Early Life and Education
Scott Louis Shleifer was born in 1977 in Portland, Oregon. His family had roots in the local furniture trade. Shleifer graduated from Beaverton High School in 1995 and pursued higher education at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics in 1999. During his time at Wharton, Shleifer developed an interest in finance, which shaped his career trajectory.
Rise to Success
After graduating, Shleifer started his career at The Blackstone Group as an analyst for three years. In 2002, he joined Tiger Global Management. In 2003, Shleifer co-founded Tiger Global's private equity arm, working alongside Chase Coleman, and was instrumental in expanding the firm into venture capital, particularly in China. Under his leadership, Tiger Global made significant investments in high-growth sectors, especially in the internet and consumer technology areas, transforming the firm into a leading global investor. Shleifer served as a managing director and partner at Tiger Global until late 2023, transitioning to a senior advisor role in early 2024.
Key Business Strategies
Shleifer's career has been marked by his strategic investments in the technology sector. He was known for making lucrative bets on various Chinese tech companies, contributing to the firm's growth. His ability to identify and invest in high-potential startups significantly boosted Tiger Global's assets under management. Shleifer's investments in firms like JD.com, Didi Chuxing, and Meituan demonstrated his knack for recognizing and capitalizing on emerging market opportunities.
Philanthropy
Shleifer and his wife, Elena, have contributed to educational initiatives, including a $1.8 million donation to Beaverton High School in 2021, and an $18 million gift to the University of Pennsylvania in 2022. They also made an $18 million donation to Palm Beach Day Academy in February 2022, which was the largest donation in the school's history.
