Early Life
Gerda Tschira is the widow of Klaus Tschira, a pivotal figure in the software industry and one of the co-founders of SAP (Systems, Applications, and Products) in 1972. The couple resided in Germany, and Gerda inherited her wealth following Klaus's passing in 2015.
Rise to Success
Gerda Tschira's rise to prominence is closely tied to her husband's legacy. Klaus Tschira, along with four former IBM engineers, established SAP, which revolutionized enterprise resource planning software. After Klaus Tschira's retirement from SAP in 1998 and his departure from the board in 2007, Gerda and her two sons inherited his stake in the company.
Key Business Strategies
The primary business strategy revolves around managing and upholding the legacy of Klaus Tschira's investments, particularly in SAP. Furthermore, the family has channeled significant efforts into the Klaus Tschira Foundation, which supports various educational and scientific initiatives.
Philanthropy
Gerda Tschira plays a crucial role in the Klaus Tschira Foundation, one of Germany's largest philanthropic organizations. The foundation focuses on promoting learning and research in natural sciences, mathematics, computer science, and education. The foundation has awarded more than $740 million in cash grants and in-kind donations.
