Ken Xie is a name synonymous with innovation in the cybersecurity space. As the co-founder of Fortinet, he has not only transformed the industry but also built a substantial fortune. With a net worth of approximately $3.5 billion, Ken's journey from Beijing, China, to becoming a billionaire entrepreneur embodies the spirit of determination and ingenuity.
Born in 1963, Ken Xie's early life laid the foundation for his future successes. He graduated from Tsinghua University with degrees in electrical engineering, further enhancing his knowledge at Stanford University. His educational background equipped him with the skills necessary to revolutionize network security, leading him to found multiple companies, including Fortinet.
Ken's story is not just about financial success; it's about the impact of technology on our lives. His commitment to cybersecurity and his belief in end-to-end encryption have shaped the way we protect our digital information. This article will delve into his biography, personal life, and the key milestones that have shaped his remarkable career.
Ken Xie's Biography
| Category | Richest Business › Richest Billionaires |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $3.5 Billion |
| Birthplace | Beijing, China |
What is Ken Xie's Net Worth?
Ken Xie is a Chinese-born American businessman who has a net worth of $3.5 billion. Ken earned his fortune as the co-founder of cybersecurity firm Fortinet. He owns 7.8% of Fortinet, which is publicly traded under the ticker FTNT. Ken and his brother Michael, who owns 7%, became billionaires when the company went public in 2009. As of this writing, FTNT has a market cap of $25 billion.
Born in Beijing, China, in 1963, Ken graduated from Tsinghua University with a B.S. and M.S. in electrical engineering. He further pursued an M.S. in electrical engineering from Stanford University, where he honed his skills and expertise in the tech industry.
In 1993, Ken founded the network security company Systems Integration Solutions (SIS). A few years later, he built the world’s first ASIC-based firewall/VPN appliance, a revolutionary achievement developed in his garage in Palo Alto, California. In 1996, he co-founded NetScreen Technologies, which was acquired by Juniper Networks in 2004 for $4 billion.
In 2000, Ken co-founded Fortinet with his brother Michael, driven by the belief that security should be encrypted end-to-end, long before it became a standard practice. Their first product, the FortiGate firewall, has positioned Fortinet as a leader in cybersecurity solutions. The company raised $90 million in private funding in 2004 and went public in 2009, raising $156 million. Today, FTNT is valued at over $25 billion, with Ken owning about 7.8% of the shares.
Personal Life
Ken Xie and his wife are proud parents of three children, which includes two sons and a daughter. Their eldest child, Jamie Xie, has made a name for herself as a fashion influencer and reality television star, gaining recognition as a cast member on the Netflix reality series "Bling Empire" in January 2021.
Ken's commitment to family and his successful career serve as an inspiration to many aspiring entrepreneurs. His journey exemplifies the power of hard work, resilience, and a vision for the future, highlighting the importance of both personal and professional achievements in a fulfilling life.
