Billionaire Profile
Shaul Shani
Global Rank
#943

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Shaul Shani

CEO, Global Village Telecom
IL
Real-Time Net Worth
$4.3B
As of December 2025
Age
70
Source
Telecom
Industry
telecom
Citizenship
IL

Biography

Shaul Shani, an Israeli businessman, investor, and philanthropist, is a prominent figure in the technology and telecommunications industries. Born around 1955 in Haifa, Israel, and currently residing in Milan, Italy, Shani has built a significant net worth of $4.3 billion through strategic investments and successful ventures. His wealth primarily stems from his early investments and leadership in the Telecom industry. Shani is the founder of Swarth Group, a global investment company. He is known for founding Oshap Technologies and Global Village Telecom, with both leading to significant financial gains. Shani's career showcases his acumen in identifying market opportunities and his commitment to philanthropic endeavors as the chairman of Rashi, one of Israel's largest charities.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Shaul Shani was born circa 1955 in Kiryat Eliezer, Haifa, Israel. Information about his early life and childhood is limited. His father worked at the Port of Haifa.

Rise to Success

Shani's career began in the 1980s, with his first significant venture being Oshap Technologies in 1982, a software company that produced software for industrial automation, which was listed on NASDAQ in 1985. In 1999, Oshap Technologies was sold to SunGard for $210 million. That same year, he founded Global Village Telecom (GVT), which he later sold to Vivendi in 2009 for $4.5 billion, netting a profit of $1.5 billion. Shani co-founded Sapiens International Corporation and Tecnomatix, both listed on NASDAQ and later sold. In 2014, Shani took control of ECI Telecom.

Key Business Strategies

Shaul Shani's success is attributed to his ability to identify and capitalize on investment opportunities, specifically within the technology and telecommunications sectors. He has demonstrated a keen understanding of market trends, enabling him to make strategic investments that have yielded substantial returns. His business acumen is further evidenced by his ability to launch, grow, and eventually sell companies at significant profits.

Philanthropy

In 2021, Shani became the chairman of Rashi, one of Israel's largest charities, highlighting his commitment to social welfare and improving the lives of disadvantaged communities.

Career Milestones

1982

Founded Oshap Technologies

Founded Oshap Technologies, a software company that was listed on the NASDAQ.

1999

Founded Global Village Telecom

Founded Global Village Telecom, a telecommunications company.

2009

Sold Global Village Telecom

Sold Global Village Telecom to Vivendi for $4.5 billion.

2014

Took control of ECI Telecom

Took control of Israeli communications equipment maker ECI Telecom.

2021

Chairman of Rashi

Became chairman of Rashi, one of Israel's largest charities.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Social Welfare

Rashi Foundation

$XB

Chairman of Rashi, one of Israel's largest charities, promoting social welfare.