Billionaire Profile
Philippe Laffont
Global Rank
#460

Image: Brandt, Cäcilie (17..?-18.. ; lithographe). Lithographe | Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Philippe Laffont

CEO, Hedge fund
UNITED STATES
Real-Time Net Worth
$7.894B
Estimated based on Hedge fund stock value as of April 20, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
58
Source
Hedge fund
Industry
Finance & Investments
Citizenship
UNITED STATES

Biography

Philippe Laffont is a prominent hedge fund manager, investor, and philanthropist, best known as the founder and chief investment officer of Coatue Management, a technology-focused investment firm. Born in Belgium and raised in France, Laffont moved to the United States to study computer science at MIT. His early career included roles at McKinsey & Company and Tiger Management, where he honed his skills. Laffont founded Coatue in 1999, which has since become a leading firm in the tech sector, managing billions in assets. His focus on technology and innovation has resulted in significant returns. Laffont's net worth is estimated to be $7.9 billion as of March 25, 2026.

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

Wealth Over Time

Portfolio Holdings

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

Philippe Laffont was born in Belgium and grew up in France, where he developed an early interest in technology. The family later relocated to the United States, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in 1989 and a Master of Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Rise to Success

After graduating from MIT, Laffont began his career as a management consultant at McKinsey & Company. He then joined Julian Robertson's Tiger Management as a research analyst in 1996, focusing on European telecommunications stocks. In 1999, he founded Coatue Management, named after a beach in Nantucket. Under Laffont's leadership, Coatue has become a leading tech-focused hedge fund, with significant investments in public and private markets, including early investments in major tech companies.

Key Business Strategies

Laffont's investment philosophy is rooted in growth investing, particularly within the technology sector. His strategies include in-depth research and analysis, a long-term perspective, and a global approach. He focuses on identifying companies with robust growth potential and those poised to benefit from technological advancements and changing consumer behaviors.

Philanthropy

Philippe Laffont is involved in philanthropy. He serves as president of the Philippe & Ana Luisa Laffont Family Foundation, which focuses on charitable giving in education and community support.

Career Milestones

1989

Graduated from MIT

Earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.

1991

Graduated from MIT

Earned a Master of Science in Computer Science.

1992

Joined McKinsey & Company

Worked as a management consultant in Madrid, Spain.

1996

Joined Tiger Management

Worked as a research analyst specializing in telecommunications and technology.

1999

Founded Coatue Management

Launched Coatue Management, a technology-focused investment firm.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education and Community Support

Philippe & Ana Luisa Laffont Family Foundation

$35M+

Focuses on charitable giving in areas such as education and community support.

Education

MITx

$1M

Donation to MIT's online learning platform.