David Cheriton Net Worth (Updated 2026).
David Cheriton, a name that’s become synonymous with tech innovation, began his career in the early 80s, not in the bustling Silicon Valley, but in the academic halls of Stanford University. A Canadian-born computer scientist, Cheriton started as a humble professor, teaching and conducting research in the then-nascent field of computer networking. His work was pivotal, contributing to the development of the Routing Information Protocol (RIP), a foundational piece of the internet’s infrastructure.
Cheriton’s fame, however, didn’t come from his academic contributions alone. In the late 90s, he made a daring leap from academia to entrepreneurship, co-founding one of the first successful dot-com companies, Gracenet. But it was his second venture, co-founding VMware in 1998, that truly catapulted him to fame. As one of the first companies to virtualize computer systems, VMware revolutionized the tech industry, and Cheriton’s role as a co-founder and early investor cemented his status as a tech legend.
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David Cheriton’s Current Net Worth
As of 2025, David Cheriton’s current net worth is estimated to be around $2.5 billion. This significant wealth is primarily attributed to his successful career as a computer scientist and entrepreneur, particularly his role in the founding of VMware.
Career
David Cheriton is a renowned computer scientist and entrepreneur. He co-founded VMware in 1998, a company that pioneered virtualization technology. He also co-founded Arista Networks in 2004. Cheriton is currently a professor emeritus of computer science at Stanford University, where he taught for over two decades.
Other Ventures
Beyond VMware and Arista Networks, Cheriton has been involved in several other ventures. He co-founded Granite Systems, acquired by Cisco in 1996, and Arista Networks, which went public in 2014. He is also an active investor and mentor in the startup ecosystem, particularly in the Silicon Valley area.
Assets
Cheriton’s assets include significant equity in VMware and Arista Networks, as well as real estate investments. He owns a substantial stake in several startup companies, many of which are in the technology sector. His Stanford University professorship also contributes to his overall wealth.
Annual Income
David Cheriton’s annual income is not publicly disclosed. However, as a co-founder of VMware and Arista Networks, he likely receives significant compensation from these companies. His income also includes earnings from his professorship at Stanford University and investment activities.
Frequently Asked Questions about David Cheriton
**Q1: What is David Cheriton’s net worth?**
David Cheriton’s net worth is estimated to be around $4 billion.
**Q2: How did David Cheriton make his fortune?**
David Cheriton made his fortune through his successful career as a computer scientist, entrepreneur, and venture capitalist. He co-founded several successful companies, including Arista Networks and Kealia, and has also made significant investments in other tech startups.
**Q3: What is David Cheriton’s background?**
David Cheriton was born in Canada and received his Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Waterloo. He then moved to Stanford University, where he became a professor and later co-founded the Stanford Technology Ventures Program.
**Q4: Which companies has David Cheriton co-founded?**
David Cheriton has co-founded several companies, including Arista Networks, Kealia, and Granite Systems. He was also an early investor and mentor to Google founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page.
**Q5: What is David Cheriton’s role at Arista Networks?**
David Cheriton is a co-founder and the Chief Scientist at Arista Networks, a company he started with Andy Bechtolsheim in 2004. He is responsible for driving the company’s technology strategy and innovation.
**Q6: What is David Cheriton’s involvement with Google?**
David Cheriton was an early investor and mentor to Google founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page. He was also one of the first professors to teach them about the business of technology when they were students at Stanford.
**Q7: What is David Cheriton’s current role at Stanford?**
David Cheriton is currently a Professor Emeritus of Computer Science at Stanford University. He retired from his full-time teaching position in 2012 but continues to be involved with the university.
**Q8: What is David Cheriton’s philanthropic work?**
David Cheriton is known for his philanthropic work, particularly in the areas of education and technology. He has made significant donations to Stanford University and other educational institutions, and has also supported various tech startups through his venture capital firm, Arista Ventures.
**Q9: What are David Cheriton’s interests outside of technology?**
David Cheriton is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys hiking, skiing, and cycling. He is also a passionate photographer and has traveled extensively for his photography.
**Q10: What awards and recognitions has David Cheriton received?**
David Cheriton has received numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions to the tech industry, including the Marconi Prize, the IEEE Internet Award, and the ACM SIGCOMM Award. He is also a member of the National Academy of Engineering.
