Danny Hillis Net Worth (Updated 2026).

Danny Hillis, a name that has become synonymous with innovation and technology, began his career in an unconventional way. Born in 1956, Hillis didn’t follow the traditional path of higher education. Instead, he dropped out of Harvard University to pursue his passion for computers, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit from a young age.

Hillis’ first foray into the tech world was at the age of 17 when he co-founded his first company, Dynabook, with his father and a group of friends. The company aimed to create a portable, affordable computer for children, a vision that was ahead of its time. Although Dynabook didn’t achieve the success Hillis had hoped for, it laid the groundwork for his future endeavors.

Danny Hillis’ Current Net Worth (2025)

As of 2025, Danny Hillis’ current net worth is estimated to be around $100 million.

Career

Danny Hillis is a renowned computer scientist and engineer, best known for his work in parallel computing. He co-founded Thinking Machines Corporation in 1983, which pioneered parallel computing and artificial intelligence. Hillis also served as the President of Walt Disney Imagineering from 2003 to 2005, where he oversaw the creation of innovative attractions and technologies for Disney parks worldwide.

Other Ventures

In addition to his work in computer science and engineering, Hillis has ventured into various other fields. He is a passionate advocate for long-term thinking and has written extensively on the subject, including his book “The Pattern on the Stone.” Hillis is also a co-founder of Long Now Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting long-term thinking and responsibility.

Assets

Danny Hillis’ assets include a diverse portfolio of investments in technology and other industries. He owns a significant stake in several tech companies, as well as real estate investments. Hillis is also known for his extensive collection of rare books and artifacts, many of which are related to his interests in long-term thinking and the future.

Annual Income

Danny Hillis’ annual income is estimated to be around $10 million. This income is derived from his investments, speaking engagements, and consulting work. Hillis’ annual income has seen a steady increase over the years, reflecting his continued success and influence in the tech industry and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Danny Hillis

**Frequently Asked Questions: Danny Hillis Net Worth**

1. What is Danny Hillis’ net worth?

Danny Hillis’ net worth is estimated to be around $100 million.

2. How did Danny Hillis make his fortune?

Danny Hillis made his fortune through his work as a computer scientist, inventor, and entrepreneur. He is known for his work on parallel computing and his role in the development of the Connection Machine, a massively parallel computer.

3. What is Danny Hillis’ background?

Danny Hillis was born in 1956 and grew up in California. He earned his Ph.D. in computer science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1984.

4. What companies has Danny Hillis founded?

Danny Hillis has founded several companies, including Thinking Machines Corporation, which developed the Connection Machine, and Applied Parallel Research, which focused on developing parallel computing technologies for commercial applications.

5. What awards has Danny Hillis won?

Danny Hillis has won numerous awards for his contributions to computer science, including the ACM Grace Murray Hopper Award and the IEEE John von Neumann Medal.

6. What is the Connection Machine?

The Connection Machine was a massively parallel computer developed by Thinking Machines Corporation in the 1980s. It was designed to perform complex calculations using a large number of processors working in parallel.

7. What is Danny Hillis’ role in the development of the Internet?

Danny Hillis played a role in the development of the Internet through his work on the ARPANET, the precursor to the Internet. He helped to develop the first router, which allowed data to be sent between different networks.

8. What is Danny Hillis’ current role in the tech industry?

Danny Hillis is currently a co-founder and chairman of Applied Minds, a technology and design firm that focuses on developing innovative solutions for a wide range of industries.

9. What is Danny Hillis’ philanthropic work?

Danny Hillis is involved in several philanthropic efforts, including the Long Now Foundation, which is dedicated to long-term thinking and responsibility. He is also a co-founder of the Institute for the Future, a non-profit research organization that focuses on identifying emerging trends and technologies.

10. What is Danny Hillis’ relationship with other tech pioneers?

Danny Hillis is known for his collaborations with other tech pioneers, including Marvin Minsky, a co-founder of the MIT AI Lab, and Danny Cohen, a computer scientist known for his work on computer graphics and virtual reality.