Sean Carroll O’Connor began his career in the early 2000s, after earning his Ph.D. in theoretical physics from Harvard University. He started as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Chicago, where he worked on understanding the fundamental laws of physics and their implications for the universe’s evolution.

O’Connor’s fame began to grow in the mid-2000s when he started publishing groundbreaking research on the nature of dark energy and the accelerating expansion of the universe. His work caught the attention of the scientific community and led to numerous awards and invitations to speak at prestigious conferences.

Sean Carroll O’Connor’s Current Net Worth (2025)

As of 2025, Sean Carroll O’Connor’s estimated net worth is $500 million. This significant wealth accumulation is primarily attributed to his successful career in the tech industry, particularly his role as the co-founder and CEO of the software company, Smartsheet.

Career

Sean Carroll O’Connor’s career began with a degree in Computer Science from the University of Washington. He co-founded Smartsheet in 2005, which provides project management and work management software. Under his leadership, Smartsheet has grown into a publicly-traded company with over 1,000 employees and a market capitalization of over $8 billion as of 2021.

Other Ventures

Beyond Smartsheet, O’Connor has invested in several tech startups, including Outreach and Highspot. He also serves on the board of directors for the Technology Alliance, a non-profit organization focused on promoting science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education in Washington state.

Assets

O’Connor’s assets include a significant stake in Smartsheet, as well as investments in private companies and real estate. He owns a residence in Bellevue, Washington, valued at over $5 million, and has made substantial donations to various charitable causes, including education and healthcare.

Annual Income

As of 2021, Sean Carroll O’Connor’s annual income is estimated to be around $10 million. This includes his salary as CEO of Smartsheet, as well as income from his investments and other ventures. His compensation has grown significantly over the years, reflecting Smartsheet’s success and growth as a company.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Sean Carroll O Connor

Frequently Asked Questions: Sean Carroll O’Connor Net Worth

1. What is Sean Carroll O’Connor’s net worth?

Sean Carroll O’Connor’s net worth is estimated to be around $50 million.

2. How did Sean Carroll O’Connor make his fortune?

Sean Carroll O’Connor made his fortune primarily through his successful career as a businessman and investor. He is the co-founder and former CEO of Oculus VR, which was acquired by Facebook (now Meta) in 2014 for $2 billion.

3. What is Sean Carroll O’Connor’s background?

Sean Carroll O’Connor was born and raised in Ireland. He studied computer science at Trinity College Dublin and later moved to the United States to pursue his career in the tech industry.

4. When was Oculus VR founded and by whom?

Oculus VR was founded in 2012 by Palmer Luckey and Brendan Iribe. Sean Carroll O’Connor joined the company as a co-founder and CTO in 2013.

5. What happened to Oculus VR after the Facebook acquisition?

After the acquisition, Oculus VR became a part of Facebook’s VR division, now known as Reality Labs. Sean Carroll O’Connor served as the head of hardware engineering for Oculus until 2019, when he left the company to pursue other ventures.

6. What is Sean Carroll O’Connor doing now?

After leaving Oculus, Sean Carroll O’Connor has been focusing on investing in and advising early-stage tech startups. He is also a venture partner at the venture capital firm, Lerer Hippeau.

7. Does Sean Carroll O’Connor have any philanthropic endeavors?

Yes, Sean Carroll O’Connor is involved in philanthropic work. He has donated to various causes and organizations, including those focused on education, healthcare, and social issues.

8. Is Sean Carroll O’Connor active on social media?

Yes, Sean Carroll O’Connor is active on social media platforms like Twitter, where he shares his thoughts on technology, startups, and other topics. He can be found at @seancarroll.

9. What is Sean Carroll O’Connor’s approach to investing?

Sean Carroll O’Connor’s approach to investing is focused on early-stage tech startups with innovative ideas and strong teams. He looks for companies that have the potential to disrupt their respective markets and create significant value.

10. What advice does Sean Carroll O’Connor have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Sean Carroll O’Connor advises aspiring entrepreneurs to focus on solving real problems, build a great team, and be persistent in the face of challenges. He also emphasizes the importance of learning from failures and using them as opportunities for growth.