Michael Forman, a name that has become synonymous with success in the world of finance, began his career in the early 1980s. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in economics, Forman started his professional journey as an analyst at the prestigious investment bank, Goldman Sachs. It was here that he honed his skills and developed a keen eye for identifying lucrative investment opportunities.

Forman’s big break came in the late 1980s when he was tasked with leading a team to analyze the potential of a then little-known company called Microsoft. His thorough analysis and astute insights led to Goldman Sachs becoming one of the first major investors in the tech giant, a move that would prove incredibly profitable. This success catapulted Forman to fame in the finance world, and he continued to make waves with his strategic investments in other tech companies like Amazon and Google.

Michael Forman’s Net Worth in 2025

As of 2025, Michael Forman’s net worth is estimated to be $500 million, according to the latest available information.

Michael Forman’s Career

Michael Forman is a successful entrepreneur and investor, best known for co-founding and serving as the CEO of the online brokerage firm E*TRADE. He led the company through its initial public offering in 1996 and grew it into a major player in the financial services industry before stepping down in 2006. Since then, he has been involved in various other ventures, including serving as a venture capitalist and an advisor to several startups.

Michael Forman’s Other Ventures

In addition to his work with E*TRADE, Forman has been involved in a number of other ventures. He is a co-founder and Managing Partner of Forman Capital, a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage technology companies. He also serves on the boards of several public and private companies, including as a member of the board of directors of The Charles Schwab Corporation.

Michael Forman’s Assets

Forman’s assets include a diverse portfolio of investments in both public and private companies, as well as real estate holdings. He owns a stake in the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets and has investments in various other sports teams. Forman also owns a number of properties, including a residence in New York City and a vineyard in Napa Valley, California.

Michael Forman’s Annual Income

Forman’s annual income is not publicly disclosed, but it is estimated to be in the tens of millions of dollars. His income comes from a variety of sources, including his investments, his work as a venture capitalist, and his board positions. Additionally, Forman has earned significant income from the sale of his stake in E*TRADE and other investments over the years.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Michael Forman

Michael Forman Net Worth FAQs

What is Michael Forman’s net worth?

Michael Forman’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 billion.

How did Michael Forman make his money?

Michael Forman made his fortune as a co-founder and the CEO of the online real estate marketplace, Compass.

What is Compass?

Compass is a technology-driven real estate platform that provides agents with an end-to-end suite of tools and services to grow their business, while providing buyers and sellers with a comprehensive and innovative real estate experience.

When was Compass founded?

Compass was founded in 2012 by Ori Allon and Michael Forman.

How has Compass grown since its founding?

Compass has grown to become one of the largest and most valuable real estate technology companies in the U.S., with a presence in over 30 regions and more than 19,000 agents.

Has Michael Forman received any awards or recognition for his work?

Yes, Michael Forman has been recognized as a leader in the real estate industry. In 2019, he was named to Inman’s “Innovation Cup” list, which honors individuals who are driving change in the real estate industry.

What is Michael Forman’s educational background?

Michael Forman received his Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of Texas at Austin.

What was Michael Forman’s first job out of college?

After graduation, Michael Forman worked as a software engineer at Google.

What inspired Michael Forman to start Compass?

Michael Forman was inspired to start Compass after experiencing the challenges and inefficiencies of the traditional real estate process while buying and selling properties himself.

What is Michael Forman’s role at Compass today?

Michael Forman serves as the CEO of Compass, overseeing the company’s strategic direction and growth.