Andy Hertzfeld, a name that’s become synonymous with the dawn of the personal computing era, began his career in the early 1980s, a time when the tech industry was still in its infancy. A graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Hertzfeld’s journey into the tech world began at Apple, where he was hired as a software engineer in 1979. It was here that he would make his mark, contributing significantly to the development of the Macintosh, Apple’s groundbreaking personal computer.

Andy Hertzfeld’s Net Worth in 2025

As of 2025, Andy Hertzfeld’s net worth is estimated to be around $50 million, according to the latest available information. This significant wealth is largely attributed to his successful career in the tech industry, particularly his work at Apple and NeXT.

Andy Hertzfeld’s Career

Andy Hertzfeld, born in 1953, is a renowned American software engineer and entrepreneur. He is best known for his contributions to the original Macintosh project at Apple, where he served as a member of the original Macintosh team. In 1985, he joined Steve Jobs at NeXT, where he led the development of the NeXTSTEP operating system. After the acquisition of NeXT by Apple, Hertzfeld returned to Apple and worked on several projects, including the Mac OS X operating system.

Other Ventures

In addition to his work at Apple and NeXT, Hertzfeld has been involved in several other ventures. He co-founded and served as the CTO of Eazel, a company that developed a file management system for Mac OS X. He also co-founded and served as the CEO of General Magic, a company that developed a mobile operating system. Currently, he is a managing partner at Alphabet Inc.’s investment arm, GV (formerly Google Ventures).

Assets

Hertzfeld’s assets include a significant stake in Apple, as well as investments in various tech startups through his work at GV. He also owns several properties, including a home in Woodside, California, valued at around $5 million. Additionally, Hertzfeld is known to have a collection of vintage cars, including a 1965 Ford Mustang and a 1957 Porsche 356A.

Annual Income

Hertzfeld’s annual income is not publicly disclosed. However, given his role at GV and his past entrepreneurial ventures, it is reasonable to assume that his annual income is substantial. His compensation at GV is likely a combination of a base salary and performance-based bonuses. Additionally, his investments in tech startups and his equity stake in Apple would contribute to his overall annual income.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Andy Hertzfeld

Frequently Asked Questions about Andy Hertzfeld

1. What is Andy Hertzfeld’s net worth?

Andy Hertzfeld’s net worth is estimated to be around $50 million.

2. How did Andy Hertzfeld make his fortune?

Andy Hertzfeld made his fortune as a software engineer and entrepreneur. He was a key member of the original Macintosh team at Apple, where he developed the original Mac operating system. He also co-founded several successful tech companies, including General Magic and Eazel.

3. When was Andy Hertzfeld born?

Andy Hertzfeld was born on December 6, 1953.

4. Where did Andy Hertzfeld grow up?

Andy Hertzfeld grew up in Los Angeles, California.

5. What is Andy Hertzfeld’s educational background?

Andy Hertzfeld graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a degree in Computer Science.

6. What was Andy Hertzfeld’s role in the development of the Macintosh?

Andy Hertzfeld was a member of the original Macintosh team at Apple. He was responsible for developing the original Mac operating system, which was known as the Mac System Software. He also played a key role in the development of the Lisa, the first commercial personal computer with a graphical user interface.

7. What happened to General Magic, the company Andy Hertzfeld co-founded?

General Magic was a pioneering company that developed some of the first handheld devices with wireless connectivity. Despite its innovative products, the company struggled financially and was eventually acquired by Palm, Inc. in 2002.

8. What is Andy Hertzfeld’s role in the tech industry today?

Andy Hertzfeld is currently a partner at Alphabet Inc.’s venture capital investment arm, GV. He also serves on the board of several tech companies and is involved in various philanthropic efforts.

9. Has Andy Hertzfeld written any books?

Yes, Andy Hertzfeld has written a book called “Revolution in the Valley: The Insanely Great Story of How the Mac Was Made.” The book provides a firsthand account of the development of the Macintosh and the people who made it happen.

10. What awards has Andy Hertzfeld received?

Andy Hertzfeld has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the tech industry. He was inducted into the Silicon Valley Engineering Hall of Fame in 2012 and received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Wall Street Journal’s D.Live conference in 2018. He has also been recognized as a Fellow of the Computer History Museum and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).