Early Life
Ronald Stephen Baron was born in Asbury Park, New Jersey, in 1943. He came from a Jewish family. During his youth, Baron took on various part-time jobs to fund his education. He graduated from Bucknell University in 1965 with a B.A. in Chemistry. He then worked at Georgetown University as a teaching fellow in biochemistry and later as a patent examiner at the U.S. Patent Office while attending George Washington University Law School, though he did not complete the degree.
Rise to Success
In 1969, Baron moved to New York City and entered the financial industry. He became a securities analyst and worked for several brokerage firms between 1970 and 1982, developing a reputation for investing in small companies. In 1982, Baron founded Baron Capital Management with an initial $10 million in assets, including a seed investment from George Soros. His firm has since grown to manage approximately $45 billion in assets. Baron's firm is known for a long-term, buy-and-hold investment strategy, with some holdings lasting 10–15 years. Baron is known for his early investments in companies like Tesla and SpaceX.
Key Business Strategies
Baron Capital focuses on thorough research and a buy-and-hold strategy, emphasizing companies with robust management, competitive advantages, and growth potential. The firm favors mega-trends driven by societal and demographic shifts. Baron's flagship fund, the Baron Growth Fund, has achieved a low annual turnover rate of less than 1.5%. He has consistently maintained a long-term view, holding stocks for extended periods.
Philanthropy
Ron Baron is involved in various philanthropic endeavors, particularly in supporting the arts and education. He has donated millions of dollars to institutions like the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the American Museum of Natural History. Baron is also committed to supporting education and youth development through scholarships and grants. The Baron Capital Foundation, founded in 2007, is a 501(c)(3) organization. In 2023, the foundation reported revenue of $7.68 million and expenses of $5.63 million.
