion |
---|---|
Age: | 70 |
Born: | April 27, 1955 |
Gender: | Male |
Height: | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) |
Country of Origin: | United States of America |
Source of Wealth: | Entrepreneur |
Last Updated: | Aug 11, 2025 |
Introduction
Eric Schmidt is an American businessman and software engineer with an estimated net worth of $23 Billion.
Schmidt built the majority of his wealth from his work at Alphabet/Google, serving as the company’s CEO for ten years, an executive chairman for seven years, and technical advisor for his final two years. While he earned almost $60 million from salary and bonuses during his time with Alphabet, it was his stocks and shares that made him worth billions. He’s currently the chair of the US Department of Defense’s Defense Innovation Advisory Board.
Net Worth History
Year | Net Worth |
---|---|
2016 | $10.2 Billion |
2017 | $11.1 Billion |
2018 | $13.4 Billion |
2019 | $12.9 Billion |
2020 | $13.2 Billion |
2021 | $18.9 Billion |
2022 | $22.1 Billion |
2023 | $16.2 Billion |
2024 | $20.6 Billion |
2025 | $24 Billion |
Back in 2016, Eric Schmidt was worth an estimated $10.2 billion, primarily due to his stake in Alphabet. While he was earning at least $7 million annually at the time, this amount had a minimal impact on his overall net worth. Between 2017 and 2020, Schmidt’s wealth typically ranged between $11 billion and $13.5 billion.
Alphabet’s market cap has increased significantly in the past few years, reaching $2.1 trillion in 2025, with Schmidt still owning approximately 0.5% of the company. As a result, his net worth has grown accordingly, crossing the $20 billion milestone in 2022, and currently sits at $23 Billion in 2025.
Career Overview
Few businessmen have had a career comparable to Eric Schmidt, influencing some of the most successful corporations of the last few decades. After establishing his impressive skills as a software engineer in the 1980s, he went on to help found and develop several cutting-edge companies. His journey began in the early 1980s when he joined the IT company Byzromotti Design team, where he held various technical positions.
Sun Microsystems & Novell
Following a series of roles at Byzromotti Design, Bell Labs, and the Palo Alto Research Center, Eric Schmidt eventually moved to Sun Microsystems. After joining the company as a software manager, he advanced through the company’s ranks to become its Director of Software Engineering.
By the time he left Sun Microsystems, Schmidt had risen to the position of vice president of the software products division. This experience enabled him to transition to the Novell company as its CEO, facing a string of challenges as the company entered a period of decline. While Novell’s fortunes were on the wane, Eric Schmidt’s fortunes were to take a significant turn after he founded a new startup, Google.
Google Earnings
Year | Base Salary | Bonuses / Perks | Total |
---|---|---|---|
2001 | $250,000 | N/A | $250,000 |
2002 | $250,000 | N/A | $250,000 |
2003 | $250,000 | N/A | $250,000 |
2004 | $1 | N/A | $1 |
2005 | $1 | $250,000 | $250,001 |
2006 | $1 | $557,465 | $557,466 |
2007 | $1 | N/A | $1 |
2008 | $1 | $508,763 | $508,764 |
2009 | $1 | $243,661 | $243,662 |
2010 | $1 | $250,000 | $250,001 |
2011 | $1,250,000 | $7,000,000 | $8,250,000 |
2012 | $1,250,000 | $7,000,000 | $8,250,000 |
2013 | $1,250,000 | $6,000,000 | $7,250,000 |
2014 | $1,250,000 | $6,000,000 | $7,250,000 |
2015 | $1,250,000 | $6,000,000 | $7,250,000 |
2016 | $1,250,000 | $6,000,000 | $7,250,000 |
2017 | $1,250,000 | $6,000,000 | $7,250,000 |
2018 | $2,000,000 | N/A | $2,000,000 |
2019 | $2,000,000 | N/A | $2,000,000 |
Totals: | $13,500,000 | $45,809,889 | $59,309,889 |
Working closely with Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Eric Schmidt’s involvement with the Google startup led him to take over as the company’s CEO in 2001. Shortly after, he began guiding its development over the following years and transforming it into a global leader. At the time, Schmidt was reportedly being paid a base salary of $250,000 per year, with additional annual performance bonuses. He also received an equity percentage in the company in 2001.
After revolutionizing early search engines, the company has since led the way with artificial intelligence and other emerging digital technologies. These developments enabled Schmidt to earn an increasingly large salary and receive share options that would ultimately make him a billionaire. What’s interesting about Eric’s salary during this time was that in 2004, he dropped his annual salary to just $1. However, he still received annual bonuses, which were typically worth more than his old salary, but not always. He also received 14.3 million shares of Alphabet stock upon the launch of its IPO. Between 2004 and 2010, he stuck to this pay structure, with some of his annual bonuses including:
- 2006 – $557,465
- 2008 – $508,763
- 2009 – $243,661
In 2011, Schmidt stepped down from the CEO role and became an executive chairman, continuing to advise Google’s co-founders. His annual base salary increased to roughly $1.25 million, but the most significant difference came from his yearly bonuses and shares in Alphabet. Schmidt received an annual bonus of $6 million, increasing his yearly income to $7.25 million. He also received $100 million worth of Alphabet stock, some of which he has since sold.
For his final two years with the company as a technical advisor, Schmidt reportedly earned $2 million per year in salary, which brings his total earnings, excluding stock options, to $59.3 million.
Alphabet Share Sales
Eric Schmidt has sold a large number of Alphabet shares on two separate occasions. The first occurred in 2013, when he sold 3.2 million shares for $2.5 billion. The second was in 2019, when he sold 1.8 million shares for approximately $1.4 billion, for a combined $3.9 billion in cashouts.
According to reports, he still owns approximately 0.5% of Alphabet’s total shares, worth roughly $10.75 billion.
The Department Of Defense
With his status as one of the wealthiest individuals in the world secured through his long-standing relationship with the Google brand, Eric Schmidt explored new opportunities. His work with the Department of Defense, as chair of an advisory board, was instrumental in forging relationships between the military and the tech sector.
His relationship with military contractors was prominent in his career between 2019 and 2021, when he chaired the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence. Elon Musk’s work with the DOD and partnership with the US Space Force later echoed these collaborations with the military-industrial complex.
Recruiting Scandal
Schmidt’s recruiting scandal involved secret “no-poach” agreements between tech giants, including Google, Apple, Intel, and Adobe, from the mid-2000s to 2009. These deals, spearheaded by top executives like Schmidt, Apple’s Steve Jobs, and Intel’s Paul Otellini, quietly ensured that companies wouldn’t recruit each other’s employees. While this kept internal teams intact, it also held back salaries, blocked career opportunities, and undermined fair competition.
In 2009, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) uncovered the agreements during an antitrust investigation, digging up emails that painted a clear picture of collusion. One 2007 email showed Steve Jobs asking Schmidt to stop a Google recruiter from approaching an Apple employee. Schmidt acted swiftly, instructing his HR team to shut it down, leaving little doubt that these deals were actively enforced.
However, the consequences were more significant than anyone thought, as more than 64,000 workers filed a class-action lawsuit claiming suppressed wages and stifled career growth. The scandal resulted in a $415 million settlement in 2014. Despite their roles in orchestrating the agreements, Schmidt and other top executives faced no personal legal consequences or financial penalties.
The scandal prompted influential tech firms to reassess their hiring practices and sparked broader discussions about workplace fairness. Even after the settlement, the no-poach agreements left a lasting stain on the reputations of those involved, with Schmidt’s role during this period continuing to draw criticism.
Notable Business Ventures
In addition to establishing and developing Google’s services and brand, Eric Schmidt has been involved in many other notable ventures. He briefly served on the board of directors for Apple from 2006 to 2009 and also served as chair of the board of directors at the Broad Institute.
