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Billionaire Profile
Eduard Kucera
Global Rank
#2133

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Eduard Kucera

CEO, Gen Digital
CZ
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.6B
As of December 2025
Age
72
Source
Software
Industry
technology
Citizenship
CZ

Biography

Eduard Kučera, a Czech software engineer and entrepreneur, is best known as the co-founder of Avast, a leading computer security company. Born in 1953, Kucera's career has been marked by significant achievements in the tech industry, particularly in cybersecurity. With a current net worth of $1.6 billion, Kucera's wealth stems from his success in the software industry. He led Avast's growth into a global cybersecurity leader with over 435 million active users worldwide. His career highlights include co-founding Avast with Pavel Baudiš and serving as the CEO from 1991 to 2019. He's known for his commitment to protecting users from online threats and has been recognized with accolades such as the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2009.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Eduard Kučera was born in the Czech Republic on January 11, 1953. Information about his early life and childhood is not widely available. He studied at Charles University, where he furthered his knowledge and skills that would later contribute to his success as an entrepreneur and software engineer.

Rise to Success

In 1988, Kučera co-founded ALWIL Software with Pavel Baudiš. Following the fall of communism, the pair established what would become Avast. Avast Antivirus became one of the most widely used computer security software applications. Kučera served as CEO of Avast from 1991 to 2019. His leadership drove Avast's revenue growth from a few million dollars to over $800 million annually.

Key Business Strategies

Kučera's key business strategies involved building Avast into a globally recognized cybersecurity brand, driving revenue growth, and successfully navigating the evolving cybersecurity landscape. He oversaw the development of innovative security products, including Avast Antivirus, Avast Secure Browser, and Avast Cleanup. He guided Avast through several successful acquisitions and partnerships, including the acquisition of AVG Technologies in 2016.

Philanthropy

Eduard Kučera, along with Pavel Baudiš, established the Abakus foundation. The Abakus foundation is a family foundation. Kučera is also known for his philanthropic efforts, including supporting educational initiatives and promoting cybersecurity awareness.

Career Milestones

1988

Co-founded Alwil Software (later Avast)

Co-founded Alwil Software with Pavel Baudiš to sell antivirus software.

1991-2019

CEO of Avast

Served as CEO, leading the company's growth.

2009

Entrepreneur of the Year

Awarded the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award.

2010

Established the Avast Foundation

Established the Avast Foundation, which later became the Abakus foundation.

2021

Involved in Avast's merger with NortonLifeLock

Involved in Avast's merger with NortonLifeLock; the new company was later renamed Gen Digital.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

General Philanthropy

Avast Foundation (now Abakus)

$70M (yearly)

The foundation supports various projects in the Czech Republic.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"“It’s important, because it forces you to invent ways to work more efficiently.”"