From Teacher to Multimillionaire: The Story of David Cheriton

David Cheriton: From Academic Professor to Tech Mogul

David Cheriton is a well-known name at Stanford University and widely discussed in the tech industry circles.
His story elevates him from the role of a “simple” university professor and transforms him into a success story of investment.
Born in Vancouver, Canada, on March 29, 1951, Cheriton is the man who embodies success through his knowledge and commitment in the field of computer science.

The Journey of David Cheriton

But who is David Cheriton really? He was a university professor who surpassed academic boundaries to become one of the wealthiest men in the world, thanks to his entrepreneurial vision.
A teacher by day and a tech pioneer by night, Cheriton built an empire in the world of technology, proving that the value of knowledge goes far beyond the university walls.
His story is a tangible example of how passion and determination can transform a teacher into a tech magnate.

David Cheriton’s Background and Achievements

David Cheriton, born on March 29, 1951, in Vancouver, Canada, is a renowned computer science professor at the prestigious Stanford University.
Despite his 73 years, Cheriton continues to be a prominent figure in the world of computer science and a renowned businessman in the technology sector.

Professor, investor, philanthropist – these are just a few words that describe his incredible career.
Over the years, Cheriton has acquired a deep understanding of the computer science world and has founded several successful companies in the industry, including Arista Networks, Granite Systems, and Kealia.

From Professor to Tech Titan: David Cheriton’s Path to Wealth

But how did Cheriton transform from a university professor to one of the wealthiest men in the world? His success story began with a disappointment.
Initially, his dream was to pursue music, but he was rejected by the University of Alberta.
This marked the beginning of a new phase in his life.

Disillusioned with music, Cheriton decided to focus on academic studies.
He obtained a degree in mathematics from the University of British Columbia and later a Ph.D.
in computer science from the University of Waterloo.
It was during his time at Stanford that Cheriton met his lifelong partner, Andy Bechtolsheim.
Together, they founded several successful companies in the computer science field, including Granite Systems, sold for $220 million to Cisco, and Kealia, sold to Sun Microsystems in 2004.

However, his fortunes took a turn when he met two young Stanford students with a big project: Larry Page and Sergey Brin, the founders of Google.
In 1998, Cheriton and Bechtolsheim invested $200,000 in the fledgling project.
That project evolved into the tech giant we know today as Alphabet, one of the leading companies globally.

David Cheriton’s Net Worth and Legacy

Despite his immense wealth, Cheriton has chosen to lead a discreet and frugal life.
Nevertheless, according to Forbes, his net worth is estimated at $12.6 billion in 2024, positioning him among the world’s top billionaires.

David Cheriton is an example of how a keen eye for market opportunities can transform a university professor into one of the wealthiest men globally.
His dedication to scientific research and entrepreneurial spirit continues to inspire generations of entrepreneurs and innovators.