Schmidt has also assisted with research and development at notable educational institutions, including Princeton, Stanford, and Carnegie Mellon Universities. Like fellow billionaire Bill Gates, he has invested time and money in the biotech industry, serving on the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology. Schmidt’s additional investments include joining an investment group to purchase the NFL team, the Washington Commanders, in 2023.
Highlights
Here are some of the best highlights of Eric Schmidt’s career:
- Joined Microsystems (1983)
- Executive Chairman of Google (2011-2015)
- Executive Chairman of Alphabet
Entrepreneurs
Rich Paul Net Worth

Net Worth: | $120 Million |
---|---|
Age: | 43 |
Born: | December 16, 1981 |
Gender: | Male |
Height: | 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) |
Country of Origin: | United States of America |
Source of Wealth: | Sports Agent |
Last Updated: | Aug 11, 2025 |
Introduction
Rich Paul is an American professional sports agent with an estimated net worth of $120 Million.
As the founder and owner of Klutch Sports Group, Rich Paul manages contracts for almost 200 professional athletes across basketball, baseball, football, and soccer. The company manages several billion dollars in contract value at any one time, taking a commission of between 3% and 5% on each negotiated contract.
Klutch Sports Group
In 2012, Rich Paul launched Klutch Sports Group, a sports agency responsible for managing professional athletes and their contract negotiations. When the company was first founded, Klutch Sports focused primarily on the NBA, but gradually expanded into half a dozen sports leagues, including the MLB, MLS, NFL, and WNBA. They were initially headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, but later established their headquarters in Beverly Hills, California. Based on the most recent information available, Klutch Sports now has locations in Atlanta, Cleveland, Nashville, New York, and Los Angeles.
Expansion by Acquisition
Although Rich Paul initially focused on the NBA, the company’s growth allowed him to expand into other sports. Instead of entering new leagues from the ground up, Klutch Sports focused on acquiring notable agencies that held a larger number of clients from a particular sport. Unfortunately, none of the financial details from each of the company’s acquisitions has been publicly disclosed, but here’s what we do know:
- 2020 – Tidal Sports Group (MLB)
- 2020 – Revolution Sports Agency (NFL)
- 2023 – Elite Athlete Management (NFL)
- 2023 – Rep 1 Baseball Agency (MLB)
- 2024 – ROOF (European soccer)
With all of these acquisitions, Klutch Sports was able to bring in all of the companies’ former clients. For the MLB agencies, Tidal Sports Group and Rep 1 Baseball, Klutch Sports added clients such as Alex Bregman, Marcus Stroman, Rafael Devers, and Devin Williams.
As for the two NFL agencies, Revolution Sports and Elite Athlete Management, the acquisitions added a substantial number of successful players to the Klutch Sports roster. This included:
- Alvin Kamara
- Christian Kirk
- Danielle Hunter
- Jarvis Landry
- Melvin Gordon
- Odell Beckham Jr.
- Xavien Howard
While these clients were acquired through acquisitions, it’s essential to note the existing NBA client list that Klutch Sports has built since 2012. This list includes heavy hitters such as:
- Anthony Davis
- Darius Garland
- De’Aaron Fox
- Draymond Green
- Fred Vanvleet
- LeBron James
- Lonzo Ball
- Trae Young
- Zach Lavine
Contract Value & Commission
It’s challenging to evaluate just how much money Klutch Sports holds under management, as this would include the combined value from every active contract of all its clients. This is not just limited to team contracts, but also brand endorsement deals. In 2021, TIME magazine listed Klutch Sports among the top 100 most influential companies of the year, reporting over $1.8 billion in contracts under management for clients in the NBA and NFL.
The maximum commission that a sports agent can command from a player’s contract agreement is 4% in the NBA and WNBA. However, for the NFL, the percentage is capped at 3%, and in the MLB, the maximum is 5%. These caps are not expanded to brand endorsements, and agencies typically take a cut of between 10% and 20% for such deals.
