Billionaire Profile

Global Rank

#571

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Joseph Liemandt

CEO, Trilogy Software

Real-Time Net Worth

$6.6B

As of December 2025

Age

Source

Software

Industry

technology

Citizenship

Biography

Joseph "Joe" Liemandt is an American billionaire businessman, best known for founding Trilogy Software and ESW Capital. Born in 1968, Liemandt left Stanford University to pursue his entrepreneurial ambitions, founding Trilogy in 1989. He quickly gained recognition, becoming the youngest self-made person on the Forbes 400 list in 1996. Liemandt's career has been marked by a focus on the technology industry, initially with Trilogy and later through ESW Capital, an investment firm focused on acquiring and optimizing software companies. Liemandt is currently the principal at Alpha School, an educational institution focused on AI-driven learning. His net worth is estimated at $6.6 billion as of 2024.

Wealth Over Time

Portfolio Holdings

ESW Capital

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Joseph Liemandt was born in 1968. Information regarding his early life and childhood is not widely available. He attended Stanford University but dropped out before graduating to pursue his entrepreneurial ventures.

Rise to Success

Liemandt founded Trilogy Software in 1989. Trilogy specialized in enterprise software solutions and quickly grew to become a prominent player in the industry. In 1996, at the age of 27, Liemandt was featured on the cover of Forbes and became the youngest self-made person on the Forbes 400 list, with a net worth of $500 million.

Key Business Strategies

After Trilogy, Liemandt established ESW Capital, a private equity firm that focuses on acquiring and improving software companies. ESW Capital has purchased over 100 software companies, implementing a strategy that includes a remote workforce model. He is known for driving efficiency and has advocated for breaking down complex tasks into specialized work units to increase productivity.

Philanthropy

Information on Liemandt's specific philanthropic endeavors and the amounts donated is not readily available through search. He has been involved in political contributions, including a $250,000 donation to Donald Trump's 2020 presidential campaign.

Career Milestones

1989

Founded Trilogy Software

Established Trilogy Software, an enterprise software company, which became a leader in its field.

1996

Youngest on Forbes 400

Became the youngest self-made person on the Forbes 400 list, at age 27.

2000s

Founded ESW Capital

Established ESW Capital, an investment firm focused on acquiring and optimizing software companies.

2025

Principal, Alpha School

Currently serves as the principal of Alpha School, focused on AI-driven education.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Political

Political Contributions

$0.25B

Contributed to various political campaigns including Donald Trump's 2020 presidential campaign.