Ken Howery (Founders Fund)

Overview

Ken Howery is a prominent American entrepreneur and venture capitalist primarily known as one of the co-founders of PayPal and a partner at Founders Fund, a leading venture capital firm. He has played a significant role in shaping the tech investment landscape through early-stage investments in major technology companies. Howery served as the first Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of PayPal, where he helped negotiate its $1.5 billion sale to eBay. In addition to his business achievements, Howery was appointed as the United States Ambassador to Sweden from 2019 to 2021.

Recent Developments

In recent years, Ken Howery has continued to make an impact in the venture capital and business world through various roles and initiatives:

2023: Ken Howery's net worth was reported to be around $1.5 billion, reflecting his continued success in venture capital investments. His investments span a wide range of industries, including technology and finance.
2023: After stepping down from his role as the U.S. Ambassador to Sweden in 2021, Howery has focused more on his venture capital activities, particularly through Founders Fund, which continues to support highly disruptive companies across sectors.
2023: Howery has maintained an active role as an advisor to various startups and nonprofit organizations, emphasizing his commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation.

Personal Information

Attribute	Information
Full Name	Kenneth Alan Howery
Born	November 4, 1975, Texas, United States
Nationality	American
Occupation	Entrepreneur, Venture Capitalist
Known For	Co-founding PayPal, Founders Fund
Net Worth	$1.5 billion
Education	B.A. in Economics from Stanford University

Early Life and Education

Ken Howery was born on November 4, 1975, in Texas. Growing up, Howery exhibited a keen interest in business and economics. He pursued this interest academically by attending Stanford University, where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Economics in 1998. During his time at Stanford, Howery became involved with the Stanford Review, a student-run newspaper, which was supported by Peter Thiel, his future business partner. This formative experience at Stanford not only laid the foundation for his career in business but also forged long-lasting professional relationships with his fellow co-founders of PayPal.

Career and Notable Achievements

Ken Howery's career trajectory is marked by several noteworthy milestones and achievements:

PayPal: In 1998, Howery co-founded Confinity, which eventually became PayPal. As the company's first CFO, he was instrumental in managing its financial strategy and operations.
eBay Acquisition: Howery played a crucial role in securing PayPal's $1.5 billion sale to eBay in 2002.
Founders Fund: In 2005, alongside Peter Thiel and Luke Nosek, Howery co-founded Founders Fund, a venture capital firm that became renowned for supporting some of the biggest tech companies, including Facebook, SpaceX, and Palantir.
Diplomatic Role: Appointed by President Donald Trump, Howery served as the U.S. Ambassador to Sweden from 2019 to 2021, where he emphasized strengthening trade and security relations.
Philanthropy and Advisory Roles: Howery has served on various boards and as an advisor to organizations like Kiva and the U.S. Council on Competitiveness.

Current Work and Impact

After his diplomatic tenure in Sweden, Ken Howery returned to the venture capital arena, resuming his influential role at Founders Fund. He continues to advocate for founders, leveraging his experience to advise and propel next-generation startups. His work has significantly contributed to the success stories of numerous high-profile tech companies, exemplifying his impact in the industry. Howery's career continues to serve as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, showcasing the expansive potential of thoughtful investment and strategic foresight.

Conclusion

Ken Howery stands as a pivotal figure in technology and venture capital, with a legacy that intertwines the worlds of finance, entrepreneurship, and diplomacy. Through co-founding PayPal and nurturing transformative ventures at Founders Fund, his influence extends broadly across the business and tech landscapes. Looking forward, Howery is poised to further his impact via strategic investments and continued support for entrepreneurship, enriching the global tech ecosystem with innovative solutions and fostering foundational company growth. This dedication ensures Ken Howery's lasting legacy within the contemporary fabric of technological advancement and economic growth.