Who Is Pierre Omidyar? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Pierre Omidyar was born on June 21, 1967, which makes him 57 years old as of 2025. He is a prominent entrepreneur, philanthropist, and the founder of eBay, the online auction and shopping website that revolutionized e-commerce in the late 1990s. Born to Iranian parents in Paris and raised in the United States, he studied computer science at Tufts University, laying the groundwork for his future success. Omidyar's journey from a software developer to a billionaire entrepreneur is both inspiring and noteworthy.
| Occupation | Entrepreneur |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 21, 1967 |
| Age | 57 Years |
| Birth Place | Paris, France |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Country | France |
Popularity
Pierre Omidyar's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Pierre Omidyar's height is approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm), and his weight is around 165 lbs (75 kg). His body stats and measurements are quite average for his age, reflecting a healthy and active lifestyle.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Pierre Omidyar is known to maintain a low profile regarding his personal life. He is married to Pam Omidyar, and together they have two children. The couple has been supportive of each other’s philanthropic endeavors and continues to be active in charitable contributions through the Omidyar Network. There are currently no public records or credible rumors about any extramarital relationships or dating outside his marriage.
Pierre Morad Omidyar (born Parviz Morad Omidyar, June 21, 1967) is a French-born Iranian-American billionaire and the grandson of General Mahmud Mir-Djalali. A technology entrepreneur, software engineer, and philanthropist, he is the founder of eBay, where he served as chairman from 1998 to 2015.
Omidyar and his wife Pamela founded Omidyar Network in 2004. As of 2023, Forbes ranked Omidyar as the 245th-richest person in the world with an estimated net worth of $8.7 billion.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Pierre Omidyar's net worth is estimated to be around $25 billion, making him one of the wealthiest individuals globally. Much of his wealth comes from the success of eBay and various investments in technology and social enterprises. His salary specifics remain undisclosed, but his investments continue to grow as he actively engages in venture capital and philanthropy.
The first item sold on the eBay site was a broken laser pointer. Omidyar was astonished that anyone would pay for a broken device, but the buyer assured him that he was deliberately collecting broken laser pointers. Similar surprises followed. The business exploded as correspondents began registering a wide variety of trade goods.
Career, Business, and Investments
Pierre Omidyar has had a profound impact on the technology landscape, and his career is marked by his innovative approach to business. After founding eBay in 1995, Omidyar transformed how people buy and sell goods online. In addition to eBay, Omidyar has invested in various startups and initiatives focusing on social impact and technology. He launched the Omidyar Network, a philanthropic investment firm, dedicated to fostering economic and social advancement. His investments span across sectors including education, governance, and financial inclusion, continuing to make significant contributions to society.
Shortly after studying at Tufts, Omidyar started working for Claris, an Apple Computer subsidiary. He worked with the team that upgraded MacDraw to MacDraw II. In 1991, he co-founded Ink Development, a pen-based computing startup that later was rebranded as an e-commerce company and renamed eShop Inc.
Social Network
Pierre Omidyar maintains an active presence on social media, although he prefers to keep his personal accounts fairly private. He is known to share insights on entrepreneurship, innovation, and philanthropic efforts, mainly through platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn. His work with the Omidyar Network is often highlighted in various social impact forums, where he advocates for the responsible use of technology.
In 1997, Omidyar changed the company's name from AuctionWeb to eBay and began advertising the service aggressively. The name "eBay" was his second choice. His first choice was registered to a Canadian mining company, Echo Bay Mines. He originally wanted Echo Bay, the name of a recreational area near Lake Mead, Nevada, because it "sounded cool".
The frequently repeated story that eBay was founded to help Omidyar's fiancée trade Pez candy dispensers was fabricated by a public relations manager in 1997 to interest the media. This was revealed in Adam Cohen's 2002 book The Perfect Store, and confirmed by eBay.
Education
Omidyar completed his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Tufts University in Massachusetts. His education provided him with a solid foundation in technology and entrepreneurship, which he leveraged to build eBay and later his philanthropic ventures. He often emphasizes the importance of education and investment in social entrepreneurial initiatives, aiming to inspire the next generation of innovators.
Pierre Omidyar’s multifaceted career and philanthropic spirit have made him a respected figure in both the business and social sectors. As he continues to influence the world, his story remains a testament to the power of innovation and commitment to social good.
Omidyar attended Punahou School in Honolulu for two years. (He now serves on its board of trustees). His interest in computers began while he was a ninth-grade student at The Potomac School in McLean, Virginia. He graduated in 1984 from St. Andrew's Episcopal School, Potomac, Maryland, then entered Tufts University where he majored in computer science and graduated in 1988.
