Stephen Gary Wozniak, known as Woz, is an American tech entrepreneur, engineer, and inventor. He co-founded Apple Computer with Steve Jobs in 1976, playing a pivotal role in the personal computer revolution. Wozniak designed the Apple I and the Apple II, which became highly successful.
After leaving Apple in 1985, he founded CL 9 and created the first programmable universal remote. Wozniak continues to support tech innovations and philanthropic initiatives, focusing on education, technology, and environmental efforts.
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Steve Wozniak Net Worth
Steve Wozniak has a net worth of $10 million. In 2006, he purchased a 7,500-square-foot mansion in Los Gatos, California for $6.9 million. He listed the home for sale in 2012 for $5 million, but after several price reductions, he sold it for $3.8 million in May 2015.
Early life
Stephen Gary Wozniak, born on August 11, 1950, in San Jose, California, was raised by his engineer father, Francis Jacob Wozniak, and mother, Margaret Louise Wozniak. He graduated from Homestead High School in 1968 and has one brother, Mark, and one sister, Leslie, a grant adviser.
Wozniak’s early interests in engineering and technology were influenced by Star Trek and Tom Swift Jr. books, with his early design of the blue box earning him the nickname “Berkeley Blue” in the phreaking community.
Career
Stephen Wozniak designed Apple’s first computers, the Apple I and Apple II, and played a major role in developing the Macintosh. As the inventor, Wozniak focused on creating technology he wanted to use, while Steve Jobs handled the marketing.
In 1976, Wozniak’s Apple I design led to the formation of Apple Computer, which was later funded by Mike Markkula. Wozniak’s Apple II, launched in 1977, was the first personal computer to display color graphics, becoming highly successful.
Personal life
Stephen Wozniak, also known as “Woz,” lives in Los Gatos, California and applied for Australian citizenship in 2012, expressing interest in living in Melbourne. He was married to Candice Clark and later to Janet Hill. Wozniak, a Segway Polo player and San Jose Sharks fan, co-authored iWoz in 2006.
He dislikes wealth accumulation, valuing personal values over money. Diagnosed with prosopagnosia, he supports the right to repair movement. In 2023, he became a Serbian citizen.
How much of Apple does Steve Wozniak own?
Steve Wozniak owned 7% of Apple (about 4 million shares) after the company’s IPO in 1980. However, he sold most or all of his Apple stock in 1985 when he left the company. While he may still own a small stake in Apple, it would be minimal today due to the dilution of his shares after more stock was issued to employees following the IPO.
Conclusion
Steve Wozniak’s net worth is more than just a figure; it’s a reflection of a life dedicated to innovation, education, and philanthropy. His financial decisions echo a man more interested in the advancement of technology and the betterment of society than personal wealth accumulation. As the tech world continues to evolve, Wozniak’s legacy is solidified not only in the devices we use but also in the ethos of innovation he helped to foster.
FAQs about Steve Wozniak’s Net Worth
1. How did Steve Wozniak earn his wealth?
- Wozniak earned the majority of his wealth as a co-founder of Apple Inc., through the development and sales of groundbreaking personal computers like the Apple I and II.
2. Has Steve Wozniak’s net worth been affected by his philanthropic efforts?
- Yes, Wozniak has donated a significant portion of his wealth to various philanthropic causes, which has impacted his overall net worth.
3. What would Steve Wozniak’s net worth be if he had kept his original Apple shares?
- Had Wozniak kept his original shares, his net worth could have been in the tens of billions, considering Apple’s current market valuation.
4. What does Steve Wozniak do with his stipend from Apple?
- Wozniak typically uses his stipend from Apple to continue his involvement with technology and education, and likely for his ongoing philanthropic endeavors.
5. Who is Steve Wozniak and what is he known for?
- Steve Wozniak, often called “Woz,” is an esteemed co-founder of Apple Inc., recognized for his significant contributions to personal computing as an electronics engineer, computer scientist, and inventor.
