Billionaire Profile
Joseph Edelman
Global Rank
#1462

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Joseph Edelman

CEO, Perceptive Advisors
US
Real-Time Net Worth
$2.5B
As of December 2025
Age
70
Source
Hedge funds
Industry
finance-investments
Citizenship
US

Biography

Joseph Edelman, born in 1955, is an American hedge fund manager and founder of Perceptive Advisors, a New York City-based firm specializing in healthcare sector and biotechnology investments. With an estimated net worth of $2.5 billion as of 2024, Edelman's wealth stems from his success in hedge funds. His career began in the biotechnology sector, and he later obtained an MBA from New York University's Stern School of Business. Edelman's firm, Perceptive Advisors, founded in 1999, has shown impressive performance, with its main hedge fund generating significant annualized returns. He is also actively involved in philanthropy through the Edelman Family Foundation.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

Joseph Edelman was born in 1955 and raised in San Francisco. His father, Isidore Edelman, was a professor emeritus of biochemistry and molecular biophysics at Columbia's College of Physicians and Surgeons. Edelman graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Psychology from the University of California, San Diego in 1978. He then pursued an MBA from New York University's Stern School of Business, which he obtained in 1988.

Rise to Success

Edelman's career began in 1987 as a biotechnology analyst. He founded Perceptive Advisors in July 1999. The firm focuses on identifying and investing in promising technologies and innovations in biotechnology. Perceptive Advisors' flagship hedge fund, Perceptive Life Sciences Fund, has delivered strong returns since its inception. Edelman's firm's assets grew to $8 billion in April 2023 and $10 billion in July that year.

Key Business Strategies

Edelman's investment strategy is centered around biotechnology stocks. He has a strong track record built by investing in biotechnology stocks. Edelman's firm manages a diverse portfolio with over 200 positions. His main focus is on long-term value creation through a disciplined investment approach. He is also known for his focus on the healthcare sector, particularly in the small- and midcap range.

Philanthropy

Edelman is involved in philanthropy through the Edelman Family Foundation. The foundation supports various causes, including education and healthcare.

Career Milestones

1987

Biotechnology Analyst

Began his career as a biotechnology analyst.

1999

Founded Perceptive Advisors

Founded Perceptive Advisors, a hedge fund focused on biotechnology investments.

2015

Top-Performing Manager

Ranked among the top-performing managers, with his fund soaring 52%.

2017

High Earnings

His hedge fund generated a return of 41% net of fees, earning him a spot on the Forbes list of highest-earning hedge fund managers.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Philanthropy

Edelman Family Foundation

Undisclosed

Supports various causes, including healthcare and education.

Medical Research

New York Genome Center

Undisclosed

Edelman serves on the Board of Directors.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""I don't want to be a hedge fund manager who doesn't take much risk. Otherwise, why am I doing this?""

Leadership Principles

Focus on Long-Term Value

Emphasizes thorough research, risk management, and identifying opportunities across market cycles.

Discipline and Consistency

Maintains a consistent strategy while adapting to changing market conditions.

Emphasis on Biotech

Specializes in fundamental analysis and long-term value creation in the biotechnology sector.