Billionaire Profile

Global Rank

#1914

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Thomas Steyer

CEO, Farallon Capital Management

Real-Time Net Worth

$1.6B

As of December 2025

Age

Source

Hedge funds

Industry

finance-investments

Citizenship

Biography

Thomas Fahr Steyer (born June 27, 1957) is an American businessman, hedge fund manager, and philanthropist. He is best known for founding the hedge fund Farallon Capital Management, where he amassed a significant net worth. Steyer has since transitioned his focus towards environmental activism and political advocacy, becoming a prominent figure in climate change initiatives. Steyer's career began at Morgan Stanley and later included roles at Goldman Sachs and Hellman & Friedman before founding Farallon. He is actively involved in philanthropy through the TomKat Charitable Trust, which supports various causes. Steyer ran for the Democratic nomination for president in 2020.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

Thomas Fahr Steyer was born in New York City on June 27, 1957. He attended the Buckley School and Phillips Exeter Academy. He then graduated summa cum laude from Yale University with degrees in economics and political science. Steyer earned an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Rise to Success

Steyer began his career at Morgan Stanley in 1979. He later worked at Goldman Sachs as an associate in the risk arbitrage division. In 1986, he founded Farallon Capital Management, a hedge fund firm. Under Steyer's leadership, Farallon became one of the leading hedge funds. Steyer left Farallon in 2012.

Key Business Strategies

Steyer's success in the financial industry came from his work at Farallon Capital. The firm employed a multi-strategy approach to investing. Steyer was known for taking high risks on distressed assets in volatile markets.

Philanthropy

Steyer is dedicated to philanthropy. He and his wife, Kathryn Taylor, founded the TomKat Charitable Trust. Steyer has also been involved in climate change initiatives, including NextGen America and Beneficial State Bank.

Career Milestones

1979

Financial Analyst

Began professional career at Morgan Stanley.

1983

MBA

Received MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business.

1983-1985

Associate

Worked at Goldman Sachs in the risk arbitrage division.

1986

Founder

Founded Farallon Capital Management.

2012

Retired from Farallon

Focused on alternative energy and political advocacy.

2020

Presidential Candidate

Ran for the Democratic nomination for president.

2025

California Gubernatorial Candidate

Announced candidacy for Governor of California in November 2025

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Environmental

TomKat Center for Sustainable Energy

$41M

Founded at Stanford University to develop alternative and renewable energy technology.

Social Justice & Environmental

Beneficial State Bank

N/A

Co-founded a community development bank focused on economic justice and environmental sustainability.

Political Advocacy

NextGen America

Significant Funding

Founded and funded this organization, which mobilizes young voters.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"“You gotta dress up for a fight.”"

Controversies & Challenges

2004

Farallon Investments Criticism

Students at Yale and other universities protested their schools' involvement with Farallon, alleging ventures were not socially or environmentally responsible.