Eric Schmidt net worth 2025: Eric Emerson Schmidt is an American businessman and software engineer known for being the CEO of Google from 2001 to 2011, executive chairman of Google from 2011 to 2015, executive chairman of Alphabet Inc. from 2015 to 2017, and Technical Advisor at Alphabet from 2017 to 2020.
Eric Schmidt net worth and Biography
| Net Worth | $20 billion |
| Date of birth | April 27, 1955 |
| Occupation | Former executive chairman of Alphabet Inc. |
| Nationality | American |
Eric Schmidt Net Worth
Eric Schmidt, born Eric Emerson Schmidt on April 27, 1955, is an American businessman, computer engineer, and philanthropist. Best known as the former CEO of Google (2001–2011) and Executive Chairman of Alphabet Inc. (2015–2017), Schmidt has played a pivotal role in shaping the internet age.
As of 2025, Eric Schmidt is the 50th richest person in the world, with an estimated net worth of $38 billion according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. His wealth comes from long-term Alphabet stock holdings, early-stage venture capital investments, leadership roles in technology and aerospace companies, and philanthropic foundations.
Eric Schmidt Net Worth
As of 2025, Eric Schmidt’s net worth is estimated at $38 billion.
His fortune is derived from multiple sources:
Google & Alphabet Stock: Schmidt joined Google in 2001, receiving millions of shares at extremely low valuations. These holdings grew exponentially after Google’s 2004 IPO, eventually making him a billionaire.
Alphabet Roles: He served as Google CEO (2001–2011), Executive Chairman of Google (2011–2015), and Executive Chairman of Alphabet (2015–2017). Even after stepping down, his retained stock value was worth billions.
Venture Capital: Through Innovation Endeavors, his venture capital firm, Schmidt has invested in major startups like Uber, Mashape, and Formlabs.
Aerospace Investments: In 2025, Schmidt became CEO of Relativity Space, an aerospace manufacturing company, after acquiring a controlling stake.
Other Assets: Schmidt holds a minority stake in the NFL’s Washington Commanders, sits on several institutional boards, and has a significant art collection.
His billionaire status highlights his role not just as a tech leader but also as an investor shaping the future of AI, aerospace, and biotechnology.
Eric Schmidt Biography
Eric Schmidt was born in Falls Church, Virginia, and raised in Blacksburg, Virginia. His father, Wilson Emerson Schmidt, was an economics professor who worked at the U.S. Treasury Department, while his mother, Eleanor, held a master’s degree in psychology.
Schmidt grew up in an academic environment, spending part of his childhood in Italy due to his father’s work. He attended Yorktown High School in Arlington, Virginia, where he was an accomplished long-distance runner.
In 1976, Schmidt earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) in electrical engineering from Princeton University. He then moved to the University of California, Berkeley, where he completed a master’s degree in 1979 and a PhD in computer engineering in 1982. His dissertation focused on managing distributed software development, foreshadowing his later career in building scalable internet systems.
It was at Berkeley that Schmidt met his future wife, Wendy Boyle, with whom he co-founded the Schmidt Family Foundation in 2006.
Eric Schmidt Career
Eric Schmidt’s career spans computer engineering, corporate leadership, government advisory roles, and philanthropy.
Early Career (1970s – 1990s)
As an intern at Bell Labs (1975), he co-authored Lex, a software program still used for compiler construction.
Worked at Zilog and Xerox PARC, two pioneering firms in Silicon Valley.
Joined Sun Microsystems in 1983, eventually becoming President of Sun Technology Enterprises.
Served as CEO of Novell (1997–2001), where he managed the company during its decline.
Google and Alphabet (2001 – 2020)
In 2001, Larry Page and Sergey Brin recruited Schmidt as Google’s CEO, bringing corporate experience to their fast-growing startup.
Under his leadership, Google grew from a niche search engine to a global tech powerhouse, launching products like Gmail, Google Maps, YouTube acquisitions, and Android.
In 2011, he transitioned to Executive Chairman of Google, and later of Alphabet after Google’s restructuring in 2015.
Left Alphabet in 2020, but by then had accumulated billions in stock value.
Government & Policy Roles (2016 – 2023)
Chaired the Defense Innovation Advisory Board (2016–2020) for the U.S. Department of Defense.
Co-chaired the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence (2019–2021), shaping U.S. AI policy.
Founded the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP) in 2021, influencing U.S. tech strategy against global competition.
Recent Ventures (2023 – Present)
In 2023, he joined the ownership group that purchased the Washington Commanders (NFL) for $6.05 billion.
In March 2025, Schmidt became CEO of Relativity Space, an aerospace startup pioneering 3D-printed rockets.
Continues to lead Schmidt Futures, a philanthropic venture funding science, AI, and global talent.
His career reflects a blend of technical expertise, executive leadership, and long-term influence on U.S. science and technology policy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Are Eric and Wendy Schmidt in an open relationship?
There have been media rumors about Schmidt’s personal life, but there is no verified evidence confirming that he and Wendy Schmidt are in an “open relationship.” Officially, the two remain partners and co-founders of their philanthropic foundations. - Why did Schmidt leave Google?
Schmidt stepped down as CEO of Google in 2011 to make way for co-founder Larry Page. He then transitioned to Executive Chairman and later technical advisor before leaving Alphabet entirely in 2020. His departure was part of Google’s leadership evolution, not due to conflict. - What does Eric Schmidt do now?
As of 2025, Schmidt is the CEO of Relativity Space, an aerospace manufacturing company. He also leads Schmidt Futures, funds scientific research, and sits on multiple boards including the Broad Institute and Sandbox AQ.- How did Eric Schmidt become a billionaire?
Schmidt became a billionaire primarily through his early Google stock grants, which multiplied in value after the 2004 IPO and subsequent growth. Additional wealth came from venture capital investments, Alphabet equity, board memberships, and aerospace ventures.