Early Life
Robert Muse Bass was born on March 19, 1948, in Fort Worth, Texas. His father, Perry Richardson Bass, was an investor and philanthropist, and his mother, Nancy Lee Bass, was also a philanthropist. He has three brothers: Lee Marshall Bass, Ed Bass, and Sid Bass. Bass attended The Governor's Academy and graduated from Yale University with a bachelor of arts degree. He then received a master's in business administration from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Rise to Success
Robert Bass's career began at Bass Brothers Enterprises, founded by his father. In 1985, he founded the Robert M. Bass Group as his personal investment company. In 1986, he founded Oak Hill Capital Partners. Key career moves included the purchase of Taft Broadcasting in 1987, the sale of the Plaza Hotel to Donald Trump in 1988, and leading a buy-out of Bell & Howell in April 1988. Bass also formerly served as chairman of Aerion Corporation until 2019.
Key Business Strategies
Bass is known for his strategic investment approach. He is known for identifying undervalued assets and companies with strong growth potential. Bass has a diversified portfolio that includes investments in energy, real estate, financial services, and technology. He made significant investments in the oil and gas industry, and later diversified into other sectors. Bass's investment acumen has been pivotal in his success.
Philanthropy
Robert Bass is also recognized for his significant philanthropic contributions. He has donated to educational institutions like Yale, Stanford, and Duke University, fostering cross-disciplinary studies and enhancing academic resources. In 2013, he and his wife Anne made a $50 million pledge to Duke University. The Anne T. and Robert M. Bass Foundation, established in 1985, focuses on health, education, and the performing arts, primarily in the Fort Worth area.
