Ken Langone Net Worth 2024, Salary and Earnings: Ken Langone is an American billionaire businessman and investor who co-founded Home Depot, serves as the chairman of NYU Langone Medical Center, and holds a current net worth of $9.2 billion in 2024, with primary earnings stemming from his Home Depot stake and investments through his venture capital firm, Invemed Associates.
Key Facts About Ken Langone
- Co-founder of Home Depot with current net worth of $9.2 billion (as of November 2024).
- Major donor to NYU Medical School, which was renamed NYU Langone Health.
- Notable Wall Street financier who helped take Electronic Data Systems public in 1968.
- Republican Party donor and political activist.
- Philanthropist who signed The Giving Pledge.
Who is Ken Langone
Kenneth Gerard Langone Sr. stands as one of America’s most successful businessmen and investors, best known for co-founding The Home Depot and his significant contributions to Wall Street’s financial landscape. Born in 1935 to Italian-American parents in Roslyn Heights, New York, Langone’s rise from modest beginnings to billionaire status exemplifies the American dream.
Early Life and Education
Born to working-class parents – his father a plumber and mother a cafeteria worker – Langone learned the value of hard work early in life. He worked various jobs, including digging ditches for the Long Island Expressway, to fund his education. His academic journey took him to Bucknell University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in economics, followed by an MBA from New York University’s Stern School of Business.
Career and Business Ventures
Langone’s professional journey began in the 1960s at R.W. Pressprich, where his business acumen quickly became apparent. His first major success came in 1968 when he orchestrated the IPO of Ross Perot’s Electronic Data Systems. By 1969, his achievements earned him the presidency of Pressprich.
In 1974, Langone founded Invemed Associates, a venture capital firm that would become instrumental in his most significant business success. His most notable achievement came when he organized financing for Bernard Marcus and Arthur Blank to establish Home Depot in 1978, which has grown into America’s largest home improvement retailer with over 400,000 employees.
Net Worth and Financial Success
As of November 2024, Ken Langone’s net worth stands at approximately $9.2 billion, ranking him #289 on the global billionaire list. His wealth primarily stems from his Home Depot investment and various other successful business ventures through Invemed Associates.
Philanthropy and Social Impact
Langone’s philanthropic efforts have been substantial and strategic. His most significant contributions include:
- $300 million to NYU Medical School
- $100 million pledge for free medical student tuition
- Significant donations to Bucknell University
- Support for Catholic causes and institutions
Personal Life
Married to Elaine Langone, the couple has three children and resides in Sands Point, New York. A devout Catholic, Langone was honored as a knight of the Order of St. Gregory the Great by Pope Benedict XVI.
Political Involvement
Langone maintains active involvement in political affairs as a prominent Republican Party donor. His political journey includes supporting various candidates, from Ross Perot to Nikki Haley. In recent years, he’s taken notable stances on economic policies and expressed both support and criticism for different Republican initiatives.
Recent Developments
In late 2023 and early 2024, Langone made headlines for his endorsement of Nikki Haley’s presidential campaign and his continued influence in both business and political spheres. He recently announced his retirement as chair of NYU Langone Health’s board, marking the end of an era in his institutional leadership.
Legacy and Impact
Ken Langone’s influence extends beyond business success into education, healthcare, and philanthropy. His transformation of NYU’s medical school through substantial donations and his role in building Home Depot into a retail giant has left lasting impacts on American business and society.
Latest News and Current Events
In November 2024, Times Now Digital reported clarifications regarding Langone’s political stance and financial support. While he maintains his position as a Nikki Haley supporter, there’s no evidence suggesting he has completely withdrawn support from the Republican party.
In a notable television appearance on ‘Your World’ just recently, Langone made headlines with his call for national unity. The Home Depot co-founder emphasized the importance of Americans thinking beyond political party lines, highlighting what he described as “serious challenges” facing the nation.
Regarding business perspectives, Langone recently predicted that Eli Lilly could become the first trillion-dollar pharmaceutical company in history, demonstrating his continued engagement in market analysis.
In organizational changes, NYU Langone Health announced significant leadership transitions. Both Langone himself and CEO Robert Grossman will be stepping down from their respective positions next year. Additionally, Langone recently shared critical views on current economic policies, particularly criticizing President Biden’s statements about inflation, maintaining his position as a significant voice in American public life.
Also Read: