Charles Simonyi, a Hungarian-American computer scientist and entrepreneur, kicked off his career in the tech industry at a young age. Born in Budapest, Hungary, in 1948, Simonyi developed an early passion for computers, which led him to study computer science at Eötvös Loránd University. In 1972, he moved to the United States to pursue a Ph.D. in computer science at Caltech, where he would later make a significant impact on the field.

Simonyi’s fame began to grow during his time at Xerox PARC in the late 1970s. There, he played a crucial role in developing the first commercial personal computer, the Xerox Alto. His work on this project, along with his contributions to the development of the Ethernet protocol, helped lay the groundwork for the personal computing revolution.

Charles Simonyi’s Current Net Worth (2025)

As of 2025, Charles Simonyi’s current net worth is estimated to be around $1 billion, according to Forbes. This significant wealth is a testament to his successful career in the tech industry and his entrepreneurial ventures.

Career

Charles Simonyi is a Hungarian-born American software engineer and entrepreneur. He co-founded Microsoft’s applications division in 1981, where he led the development of Microsoft Word and Excel. In 1986, he was promoted to Senior Vice President, making him the highest-ranking executive outside the Gates family. He left Microsoft in 1994 to start his own company, Intelligent Systems, which was later acquired by Microsoft.

Other Ventures

After selling Intelligent Systems, Simonyi founded Intent Media, a company that develops software for digital media. He also co-founded the Charles Simonyi Fund for Arts and Science at the University of California, Los Angeles. Additionally, he is a space tourist, having traveled to the International Space Station twice, in 2007 and 2009, as part of the Space Adventures program.

Assets

Simonyi’s assets include a significant stake in Microsoft, which he acquired during his time at the company. He also owns a private island in Washington state, known as “The Point,” which he purchased in 2014 for $35 million. Furthermore, he has invested in various tech startups and has a collection of art and rare books.

Annual Income

Simonyi’s annual income is not publicly disclosed. However, given his significant net worth and his continued involvement in the tech industry, it is likely that he generates a substantial income through his investments, ventures, and royalties from his time at Microsoft.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Charles Simonyi

Frequently Asked Questions: Charles Simonyi Net Worth

1. What is Charles Simonyi’s net worth?

Charles Simonyi’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.4 billion.

2. How did Charles Simonyi make his money?

Charles Simonyi made his fortune as a software engineer and entrepreneur. He co-founded the company Simulogic, which was later acquired by Microsoft. He also played a significant role in the development of Microsoft Office.

3. What is Charles Simonyi’s age?

Charles Simonyi was born on September 10, 1948, making him 73 years old.

4. Where was Charles Simonyi born?

Charles Simonyi was born in Budapest, Hungary.

5. What is Charles Simonyi’s nationality?

Charles Simonyi is a Hungarian-American.

6. Is Charles Simonyi married?

Yes, Charles Simonyi is married. He married Lisa Stone in 2014.

7. Does Charles Simonyi have any children?

Yes, Charles Simonyi has three children from his previous marriages.

8. What is Charles Simonyi’s education background?

Charles Simonyi earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from the Technical University of Budapest in 1972. He then moved to the United States and earned a Master of Science degree in computer science from the University of California, Berkeley in 1978.

9. What are some of the companies Charles Simonyi has founded?

Charles Simonyi has founded several companies, including Simulogic, which was later acquired by Microsoft, and Intentional Software.

10. What is Charles Simonyi’s philanthropic work?

Charles Simonyi is known for his philanthropic work, particularly in the fields of space exploration and artificial intelligence. He has donated to various organizations and causes, including the XPRIZE Foundation and the Charles Simonyi Fund for Arts and Sciences at the University of California, Berkeley.