Who Is Mark Shuttleworth? Age, Biography and Wiki
Mark Shuttleworth was born on September 18, 1973, in Welkom, South Africa. At 51 years old, Shuttleworth has made significant contributions as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and space tourist. He is widely recognized for becoming the first African in space in April 2002 when he flew to the International Space Station aboard the Soyuz TM-34. In addition to his space exploits, Shuttleworth is the founder of Canonical Ltd., the company behind the popular Ubuntu operating system, which has transformed the landscape of open-source software.
| Occupation | Entrepreneur |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 18, 1973 |
| Age | 51 Years |
| Birth Place | Welkom, Orange Free State, South Africa |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | South Africa |
Popularity
Mark Shuttleworth's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
As of 2025, Mark Shuttleworth stands at approximately 6 feet (183 cm) tall and weighs around 180 lbs (82 kg). His athletic build can be attributed to his passion for adventure and outdoor activities, which he continues to pursue as an advocate for technology and exploration.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Mark Shuttleworth has maintained a relatively private personal life. He is known to be single as of 2025, focusing on his entrepreneurial ventures and philanthropic efforts rather than pursuing high-profile relationships. While details about his past romantic relationships are scarce, he remains a figure of interest for many, owing to his adventurous spirit and ambitious career.
On 15 October 2006, Mark Shuttleworth became the first patron of KDE, the highest level of commercial sponsorship available. This relationship and financial support for Kubuntu (the Ubuntu variant using KDE as the main desktop) ended in 2012.
Net Worth and Salary
Mark Shuttleworth's net worth is estimated to be around $200 million as of 2025. His wealth primarily comes from his successful ventures in technology, particularly in the development and promotion of the Ubuntu operating system. Shuttleworth has also made substantial investments in various tech startups, contributing to his impressive financial portfolio.
When moving R2.5 billion in capital from South Africa to the Isle of Man, the South African Reserve Bank imposed a R250 million levy to release his assets. Shuttleworth successfully sued the Reserve Bank in the Supreme Court of Appeal to have the levy returned.
However, on 18 June 2015, the Constitutional Court of South Africa reversed the lower courts' ruling, finding that the primary purpose of an exit charge was to regulate conduct rather than raise revenue. The court held "...that the exit charge was not inconsistent with the Constitution.
The dominant purpose of the exit charge was not to raise revenue but rather to regulate conduct by discouraging the export of capital to protect the domestic economy."
Career, Business and Investments
Throughout his career, Mark Shuttleworth has played a pivotal role in the tech industry. After his mission to space, he founded Canonical Ltd. in 2004, which has since evolved into a significant player in the world of open-source software. In addition to Ubuntu, Shuttleworth has been involved in various other ventures, including investment projects focused on technology and education in Africa. His commitment to innovation extends to supporting initiatives aimed at addressing social and economic challenges on the continent.
Mark Richard Shuttleworth (born 18 September 1973) is a South African and British entrepreneur, founder and CEO of Canonical, the company behind the Ubuntu Linux operating system. In 2002, Shuttleworth became the first African to travel to space, doing so as a space tourist. He holds dual citizenship from South Africa and the United Kingdom.
As of 2020, the Sunday Times Rich List estimated Shuttleworth's worth at £500 million.
Social Network
Mark Shuttleworth is active on various social media platforms where he shares updates about his projects, interests, and insights on technology. He can be found on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn, where he engages with fans, aspiring entrepreneurs, and tech enthusiasts. His online presence helps inspire the next generation of innovators and adventurers.
Education
Mark Shuttleworth attended the University of Cape Town, where he earned a degree in finance and information systems. His educational background laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial pursuits, allowing him to merge technology with sound business practices. Shuttleworth’s commitment to education continues to influence his philanthropic projects, as he advocates for improved access to learning opportunities in South Africa and beyond.
