Michael Moritz

$6.99 B

Ranked #546 in World

About Michael Moritz

Welsh-American venture capitalist and author Sir Michael Moritz has made indelible marks in technology and philanthropy. Born to a family of German Jewish origin in Cardiff, Wales, he flourished academically, culminating in an MBA from Wharton. Moritz's early career as a journalist led him to a stint with Time magazine and an estrangement from Steve Jobs. Turning to venture capital, he joined Sequoia Capital, catalyzing the rise of giants like Google and YouTube. Recognized for his contributions, he received a KBE in 2013 and has generously funded education, totaling millions in donations to institutions like Oxford University and the ACLU. Residing in San Francisco, Moritz continues his philanthropy, despite stepping back from Sequoia due to health reasons.

Born

September 12, 1954 in Cardiff, Wales

Age

71 years

Source Of Wealth

Venture Capital

Industries

Finance & Investments

Citizenship

United States

Residence

San Francisco, California

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Science, Christ Church, Oxford University; Master of Business Administration, University of Pennsylvania, The Wharton School

Spouse

Harriet Heyman

Children

Sir Michael Moritz was born on September 12, 1954, in Cardiff, Wales, to a Jewish family. His father, Ludwig Alfred Moritz, was a German Jew who fled Nazi Germany and became a professor at Cardiff University. His mother, Doris, also fled Nazi Germany. Moritz attended Howardian High School in Cardiff and later earned a bachelor's degree in history from Christ Church, Oxford, and an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Michael Moritz: Family

Sir Michael Moritz is married to American novelist Harriet Heyman, and they have two children together. The family resides in San Francisco.

Michael Moritz: Career Highlights

Moritz began his career as a journalist for Time magazine in the early 1980s. He was later contracted by Steve Jobs to document the development of the Mac for a book about Apple. Moritz became Time's San Francisco Bureau Chief and worked on the special Time Person of the Year issue about Jobs. However, the issue was renamed "Machine of the Year" due to negative commentary on Jobs and Apple employees, leading to a severed relationship between Moritz and Jobs. Moritz published "The Little Kingdom: The Private Story of Apple Computer" in 1984, which is considered one of the best books about Apple. He also co-authored "Going for Broke: The Chrysler Story" with Barrett Seaman in 1986.

In 1986, Moritz joined Sequoia Capital and co-founded Technologic Partners, a technology newsletter and conference company. He made notable investments in internet companies such as Google, Yahoo!, PayPal, YouTube, and Zappos. Moritz served on the boards of numerous companies, including Google, LinkedIn, and Stripe. He was ranked number one on Forbes' "Midas List" of top dealmakers in the technology industry in 2006 and 2007. Moritz stepped down from Sequoia in July 2023 but remains on the boards of Stripe, Klarna, and Instacart.

Michael Moritz: Companies

Moritz has been involved with several companies throughout his career, including:

Time magazine
Sequoia Capital
Technologic Partners
Google
LinkedIn
Stripe
Klarna
Instacart
San Francisco Standard

Michael Moritz: Major Achievements

Moritz's major achievements include:

Publishing "The Little Kingdom: The Private Story of Apple Computer" in 1984
Co-founding Technologic Partners in 1986
Making notable investments in internet companies such as Google, Yahoo!, PayPal, YouTube, and Zappos
Serving on the boards of numerous companies, including Google, LinkedIn, and Stripe
Being ranked number one on Forbes' "Midas List" of top dealmakers in the technology industry in 2006 and 2007
Funding the San Francisco Standard, a for-profit San Francisco-centric news website

Michael Moritz: Awards & Achievements

Moritz has received numerous awards and honours, including:

Honorary fellowship from Cardiff University in 2010
Fellow of Aberystwyth University in 2014
Honorary doctorate from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in 2014
Appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) in 2013 for promoting British economic interests and philanthropic work

Michael Moritz: Personal Life & Legacy

Moritz lives in San Francisco with his wife, American novelist Harriet Heyman, and their two children.