Klutch Sports typically sticks to the maximum percentage cap; thus, if their client signs a $100 million contract, the agency can earn up to $40 million (NBA), $50 million (MLB), and $30 million (NFL).
Notable Contract Commissions
As of 2025, Klutch Sports reportedly has nearly 200 professional athletes under management across four separate sports, meaning that a 3-5% commission, even for lower-value contracts, can quickly accumulate. Some of Paul’s most notable negotiations, of course, include his experience managing LeBron, securing multiple agreements valued at over $400 million. At a 4% commission, assuming LeBron earned the full value of the deal, the agency would have earned $16 million.
When Anthony Davis signed a three-year, $186 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, Klutch Sports potentially earned $7.4 million in commission.
Other notable deals include:
- Fred VanVleet – $130 million (estimated $5.2 million commission)
- Draymond Green – $100 million (estimated $4 million commission)
- Jerami Grant – $160 million (estimated $6.4 million commission)
Real Estate
Paul owns a beautiful home in Los Angeles, which he purchased for $4.35 million. It’s a traditional home, featuring six bedrooms and five and a half bathrooms.
Entrepreneurs
Joel Glazer Net Worth

Net Worth: | $1 Billion |
---|---|
Age: | 58 |
Born: | March 31, 1967 |
Gender: | Male |
Height: | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) |
Country of Origin: | United States of America |
Source of Wealth: | Entrepreneur |
Last Updated: | Aug 11, 2025 |
Introduction
Joel Glazer is an American businessman and part of the Glazer family with an estimated net worth of $1 Billion.
The family controls First Allied Corporation and the Zapata Corporation, as well as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the NFL and England’s Manchester United Football Club. Glazer was born in Rochester, New York.
Quick Facts
- Estimated 16.7% stake in Tampa Bay Buccaneers valued at $900 million
- Acquired 68% of Manchester United for £800 million in 2005
- Remaining 47% stake in the club is valued at over $1 billion
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Acquisition
In January 1995, Joel’s father, Malcolm, secured an agreement to purchase the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the former owner, Hugh Culverhouse, had passed away in August of the prior year. As it turns out, Malcolm had been desperate to own an NFL team, and in 1993, had put in a bid to bring an NFL team to Baltimore. Back then, the Ravens didn’t exist, but unfortunately, Malcolm’s bid was rejected.
Finally, he was able to acquire the Buccaneers for approximately $192 million and placed both of his sons, Joel and Edward, in leadership positions. Joel was 28 years old at the time.
Thirty years later, and here we are; the franchise remains in the hands of the Glazer family, with ownership split among the six siblings. The exact split has never been confirmed, but just assuming it’s an even split, Joel would own roughly 16.7%. In August 2024, Forbes valued the team at $5.4 billion, which is a whopping $5.2 billion more than their father paid. Assuming Joel has always held a 16.7% stake, in 1995, it would have been worth roughly $32.06 million, and by 2024, it had grown to $901.8 million.
Manchester United Acquisition
In May 2005, Joel Glazer and his family negotiated a deal to acquire 68% of the English Premier League soccer club, Manchester United. The acquisition, made through their company Red Football Ltd, was worth a reported £800 million (approximately $1.46 billion at the time). This would have placed the club’s valuation at roughly £1.18 billion ($2.15 billion).
The purchase initially put Manchester United under a heavy financial burden, as much of the £800 million was secured by borrowing against the club’s assets. It has been reported that this led to the club holding significant debts, owing £60 million per year in interest payments alone.
Although Manchester United is no longer a dominant force in the English Premier League, they were the league’s strongest club for seven years following the investment. In five of those years, they won the league, finishing second in the other two. As a result, the club’s value has increased significantly over the past two decades.
In December 2023, INEOS, led by billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, acquired 25% of the club’s A and B class shares at $33 per share. Since then, he’s increased his overall stake to roughly 28.9%.
As of May 2025, Joel Glazer holds a remaining stake of 43%, and the club’s market valuation is approximately $2.4 billion. This would equate to Glazer’s stake being worth an estimated $1.03 billion.
