Billionaire Profile
Danilo Iervolino
Global Rank
#2851

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Danilo Iervolino

CEO, Università Telematica Pegaso
IT
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.2B
As of December 2025
Age
47
Source
Online universities
Industry
technology
Citizenship
IT

Biography

Danilo Iervolino, born in 1978, is an Italian entrepreneur primarily known for founding the online university Università Telematica Pegaso. He transformed the university into a leading institution, catering to over 100,000 students, before selling his company Multiversity for $1.3 billion in 2021. Iervolino's source of wealth stems from his online universities. Beyond education, Iervolino is the owner of the Salernitana football club and has invested in media through the acquisition of the Italian edition of Forbes and L'Espresso. His career showcases a commitment to innovation and a passion for diverse industries, making him a prominent figure in Italian business.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Danilo Iervolino was born in Palma Campania, Italy, on April 2, 1978. He grew up in a family that emphasized the importance of education. His father, Antonio Iervolino, was a lawyer. Iervolino attended the Parthenope University of Naples, where he studied economics.

Rise to Success

Iervolino's career took off with the founding of Università Telematica Pegaso in 2006. He recognized the potential of online education and developed it into a leading institution in Italy. He expanded his vision by acquiring Universitas Mercatorum. In October 2021, he sold Multiversity, which included UniPegaso, to CVC Capital Partners for $1.3 billion.

Key Business Strategies

Iervolino's key strategy was to embrace technology and innovation in education, providing accessible and flexible learning. He also invested in the football club Salernitana and media, including Forbes Italia and L'Espresso, demonstrating his diversification into different industries.

Philanthropy

Iervolino is involved in philanthropy, supporting scholarships and research aimed at removing barriers to education for underprivileged students. He believes in education as a catalyst for social change.

Career Milestones

2006

Founded Università Telematica Pegaso

Established one of Italy's first online universities.

2021

Sold Multiversity

Sold Multiversity, including UniPegaso, to CVC Capital Partners for $1.3 billion.

2021

Acquired Salernitana

Purchased the Italian soccer team Salernitana.

2022

Acquired BFC Media and L'Espresso

Invested in media, acquiring BFC Media (including Forbes Italia) and the magazine L'Espresso.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education

Scholarships and Research Funding

Undisclosed

Supports scholarships and research to remove barriers to education for underprivileged students.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"I wanted new challenges. I like to reinvent myself in many different industries."

Leadership Principles

Innovation

Embracing technology and new approaches in education and business.

Diversification

Expanding into various sectors, including education, sports, and media.

Philanthropy

Commitment to social equity and empowering through education.

Controversies & Challenges

2019

Legal Investigation

Involved in a legal investigation for alleged corruption related to the Ministry of Labor. He was later convicted in 2024.

2024

Conviction for Corruption

Convicted for corruption related to a case involving the Ministry of Labor.