Who Is Chamath Palihapitiya? Age, Biography and Wiki
Chamath Palihapitiya was born on September 3, 1976, making him 48 years old in 2025. Born in Sri Lanka and later emigrating to Canada at the age of six, Chamath quickly rose to prominence in Silicon Valley. He was an early executive at Facebook, where he helped grow the platform to billions of users. Chamath is also known for founding Social Capital, a venture capital firm that invests in companies with potential to generate substantial social change.
| Occupation | Entrepreneur |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 3, 1976 |
| Age | 48 Years |
| Birth Place | Galle, Sri Lanka |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | Sri Lanka |
Popularity
Chamath Palihapitiya's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Standing at approximately 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm), Chamath Palihapitiya has a commanding presence. His weight is estimated to be around 185 pounds (84 kg). Although precise body measurements are not publicly disclosed, he maintains a fit physique that he attributes to a balanced lifestyle and regular physical activity.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Chamath Palihapitiya keeps much of his personal life private, but his family has always been a priority. Although Chamath is known for his business ventures, he was previously married, and his relationship status has drawn attention over the years. As of 2025, he has been rumored to be dating entrepreneur and author Olivia Fox Cabane, although neither has confirmed the relationship publicly.
Born in Sri Lanka to a family from Galle, Palihapitiya moved to Canada at age five when his father was posted to the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Ottawa. In 1986, when his father's diplomatic posting came to an end, the family sought asylum in Canada due to his father's criticism of violence against Tamils during the Sri Lankan Civil War.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Chamath Palihapitiya's net worth is estimated to be around $1 billion. His wealth has been accrued through savvy investments in technology companies like Slack, Box, and Virgin Galactic. Additionally, his SPAC (Special Purpose Acquisition Company) ventures have further solidified his financial position, marking him as one of the prominent figures in the startup ecosystem.
Palihapitiya was listed as one of the "Founders" of the lobbying group FWD.us. The group launched on 11 April 2013, and its goals include immigration reform, improving education, and enabling technological innovation, all in a United States context.
An article in The New Republic stated that Palihapitiya received a weekly report about FWD.us and also quoted him as saying, in response to controversy around the FWD.us political lobbying strategy: "The folks that are actually people that run that day to day are sophisticated and understand the nuances of how to affect it...
It's a really gnarly, gnarly thing having to deal with Washington. And to be honest with you, my perspective was, it's a really good investment because it's a good way to pay it forward, and I'm really glad there are other people other than me who are dealing with it who have the patience and resolve to figure it out."
Career, Business and Investments
Chamath's career trajectory has been marked by pivotal moments. After leaving Facebook, he founded Social Capital and focused on investing in healthcare, education, and financial services. His distinct approach to venture capital emphasizes the importance of social impact alongside financial returns. In recent years, Palihapitiya has also gained attention for his outspoken views on technology ethics, data privacy, and investment strategies in emerging markets.
In 2018, Social Capital underwent significant changes, transitioning from a multi-LP venture capital fund to a family office structure.
Since then, Social Capital has made investments in three areas: climate science, life sciences, and biotechnology, and the decentralization of the digital economy through platforms such as blockchain, crypto, and digital assets. Palihapitiya manages from a balance sheet of permanent capital.
Social Network
Chamath is an active presence on various social media platforms, leveraging his influence to discuss technology trends, investment opportunities, and social issues. Following him on Twitter (@chamath) and LinkedIn allows followers to stay updated on his insights and opinions. His candid communications often spark discussions within the tech community, making him a significant figure to follow.
Chamath Palihapitiya (born 3 September 1976) is a Sri Lankan-born Canadian-American venture capitalist and entrepreneur. He is the founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of Social Capital, and previously served as an early senior executive at Facebook from 2007 to 2011.
Palihapitiya is known for his venture capital investments, work with Special-purpose acquisition companies (SPACs), his minority ownership in the Golden State Warriors, and as a co-host of the business and technology podcast All-In.
Education
Chamath Palihapitiya graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Waterloo in Canada. His educational background laid a strong foundation for his future in tech and entrepreneurship. His continued learning and adaptation to the evolving tech landscape have been key to his enduring success in the industry.
In 2010, Palihapitiya acquired a 10% stake in the Golden State Warriors; he sold his stake in the team in June 2023, remains a minority stakeholder and board member of the team. Palihapitiya has donated consistently to his alma mater, the University of Waterloo, including a $25 million donation to the engineering department in 2018.
In 2021, he donated $7 million to provide clean drinking water to 1,000 families in California's Central Valley through hydropanels technology.
