Jensen Huang's net worth is $158 billion. Here's how the Nvidia CEO built his fortune and spends his money.
Business Insider
February 15, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Jensen Huang, the CEO of Nvidia, has climbed to extraordinary heights in the world of business, amassing a net worth of $158.7 billion as of 2024. This places him among the top 10 wealthiest individuals globally. Huang's journey from washing dishes at Denny's to leading one of the most valuable tech companies underscores his pivotal role in shaping Nvidia's success, particularly during the AI boom. Nvidia's market value surged past $4 trillion in 2025, solidifying its position as a leader in the technology sector.
Huang's wealth is largely tied to his significant ownership in Nvidia. By March 2025, he held approximately 3.77% of the company's shares, making him its largest individual shareholder. His compensation for fiscal year 2025 totaled $49.8 million, reflecting a substantial increase from previous years. This package included a base salary, stock awards, cash bonuses, and other perks. Huang has strategically managed his shareholdings, adhering to prearranged trading plans to sell shares worth around $700 million in 2024.
In comparison to other tech CEOs, Huang's compensation is notable but not exceptional among the "Magnificent 7" companies. At 62, he stands out as older than some peers like Meta's Mark Zuckerberg but younger than others like Apple's Tim Cook. While his personal spending remains relatively modest—he's known for wearing leather jackets and maintaining a quiet lifestyle—Huang has been generous in philanthropy. He and his wife have donated tens of millions to educational institutions, including Stanford University and Oregon State University, establishing research centers and engineering facilities.
Huang's story is not just about wealth but also about the impact of visionary leadership in technology. His success with Nvidia highlights the potential for innovation-driven companies to create immense value, both financially and socially.
Verticals
businessfinance
Originally published on Business Insider on 2/15/2026