Starbucks Founders Net Worth (Updated 2025).

Gordon Bowker, Jerry Baldwin, and Zev Siegl, three friends from the University of San Francisco, embarked on their entrepreneurial journey in the early 1970s. Inspired by the coffee culture they experienced while backpacking through Europe, they decided to bring the rich, robust flavors of Italian coffee to Seattle, Washington. In 1971, they opened their first coffee shop, named Starbucks after the chief mate in Herman Melville’s “Moby Dick,” symbolizing their shared passion for the sea and adventure.

Initially, Starbucks was a small, local coffee shop, focusing on selling high-quality coffee beans and brewing equipment. The founders educated their customers about the art of coffee brewing, introducing them to the concept of fresh-roasted coffee and the various brewing methods. Their commitment to quality and customer education slowly but surely gained traction, and Starbucks began to expand, first within Seattle, and then beyond.

Starbucks Founder’s Current Net Worth (2025)

As of 2025, the net worth of Starbucks’ co-founder, Howard Schultz, is estimated to be around $4 billion, according to Forbes. This significant wealth is primarily attributed to his role in building Starbucks into the global coffeehouse chain it is today.

Career

Howard Schultz, born in 1953, started his career at Xerox Corporation before joining Starbucks in 1982. He became the company’s director of operations and marketing, and later purchased the company in 1987. Schultz served as the CEO of Starbucks from 1987 to 2000, again from 2008 to 2017, and currently holds the title of Chairman Emeritus.

Other Ventures

Beyond Starbucks, Schultz has invested in various ventures. He co-founded Maveron, a venture capital firm, in 1998. In 2013, he launched the Schultz Family Foundation, focusing on job creation and youth development. Schultz also authored multiple books, including “Pour Your Heart Into It” and “Onward.”

Assets

Schultz’s assets include a vast real estate portfolio, with properties in Seattle, New York, and Florida. He owns a 1953 Ferrari 250 Mille Miglia, valued at around $10 million, and a private jet. Schultz also holds a significant stake in Starbucks, with his wealth tied to the company’s stock performance.

Annual Income

As of 2021, Howard Schultz’s annual salary from Starbucks was $1.7 million. However, his total annual income can fluctuate significantly due to changes in Starbucks’ stock price, as a substantial portion of his wealth is tied to the company’s shares. Additionally, his income from other ventures, such as book royalties and investments, contributes to his overall annual earnings.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Starbucks Founders

**Frequently Asked Questions: Starbucks Founders Net Worth**

1. Who are the founders of Starbucks?

The founders of Starbucks are Jerry Baldwin, Gordon Bowker, and Zev Siegl. They opened the first Starbucks store in Seattle, Washington, in 1971.

2. When was Starbucks founded?

Starbucks was founded in 1971. The first store was opened on March 30, of that year.

3. How did Starbucks start?

Starbucks started as a small coffee bean roaster and retailer. The founders were inspired by a trip to Italy and wanted to bring the Italian coffeehouse culture to Seattle.

4. Who is the current CEO of Starbucks?

The current CEO of Starbucks is Howard Schultz. He served as the CEO from 1987 to 2000, and again from 2008 to present.

5. What is the net worth of the Starbucks founders?

The net worth of the Starbucks founders is estimated to be around $1.3 billion combined. However, it’s important to note that they sold their shares in the company in the early 1980s, and their wealth has since grown through other investments and ventures.

6. Who is the richest Starbucks founder?

Jerry Baldwin is considered the richest among the Starbucks founders. His net worth is estimated to be around $600 million.

7. What did the Starbucks founders do after selling the company?

After selling their shares in Starbucks, the founders pursued different paths. Jerry Baldwin started a coffee importing business called Coffee Equipment Company, while Gordon Bowker and Zev Siegl started other businesses and invested in various ventures.

8. How did Starbucks become so successful?

Starbucks became successful through a combination of factors, including its high-quality coffee, innovative marketing strategies, expansion into new markets, and a strong focus on customer experience and employee satisfaction.

9. What is the Starbucks logo and what does it represent?

The Starbucks logo is a green siren with a crown. It is inspired by an old Norse woodcut of a mermaid. The logo represents the company’s connection to the sea and its roots in the Pacific Northwest.

10. How many Starbucks stores are there worldwide?

As of 2021, there are over 30,000 Starbucks stores worldwide. The company operates in more than 80 countries.