Billionaire Profile
Tench Coxe
Global Rank
#468

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Tench Coxe

CEO, NVIDIA
US
Real-Time Net Worth
$7.7B
As of December 2025
Age
67
Source
Venture capital
Industry
finance-investments
Citizenship
US

Biography

Tench Coxe is a prominent figure in American finance, holding the position of board member at NVIDIA since 1993. He is also a venture capitalist, and philanthropist. Coxe's financial acumen is reflected in his estimated net worth of $7.7 billion. He has a notable history as the managing director of Sutter Hill Ventures from 1989 to 2020. Coxe is the third-largest individual shareholder of Nvidia, behind founder and CEO Jensen Huang and board member Mark Stevens. He holds a Bachelor's degree from Dartmouth College and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

Tench Coxe was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on May 22, 1755. He received his early education in Philadelphia schools, later attending Dartmouth College and obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree. Coxe furthered his education by earning a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School.

Career and Venture Capital

Coxe's career is marked by his significant involvement in venture capital. He served as the managing director of Sutter Hill Ventures from 1989 to 2020, focusing on investments in the IT sector. His experience in venture capital has been a primary source of his wealth.

NVIDIA and Board Membership

A significant portion of Coxe's wealth stems from his role as a board member of NVIDIA. He has been on the board since 1993, accumulating a substantial stock portfolio. Coxe is the third-largest individual shareholder of Nvidia. His long-standing association with NVIDIA highlights his influence in the technology sector.

Philanthropy

Coxe is involved in philanthropic activities, including contributions to political campaigns. He has donated to Democratic Party candidates and committees.

Career Milestones

1989-2020

Managing Director at Sutter Hill Ventures

Led investments in the IT sector.

1993-Present

Board Member, NVIDIA

Serves on the board of directors, accumulating significant stock holdings.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Political Campaign

Beto O'Rourke's Texas gubernatorial campaign

$2.0M

Donated to the campaign.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""As civil rulers, not having their duty to the people before them, may attempt to tyrannize, and as the military forces which must be occasionally raised to defend our country, might pervert their power to the injury of their fellow citizens, the people are confirmed by the article in their right to keep and bear their private arms.""

Leadership Principles

Advocacy for Industrialization

Championed the growth of American manufacturing and the implementation of tariffs to protect emerging industries.

Controversies & Challenges

1778

Royalist Sympathies

Accusations of having Royalist sympathies during the American Revolution.

1780s

Involvement in Slavery

Controversy arose from his dealings with slaves while also being associated with an abolitionist organization.