William S. Price III (TPG)

Overview

William S. Price III is an accomplished American businessman, investor, and winemaker, primarily known for being one of the founding figures behind TPG Capital, a major private equity firm formerly known as Texas Pacific Group. Born in Los Angeles and raised in Hawaii, Price has had a distinguished career in both investment and winemaking. He co-founded TPG Capital in 1992 alongside David Bonderman and James Coulter, contributing significantly to the firm's growth and success, particularly through prosperous investments in companies like Continental Airlines, Petco, and Ducati. Price is also the proprietor of Classic Wines, LLC and Price Family Vineyards, LLC, showcasing his passion for the wine industry.

Recent Developments

In 2025, William S. Price III joined the Gladstone Institutes as a trustee, replacing Albert A. Dorman who served for nearly 30 years. Price has been involved with Gladstone since 2004, serving on the advisory council before becoming a trustee.
In recent years, Price has continued to focus on his winemaking interests, managing Price Family Vineyards which owns several prominent vineyards, including Durell and Gap's Crown in Sonoma County.
Price's involvement in politics includes supporting Senator Kyrsten Sinema's campaign by providing a paid internship at his winery and hosting fundraisers, reflecting his influence beyond the business sector.
As of 2024, Price maintains a noteworthy presence in the private equity industry through his emeritus status at TPG Capital, which remains a major force in global finance with a diverse investment portfolio.
TPG Capital has been involved in substantial new ventures and industry-shaping investments, including expanding its reach in impact and credit investments, demonstrating strategies aligned with Price’s diversified investment philosophy.

Personal Information

Attribute	Information
Full Name	William S. Price III
Born	Los Angeles, California
Nationality	American
Occupation	Businessman, Investor, Winemaker
Known For	Co-founder of TPG Capital; Winemaking
Net Worth	Not publicly disclosed
Education	Stanford University, University of California, Berkeley School of Law

Early Life and Education

William S. Price III was born in Los Angeles and spent his formative years in Hawaii. His early exposure to diverse cultures likely influenced his later business acumen and global investment strategies. Price pursued higher education at Stanford University, where he completed his bachelor’s degree in 1978. He later earned a Juris Doctor from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law in 1981. His education was pivotal in shaping his career in corporate law, investment, and ultimately private equity.

Career and Notable Achievements

William Price began his professional career in the legal field at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, focusing on corporate securities. His transition into the business world came with a role at Bain & Company, where he became a partner.

1992: Co-founded TPG Capital, markedly growing the firm with strategic investments like the buyout of Continental Airlines.
2006: Reduced his role at TPG to pursue personal interests, notably wine production, and investments.
Price remains associated with various successful investments such as Beringer, Petco, and Ducati.
His leadership at TPG became synonymous with innovative buyouts and strategic investments that set industry standards.

Current Work and Impact

Currently, Price dedicates significant time to Price Family Vineyards and Classic Wines, LLC, where he has been instrumental in expanding vineyard holdings and enhancing the quality of wine production. He is involved in managing iconic vineyards and maintains an influential role in wine production. Despite scaling back his work at TPG, Price’s strategic influence continues to resonate within the financial and entrepreneurial sectors, particularly through his investments and advisory roles in various organizations.

Conclusion

William S. Price III’s legacy is defined by his pivotal role in shaping TPG Capital into a formidable private equity entity and fostering a successful career in winemaking. His endeavors reflect a blend of strategic investment acumen and a passion for the wine industry. As an influential figure, Price’s contributions to private equity and his efforts in the wine business continue to have a significant impact. His role as a trustee and active participation in various boards show a commitment to leveraging his expertise for broader societal impact. Price's legacy is expected to endure through both his business innovations and his pursuit of excellence in winemaking.