Early Life and Education
Ole Andreas Halvorsen was born in Borge, Norway, in 1961. Growing up in Norway instilled in him a disciplined work ethic, which influenced his personal and professional development. Halvorsen attended the Norwegian Naval Academy and served in the Marinejegerkommandoen (MJK), the Royal Norwegian Navy's elite special operations unit. Halvorsen pursued higher education in the United States, attending Williams College, where he graduated with a degree in economics in 1986. He earned an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business in 1990.
Rise to Success
Halvorsen's career began in investment banking at Morgan Stanley. He then moved to Tiger Management Corp, where he held senior positions, including Senior Managing Director and Director of Equities. In 1999, he co-founded Viking Global Investors with David Ott and Brian Olson. Under his leadership, Viking Global has grown into a prominent global investment firm, managing over $55 billion in assets as of September 2025. Viking Global's flagship hedge fund delivered a 13.8% net return in 2023, and its long-only fund achieved 29.3% in the same year, solidifying Viking's reputation as a top-performing hedge fund.
Key Business Strategies
Halvorsen's success is attributed to his disciplined investment philosophy, which emphasizes deep fundamental research and a commitment to understanding the intricacies of the companies and industries he invests in. His investment approach focuses on long-term value and rigorous analysis. Viking Global Investors specializes in public equity and private equity across various industries. The firm's focus on operational excellence is essential to its management of capital.
Philanthropy
Halvorsen is known for his philanthropic endeavors, supporting educational initiatives and charitable causes through the Viking Global Foundation. He serves on the boards of trustees of the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute and Williams College, reflecting his commitment to shaping future generations of leaders.
