Billionaire Profile
E
Global Rank
#819

Image: Apwebmaster | CC BY-SA 3.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Eric Yuan & family

CEO, Zoom Video Communications
UNITED STATES
Real-Time Net Worth
$5.241B
Estimated based on Zoom Video Communications stock value as of April 21, 2026
+1.81% (24h)
Age
56
Source
Zoom Video Communications
Industry
Technology
Citizenship
UNITED STATES

Biography

Eric Yuan is a Chinese-American billionaire businessman and engineer best known as the founder and CEO of Zoom Communications. Born in China, Yuan's journey to Silicon Valley was marked by perseverance, overcoming multiple visa rejections. His vision for Zoom was born out of a personal need to connect with his girlfriend, now his wife, leading him to develop video conferencing software. Yuan's leadership emphasizes delivering happiness to both employees and customers, fostering a culture of empathy and innovation. With a net worth of $4.6 billion, Yuan's career is a testament to his vision and dedication to transforming global communications.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/21/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Eric Yuan was born in Tai'an, Shandong Province, China, in 1970. His parents were geological engineers. As a student, he was inspired to develop videotelephony software while taking long train rides to visit his girlfriend, later his wife. He earned a bachelor's degree in applied mathematics with a minor in computer application from Shandong University of Science and Technology, and a master's degree in geology engineering from China University of Mining and Technology in Beijing.

Rise to Success

Yuan moved to Silicon Valley in 1997 and joined Webex as one of the first 20 hires. He rose to Vice President of Engineering at Cisco after Cisco acquired Webex. In 2011, he founded Zoom Communications after seeing the limitations of the existing video conferencing tools. Zoom went public in 2019 and became one of the highest-performing tech IPOs of that year.

Key Business Strategies

Yuan's leadership focuses on delivering happiness to both employees and customers. He emphasizes self-motivation, a passion for ambitious goals, and a willingness to learn. He also focuses on listening to customers and taking their input. Yuan's approach to company culture is summed up in two words: 'Deliver happiness.' If employees are happy, customers will be happy.

Philanthropy

Specific figures for Eric Yuan's philanthropic contributions were not found.

Career Milestones

1997

Joined Webex

Became one of the first 20 hires at Webex.

2007

VP of Engineering at Cisco

Promoted to VP of Engineering after Cisco acquired Webex.

2011

Founded Zoom

Left Cisco to found Zoom Video Communications.

2019

Zoom IPO

Zoom went public and was one of the highest-performing tech IPOs of the year.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Unspecified

Not Available

$0B

Specific philanthropy amounts not found.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"Deliver happiness"

Leadership Principles

Deliver Happiness

The core principle of Zoom's culture, focusing on the happiness of employees and customers.

Customer Focus

Listening to customers and taking their input to heart.

Work Hard and Be Humble

Emphasizing the importance of hard work, humility, and gratitude.