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Billionaire Profile
Henry Nicholas III
Global Rank
#105

Image: Henry T. Nicholas Foundation | CC BY-SA 3.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Henry Nicholas III

CEO, Semiconductors
UNITED STATES
Real-Time Net Worth
$24.563B
Estimated based on Semiconductors stock value as of April 20, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
66
Source
Semiconductors
Industry
Technology
Citizenship
UNITED STATES

Biography

Henry Thompson Nicholas III is an American businessman best known for co-founding Broadcom Corporation, a leading semiconductor company. Born in 1959, he co-founded Broadcom in 1991 and served as its CEO until 2003. His source of wealth is primarily derived from the semiconductors industry. Nicholas's career includes pivotal roles in the early days of Broadcom, driving its growth in the telecommunications sector. He is also actively involved in philanthropy, particularly through the Henry T. Nicholas III Foundation, which supports various causes including victims' rights, education, and technology. As of March 2026, his net worth is estimated at $20.6 billion, securing his position as a prominent figure in the technology industry.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Henry Thompson Nicholas III was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1959. After his parents divorced, he moved with his mother and younger sister to Santa Monica, California. He studied electrical engineering at UCLA, earning a Bachelor's, Master's, and Ph.D. from the university.

Rise to Success

Nicholas co-founded Broadcom Corporation in 1991 with Henry Samueli. The company developed technologies for broadband communication. Broadcom quickly became an industry leader, with its chips powering various devices, including cable boxes and smartphones. The company went public in 1998. Nicholas served as CEO until 2003.

Key Business Strategies

Broadcom's success was driven by strategic investments in research and development and a focus on emerging technologies like high-speed internet access. Nicholas's leadership style was characterized by an aggressive approach to innovation and a focus on achieving rapid growth. The company expanded its reach through both organic growth and acquisitions.

Philanthropy

Nicholas is involved in philanthropy through the Henry T. Nicholas III Foundation. The foundation supports initiatives in victims' rights, education, youth sports, technology, medical research, and national defense. He has been a leader in the victims' rights movement since the murder of his sister in 1983, and he helped found Justice for Homicide Victims. The Foundation also provides support to education and community initiatives in California.

Career Milestones

1991

Co-founded Broadcom Corporation

Co-founded the fabless semiconductor company with Henry Samueli.

1998

Broadcom Goes Public

Took Broadcom public on the NASDAQ exchange.

2003

Resigned as CEO of Broadcom

Resigned from the role of CEO.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Victims' Rights, Education, Technology, Medical Research, National Defense

Henry T. Nicholas III Foundation

$312.1M

The foundation supports victims' rights, education, youth sports, technology, medical research, and national defense. It has assets totaling over $312 million.

Victims' Rights

Marsy's Law

Undisclosed

Advocated for the crime victims' rights bill, named after his murdered sister. It has been adopted by 12 states.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"A music enthusiast, Nicholas says his inspiration for Broadcom came from Pink Floyd lyrics."

Controversies & Challenges

2019

Drug Trafficking Charges

Charged with five counts of drug trafficking after police found drugs in his hotel room.

2008

Options Backdating Scandal

Faced 21 federal charges of options backdating.

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