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American venture capitalist Bill Gurley knows what ingredients are needed for a tech start-up to explode into an incredibly successful company. Over his career, Gurley has invested in some of the biggest firms in the tech industry. In fact, in a Wall Street Journal profile, the publication deemed him “one of Silicon Valley’s top dealmakers”. Furthermore, Gurley has appeared numerous times on Forbes’ Midas List, most recently being given the #24 position as the planet’s best venture capitalist.
 | Bill Gurley |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 10, 1966 |
| Nationality | American |
| Title | Venture capitalist |
| Companies Founded | N/A |
| Best Known For | Considered one of the best tech investors on Earth |
| Net Worth (USD) | $ 8 billion |
As a general partner at venture capitalist firm Benchmark, Gurley has invested in Glassdoor, Zillow, GrubHub, Vessel, Sailthru, Brighter, DogVacay, and Uber. With regards to Uber, Gurley famously invested $11 million in the ride-share company in 2011 – the rest is history.
Taking into account his extraordinary track record as a venture capitalist, for ages people have speculated on Gurley’s net worth. Consequently, we here at Sophisticated Investor decided to answer the question, “What is Bill Gurley‘s net worth?”. Thus, we assembled all publicly available information on Gurley to find the answer.
However, it is essential to remember that these figures are estimations, and are not necessarily conclusive. Yet, we did source all of the publicly available assessments so this likely represents a probable range of his fortune.
What Is Bill Gurley’s Net Worth?
By all estimations, Bill Gurley has a net worth of approximately $8 billion. Since first joining Benchmark in 1999, Gurley has made numerous investments in some very successful tech companies. Likewise, he is widely considered to be one of the most successful venture capitalists in the world.
Bill Gurley Biography
Bill Gurley was born on May 10, 1966, in Dickenson, Texas. He acquired a science degree from the University of Florida, and an MBA from the University of Texas McCombs School of Business. After college, Gurley worked as a design engineer for Compaq Computers. Additionally, he also worked as a prominent research analyst on Wall Street for four years prior to his career as a venture capitalist.
In 1999, Gurley joined Benchmark, eventually becoming a general partner of the firm. By far, his most notable deal at the firm was the $11 million investment he made in Uber in 2011. Other companies that Gurley has invested in include Glassdoor, Zillow, GrubHub, Vessel, Sailthru, Brighter, DogVacay,
In 2022, Forbes listed Gurley as #24 on its annual Midas List of the most successful venture capitalists in the world. He consistently appears on the aforementioned list of top investors in tech.
How Did Bill Gurley Build His Wealth?
Basically, Bill Gurley has accumulated his staggering wealth by utilizing his phenomenal acumen as a venture capitalist, particularly within the tech industry. As referenced by Forbes in a recent profile of Gurley, his most notable deal was the $11 million investment in Uber. Moreover, he invested in several other tech start-ups that have had acquisitions.
How Is Bill Gurley’s Net-Worth Calculated?
Bill Gurley’s net worth is calculated as assets subtracted by his liabilities. He has exhibited an excellent track record of investing in tech companies that would go on to become successful. In fact, Gurley was awarded the TechCrunch VC of the Year award in 2016.
Who Else Invests Like Bill Gurley?
Not every investor invests in the same manner. To compare investors like Bill Gurley, have a look at these other investor profiles:
Want to Invest Like Bill Gurley?
Possessing a net worth like that of Bill Gurley’s isn’t a likelihood for the average investor. However, that does not mean that you can’t adopt a sound investment strategy that will assist in growing your wealth.
A great start is by diversifying your portfolio with alternative assets such as precious metals not correlated to the potential volatility of the stock market. To gain better insight into your options with this type of retirement account, have a look at our reviews for the best Precious Metals IRA companies.
Additional FAQs About Bill Gurley and Venture Capital
What qualities make Bill Gurley such a successful venture capitalist?
Gurley is known for his sharp analytical skills, deep understanding of market dynamics, and a willingness to take calculated risks. He also has a knack for identifying emerging trends and supporting founders who share a vision for disruptive innovation. His long-term strategic thinking and disciplined investment approach set him apart in the tech investment world.
How did Gurley’s early career prepare him for venture capital?
Before becoming a venture capitalist, Gurley worked as a design engineer at Compaq Computers and as a research analyst on Wall Street. These roles gave him technical expertise and an in-depth understanding of financial markets, both of which have been critical in evaluating tech start-ups.
What is Benchmark, and why is it significant?
Benchmark is a Silicon Valley venture capital firm where Gurley has been a general partner since 1999. The firm is known for its early-stage investments in highly successful companies like eBay, Twitter, and Snapchat. Its emphasis on collaborative decision-making and supporting entrepreneurs aligns well with Gurley’s investment philosophy.
How has Gurley influenced the tech industry beyond investments?
Gurley is more than just an investor—he’s a thought leader in the tech space. Through speaking engagements, blogs, and interviews, he’s shared insights on technology trends, market dynamics, and the ethics of building tech companies. His opinions often shape discussions within the industry.
What lessons can aspiring investors learn from Bill Gurley?
- Think Long-Term: Gurley focuses on businesses with strong potential for sustained growth, rather than short-term gains.
- Be Disciplined: He carefully evaluates risks and opportunities before committing to an investment.
- Support Founders: Gurley believes in empowering entrepreneurs and supporting them as partners, not just as financiers.
- Stay Curious: Keeping up with trends and continuously learning about emerging technologies is key to his success.
What impact has Gurley had on the companies he’s invested in?
Beyond financing, Gurley is known for offering valuable strategic advice and helping companies scale effectively. His hands-on involvement often plays a pivotal role in guiding start-ups to become market leaders.
How does Gurley view the role of venture capital in society?
Gurley sees venture capital as a way to fuel innovation and empower entrepreneurs to solve significant problems. He believes that successful start-ups can not only create wealth but also make a meaningful impact on society through their products and services.
What are some of the challenges Gurley has faced in his career?
As with any investor, not all of Gurley’s bets have been wins. However, he views setbacks as learning opportunities, using them to refine his strategies and improve his ability to spot future success stories.
These insights into Bill Gurley’s career and investment approach add depth to understanding what makes him one of Silicon Valley’s most respected venture capitalists. His story is a blend of hard work, calculated risk-taking, and a relentless curiosity about the future of technology.