Philanthropy
Glazer supports various charities. His family founded the Glazer Family Foundation, which is dedicated to supporting children in the Tampa Bay area through various charitable initiatives.
Entrepreneurs
Ma Huateng Net Worth

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Net Worth: | $31.4 Billion |
---|---|
Age: | 52 |
Born: | October 29, 1971 |
Gender: | Male |
Height: | 1.65 m (5 ft 5 in) |
Country of Origin: | China |
Source of Wealth: | Entrepreneur |
Last Updated: | February 15, 2024 |
Introduction
Ma Huateng is a Chinese business magnate, engineer, internet and technology, and philanthropist with an estimated net worth of $31.4 Billion.
Huateng is the chairman, founder, and chief executive officer of Tencent, Asia’s most valuable company, and one of the world’s largest Internet and technology companies.
Quick Facts
- Holds an 8.7% stake in the Chinese tech company Tencent
- Typically earns between $6 million and $8 million in annual compensation
- Peak estimated net worth of $65.8 billion in 2021
Net Worth History
Year | Net Worth |
---|---|
2009 | $3.5 Billion |
2010 | $4.4 Billion |
2011 | $5 Billion |
2012 | $6.4 Billion |
2013 | $12.1 Billion |
2014 | $13.4 Billion |
2015 | $16.1 Billion |
2016 | $16.6 Billion |
2017 | $24.9 Billion |
2018 | $45.3 Billion |
2019 | $38.8 Billion |
2020 | $38.1 Billion |
2021 | $65.8 Billion |
2022 | $37.2 Billion |
2023 | $35.3 Billion |
2024 | $31.4 Billion |
2025 | $46.2 Billion |
Although almost all of Huateng’s wealth has been generated through his ownership stake in Tencent Holdings, the percentage has gradually been reduced over time. This is primarily due to minor share sell-offs and the addition of new investors. At the time of the company’s founding, Ma Huateng owned 47.5% of the company. Over time, this has been reduced to an estimated 8.7%.
In 2009, Huateng’s net worth was estimated at approximately $3.5 billion. However, in 2012, Tencent’s market cap exploded to over $50 billion thanks to the growth of WeChat, the Chinese equivalent of WhatsApp. As a result, Huateng’s net worth almost doubled throughout the year, from $6.4 billion to $12.1 billion.
Tencent’s valuation continued to increase dramatically over the next several years, reaching $563 billion in 2018, with Huateng’s stake worth an estimated $45.3 billion. In recent years, China has proposed and introduced new, stricter regulations on the gaming industry, which have significantly affected Tencent’s market cap on more than one occasion.
In 2018, Chinese regulators introduced regulations requiring new games to receive approval from authorities before being released. Since 30% of Tencent’s revenues come from the online gaming industry, its valuation took a massive hit, wiping out over $200 billion in just nine months. Huateng’s net worth would have dropped significantly between 2018 and 2019; however, towards the end of the year, the company began recovering at a steady pace.
Tencent reached a new peak market capitalization of $916 billion in 2021, but suffered setbacks again from the Chinese government. The government proposed a new rule to curb the amount of money players can spend on online gaming. Huateng’s net worth went from a peak of $65.8 billion to $37 billion in a single year.
Tencent Compensation
While we don’t have a complete history of Ma Huateng’s annual Tencent compensation, we do have information regarding several recent years. This includes 2020, when he received a total compensation of CNY 58.74 million, equivalent to roughly $8.21 million.
In 2021, reports of his earnings are slightly more transparent, receiving a base salary of CNY 7.33 million ($1.02 million), bonuses of CNY 35.52 million ($4.97 million), plus pension contributions and director bonuses totaling CNY 1.26 million ($176,000). In 2023, Huateng earned a total compensation of CNY 42.92 million ($6 million).
All things considered, it appears that Ma Huateng’s total annual compensation from Tencent typically ranges between $6 million and $8 million per year.
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