#25: Pierre Omidyar
Known as: Founder of eBay
Net Worth: $12.8 billion
Children: 3
Pierre Omidyar, the billionaire entrepreneur and renowned philanthropist, stands as the visionary founder of the online commerce giant eBay, where he held the helm until 2015. His financial stakes include a significant five percent share in eBay and a six percent ownership of PayPal, a prominent player in the realm of financial money transfers. Pierre shares his life with his wife, Pamela Kerr, and together they are proud parents of three children.
Despite his substantial wealth, Omidyar has chosen a path distinct from traditional legacies. He boldly declared that he wouldn’t be leaving a financial inheritance for his children, as it would necessitate the act of “holding onto it.” This resolute decision, articulated in a letter endorsing the Giving Pledge – a commitment by billionaires to allocate the majority of their wealth to philanthropic endeavors – underscores Omidyar’s determination to deploy his fortune for a greater societal impact.