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Billionaire Profile
Rick Smith
Global Rank
#2121

Image: Mark Harrison | CC BY-SA 4.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Rick Smith

CEO, Tasers
UNITED STATES
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.904B
Estimated based on Tasers stock value as of March 6, 2026
+0.38% (24h)
Age
55
Source
Tasers
Industry
Technology
Citizenship
UNITED STATES

Biography

Rick Smith is the co-founder and CEO of Axon Enterprise, a technology company focused on public safety. He is an American entrepreneur, and author, and is a leading figure in the law enforcement technology sector. His wealth source is primarily derived from his stake in Axon, the company behind Taser stun guns and body cameras. Smith founded the company in 1993. He has dedicated his career to developing innovative solutions to reduce gun violence, including the development of less-lethal weapons and digital evidence management platforms. Smith's commitment to this mission has made Axon a leader in the industry. In 2024, Smith was the highest-paid CEO in the S&P 500, with a compensation package valued at $165 million.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Rick Smith was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. His interest in technology and public safety led him to explore non-lethal defense technologies.

Rise to Success

In 1993, Smith co-founded Axon Enterprise (originally Air Taser, Inc.) with his brother, Tom Smith, after two friends were killed in a road rage incident. The company's initial product was the TASER, an electroshock weapon designed for law enforcement and personal defense. Axon went public on NASDAQ in 2001.

Key Business Strategies

Axon's strategy involves continuous innovation in less-lethal technologies, including body-worn cameras, digital evidence management, and cloud-based software solutions. Smith's focus has been on making bullets obsolete and providing comprehensive solutions for public safety agencies. Axon has expanded its offerings to include in-car video systems and digital evidence management platforms like Evidence.com.

In 2024, Smith received a compensation package valued at $165 million, the highest among S&P 500 CEOs that year. This compensation model ties his potential payout to Axon’s long-term market performance and internal operational targets.

Philanthropy

While specific details on Rick Smith's philanthropic activities are not readily available in the search results, he is the CEO of a company with a mission to protect life. The company's products are used by law enforcement agencies worldwide, which indicates a commitment to public safety.

Career Milestones

1993

Founded Axon Enterprise

Co-founded Axon (originally Air TASER, Inc.) with his brother, Tom Smith, to develop less-lethal alternatives for law enforcement.

2001

Axon IPO

Took Axon public on the NASDAQ.

2017

TASER International Rebrands

TASER International changed its name to Axon Enterprise to reflect its expanded business.

2024

Highest-Paid CEO

Became the highest-paid CEO in the S&P 500 with a compensation package valued at $165 million.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""This programme creates that startup kind of vibe. I feel better about making a lot if I can also make zero.”"

""Axon was the name that we used for selling cameras historically, but we realized that brand had the room to grow and encompass all of our connected technologies.""

Controversies & Challenges

2023

Exaggerated Origin Story

Accusations of exaggerating the origin story of Axon, particularly the circumstances surrounding the founding of the company and the deaths of two of his friends.

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