He was diagnosed with a rare, incurable medical condition in 2012 and stepped back from day-to-day responsibilities at Sequoia Capital. Despite this, he continues to make significant contributions to the technology industry and philanthropy.

Michael Moritz: Trivia

Moritz is a fan of classical music and plays the piano.
He is a supporter of the Labour Party in the United Kingdom.
Moritz is a trustee of the Tate and the Royal Opera House.
He is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Wealth History

Timeline

September 12, 1954

Born in Cardiff, Wales, to a Jewish family.

Early 1980s

Worked as a journalist for Time magazine.

Mid-1980s

Contracted by Steve Jobs to document the development of the Mac for a book about Apple.

1984

Published "The Little Kingdom: The Private Story of Apple Computer".

1986

Joined Sequoia Capital and co-founded Technologic Partners.

2006 and 2007

Ranked number one on Forbes' "Midas List" of top dealmakers in the technology industry.

2010

Awarded an honorary fellowship from Cardiff University.

2012

Diagnosed with a rare, incurable medical condition and stepped back from day-to-day responsibilities at Sequoia Capital.

2013

Appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE).

July 2023

Stepped down from Sequoia but remains on the boards of Stripe, Klarna, and Instacart.

Michael Moritz : FAQs

What is Michael Moritz's current net worth?

Michael Moritz's current net worth is $6.99 billion.

What is Michael Moritz's current global rank among billionaires?

Michael Moritz holds the 546th position globally among billionaires.

What is Michael Moritz's current ranking within the United States?

Michael Moritz holds the 218th position in United States.

What was the change in Michael Moritz's net worth compared to the previous year?

Michael Moritz's net worth decreased by 731.86 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 7.72 billion dollars.

What is the recent change in Michael Moritz's net worth?

Michael Moritz's net worth increased by 150.86 million dollars recently, a 2.16% increase, with his net worth standing at 6.99 billion dollars.

What are Michael Moritz's main sources of wealth?

Michael Moritz's main source of income comes from Venture Capital.

In which industry does Michael Moritz primarily operate?

Michael Moritz is primarily involved in the Finance & Investments industry.

What is Michael Moritz educational background?

Michael Moritz holds a Bachelor of Arts/Science from Christ Church from Oxford University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Pennsylvania from The Wharton School.

How old is Michael Moritz?

Michael Moritz is 71 years old.

How many children does Michael Moritz have?

Michael Moritz has 2 children.

Who is Sir Michael Moritz and what are his contributions to the tech industry?

Sir Michael Moritz is a Welsh-American venture capitalist, philanthropist, and author known for his work with Sequoia Capital. His investments in major internet companies like Google, Yahoo!, PayPal, YouTube, and Zappos have significantly impacted the tech industry. Furthermore, he was ranked number one on Forbes' 'Midas List' of top tech dealmakers in 2006 and 2007.

What is Sir Michael Moritz's connection with Apple and Steve Jobs?

Sir Michael Moritz worked as a journalist for Time magazine and was contracted by Steve Jobs to document the development of the Mac, resulting in the publication of 'The Little Kingdom: The Private Story of Apple Computer' in 1984. He also worked on a Time Person of the Year issue about Jobs, which contributed to their falling out after its publication.

In what ways has Sir Michael Moritz engaged in philanthropy?

As a signatory of The Giving Pledge, Sir Michael Moritz has committed to donating at least half of his wealth to charity. Notable donations include $50 million to Christ Church, Oxford, £75 million to Oxford University, $5 million to the Juilliard School, $30 million to UCSF, $50 million to the University of Chicago, and $20 million to the ACLU.

What recognitions has Sir Michael Moritz received for his work and philanthropy?

Sir Michael Moritz has been acknowledged for his contributions with várious honours, including an honorary fellowship from Cardiff University, a fellowship from Aberystwyth University, an honorary doctorate from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and he was appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) in 2013.