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Jahm Najafi is an Iranian-American billionaire businessman known for his investments in various sectors, including sports and media. Born in Iran, he immigrated to the U.S. at a young age and later founded Najafi Companies, a private equity firm. Najafi is also vice chairman of the Phoenix Suns and McLaren Racing. He is recognized for his philanthropic efforts and his commitment to community and diversity initiatives.
Jahm Najafi was born in Iran and immigrated to the United States at age 12. He earned a bachelor's degree in economics and political science from the University of California, Berkeley, and a master's degree in business economics from Harvard University in 1986.
Najafi began his career at Salomon Brothers before becoming CEO of Pivotal Private Equity and partner and COO of The Pivotal Group. In 2002, he founded The Najafi Companies, a private equity firm. His notable investments include a successful venture in Network Solutions, which he acquired for $20 million and sold for $800 million. Najafi has also invested in several companies across the consumer, media, sports, and technology sectors. He is the partial owner and vice chairman of the Phoenix Suns and vice-chairman of McLaren Racing.
Najafi Companies focuses on investments with strong management teams, often in overlooked industries, using internally generated capital. The firm acquires controlling ownership interests in established businesses.
Najafi is known for his philanthropic efforts, serving on the board of trustees of Phoenix Country Day School and being a founding partner of Social Venture Partners. He has also committed to giving away at least half of his fortune through The Giving Pledge.
Received a master's degree in business economics from Harvard University.
Served as a partner and chief operating officer of the private investment firm Pivotal Group.
Established Najafi Companies, a private equity firm.
Acquired a 10% stake in the Phoenix Suns.
Became the vice-chairman of the Formula One constructor, McLaren Racing.
Committed $10 million to the NBA Foundation to drive economic empowerment for Black communities
Has already given between $50 and $100 million to arts, education, and diversity and equity causes
""I don't invest in any business that I can't tell my kids about with a straight face.""
Najafi Companies acquires controlling ownership interests in established businesses across the globe with strong management teams generating positive cash flows.
Najafi is committed to community and the arts and has signed The Giving Pledge.
Najafi called for Robert Sarver to resign as the owner of the Phoenix Suns due to workplace misconduct.
