# Pierre Omidyar

> American entrepreneur and philanthropist; founder of eBay

**Wikidata**: [Q348483](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q348483)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pierre_Omidyar)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/pierre-omidyar

## Summary
Pierre Omidyar is an American entrepreneur and philanthropist who founded eBay in 1995, revolutionizing online commerce. As a programmer and computer scientist by training, he has leveraged technology to create platforms that transform how people buy and sell goods globally.

## Biography
- Born: June 21, 1967 in Paris
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Tufts University, Tufts University School of Engineering, St. Andrew's Episcopal School, Potomac School
- Known for: Founder of eBay
- Employer(s): eBay, Santa Fe Institute, Ulupono Initiative
- Field(s): e-commerce, freedom of the press, computer science, philanthropy

## Contributions
Pierre Omidyar founded eBay in 1995, creating an online auction platform that transformed global commerce by connecting buyers and sellers directly. His innovation revolutionized the retail industry, establishing the foundation for modern e-commerce. He also established the Omidyar Network, a philanthropic investment firm that supports initiatives in technology, media, and governance to promote social change. As an economist, he has focused on supporting press freedom through his journalism endeavors and philanthropic work. His work at the Santa Fe Institute involves research into complex adaptive systems, demonstrating his continued engagement with technological innovation beyond his entrepreneurial career.

## FAQs
### Q: What was Pierre Omidyar's role in founding eBay?
A: Pierre Omidyar founded eBay in 1995 as an online auction platform that revolutionized e-commerce by enabling person-to-person sales directly connecting buyers and sellers.

### Q: What is Pierre Omidyar's net worth?
A: According to Forbes, Pierre Omidyar's net worth was estimated at $11.4 billion in 2019, having previously been valued at $8.1 billion in 2017.

### Q: What philanthropic organizations has Pierre Omidyar founded?
A: Omidyar founded the Omidyar Network, a philanthropic investment firm, and the Ulupono Initiative. He has also supported press freedom through journalism endeavors and provided significant donations to institutions like the Louvre.

## Why They Matter
Pierre Omidyar's creation of eBay fundamentally transformed global commerce by establishing one of the world's first and most successful online marketplaces. This innovation laid the groundwork for modern e-commerce and influenced countless platforms that followed. Beyond his entrepreneurial success, Omidyar has leveraged his wealth to advance social causes through philanthropic initiatives like the Omidyar Network, which supports technology innovation, media reform, and governance improvements. His work in promoting press freedom demonstrates his commitment to democratic values and transparency. Through his continued involvement with institutions like the Santa Fe Institute, Omidyar maintains influence in technological innovation and complex systems research, ensuring his impact extends beyond the business world into academic and social spheres.

## Notable For
- Founder of eBay, which revolutionized online commerce and became one of the world's largest e-commerce platforms
- Established the Omidyar Network, a philanthropic investment firm with significant influence in technology, media, and governance
- Named to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences for his contributions to business and philanthropy
- Received the Knight of the National Order of Merit (2012) and Great Immigrants Award (2006)
- Known for his significant contributions to press freedom through journalism and philanthropic endeavors

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Pierre Morad Omidyar was born on June 21, 1967 in Paris, France to Iranian parents. His family later moved to the United States, where he became a citizen. Omidyar attended St. Andrew's Episcopal School and Potomac School before pursuing higher education at Tufts University. He graduated from Tufts University School of Engineering with a degree in computer science.

### Entrepreneurial Career
Omidyar's most significant entrepreneurial achievement was founding eBay in 1995. Originally called AuctionWeb, the online auction platform quickly grew to become one of the world's largest e-commerce marketplaces. Under his leadership, eBay revolutionized how people buy and sell goods globally, establishing the foundation for modern e-commerce.

### Philanthropic Work
As his wealth grew, Omidyar increasingly focused on philanthropy. He established the Omidyar Network, a philanthropic investment firm that supports initiatives in technology, media, and governance. The organization has made significant investments in projects promoting social change, transparency, and democratic values. Omidyar also founded the Ulupono Initiative, which focuses on sustainability in Hawaii, where he resides.

### Academic and Institutional Affiliations
Omidyar has maintained connections to academic institutions throughout his career. He is affiliated with the Santa Fe Institute, a non-profit research institute specializing in complex adaptive systems. His work there involves research into complex systems and technological innovation. He is also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, recognizing his contributions to business and philanthropy.

### Recognition and Awards
Omidyar has received numerous honors for his contributions. In 2006, he was honored with the Great Immigrants Award. In 2012, he received the Knight of the National Order of Merit. He was also named a White House Fellow, recognizing his leadership potential and contributions to society.

### Personal Life
Pierre Omidyar is married to Pam Omidyar. The couple resides in Honolulu, Hawaii. Omidyar maintains a significant social media presence, with a verified Twitter account (@pierre) that has attracted hundreds of thousands of followers.

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## References

1. [Source](https://presse.louvre.fr/a-new-donation-of-2-3-millionfor-the-elahe-omidyar-mir-djalali-fund-in-the-louvre-endowment-fund/)
2. [Source](https://www.carnegie.org/awards/great-immigrants/2006-great-immigrants/)
3. [Source](http://viaf.org/viaf/data/viaf-20170101-links.txt.gz)
4. Google Knowledge Graph
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. Davos 2004 List of Participants
7. [Pierre Omidyar - Founding Partner, Co-Founder, and Chairman @ Omidyar Network - Crunchbase Person. Crunchbase](https://www.crunchbase.com/person/pierre-omidyar)
8. [The World's Billionaires. 2019](https://www.forbes.com/billionaires/list/;5/#version:static)
9. Quora