Joe Lonsdale (Addepar)
Overview
Joe Lonsdale is an American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and philanthropist known for co-founding several successful technology companies, including Palantir Technologies and Addepar. Lonsdale's careers are marked by a keen focus on innovation in the technology sector and his active involvement in investment through his venture capital firm, 8VC. He is recognized as a significant donor to Republican causes and is involved in public policy through the Cicero Institute.
Recent Developments
- November 2024: Lonsdale, a co-founder of Palantir Technologies, became a billionaire due to a significant increase in Palantir's stock price following the U.S. presidential election results, which he supported financially through PACs assisting Donald Trump. His net worth is estimated at $1.6 billion based on his stake in Palantir and other investments through 8VC.
- September 2024: Palantir, one of Lonsdale's co-founded enterprises, was integrated into the S&P 500, underscoring its growing influence in the tech sector.
- August 2024: 8VC, Lonsdale's venture firm, came under scrutiny for employing children of sanctioned Russian oligarchs, raising questions about foreign influence within American military technology companies.
- 2023-2024: Lonsdale has been actively involved in U.S. politics, particularly supporting pro-Trump movements and advocating for conservative policies through the Cicero Institute.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Joseph Lonsdale V |
| Born | September 12, 1982, in Fremont, California |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, Venture Capitalist, Philanthropist |
| Known For | Co-founding Palantir, Addepar, OpenGov |
| Net Worth | $1.6 billion |
| Education | Stanford University (BS) |
Early Life and Education
Joe Lonsdale was born and raised in Fremont, California. He grew up in a family that placed high value on education, which influenced his later work and achievements. Lonsdale attended Stanford University where he pursued a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. During his time at Stanford, he became actively involved in the Stanford Review, a student-run newspaper known for its libertarian and conservative stance, co-founded by Peter Thiel, who would later become Lonsdale's mentor.
Career and Notable Achievements
Joe Lonsdale's professional journey is marked by several significant endeavors:
- Palantir Technologies: Co-founded in 2004 with Peter Thiel, Lonsdale played a key role in developing Palantir into a leading data analytics and software platform for intelligence agencies and corporations.
- Addepar: Founded Addepar in 2009 to address inefficiencies in wealth management technology. Addepar now manages over $4 trillion in assets.
- 8VC: Founded in 2015, it invests in healthcare, logistics, and other groundbreaking technologies, including defense startups like Anduril.
- Formation 8: A venture firm focused on technology in Asia, which dissolved in 2015.
- OpenGov: Lonsdale co-founded OpenGov to enhance transparency and efficiency in government budgets.
Current Work and Impact
Today, Joe Lonsdale is the managing partner at 8VC, which continues to capitalize on cutting-edge technologies and innovative startups. His role in fostering ventures that address critical societal issues highlights his significant impact on the tech industry and venture capital landscape. He is also involved in philanthropic activities through the Cicero Institute, which he founded to address policy needs with market-oriented solutions.
Joe Lonsdale Net Worth
Lonsdale's estimated net worth has increased significantly as of late 2024, driven by his investments in high-profile tech companies and a surge in Palantir’s stock value post-elections.
Joe Lonsdale Education
Joe Lonsdale's foundational years were strongly shaped by his education at Stanford University, which provided him with a robust grounding in computer science and economics, influencing his future entrepreneurial activities.
Joe Lonsdale Palantir Ownership
While Lonsdale left Palantir formally in 2009, he retains a stake and continues to influence technological and business strategies through his work in venture capital.
Conclusion
Joe Lonsdale remains a pivotal figure in the venture capital world, leveraging his background to foster innovation across different sectors. His entrepreneurial ventures continue to influence the tech industry's future while addressing key societal challenges. As he continues to evolve, his impact on entrepreneurship and public policy ensures his legacy as a transformative leader in and beyond Silicon Valley.