Early Life and Education

Jimmy Wales, born on August 7, 1966, in Huntsville, Alabama, is an American internet entrepreneur and the co-founder of Wikipedia. He showed an early interest in computers and technology, which led him to study finance at Auburn University. After graduating, he worked as a research director at Chicago Options Associates before pursuing his passion for the internet.

Career and Achievements

In 2001, Wales co-founded Wikipedia, a free online encyclopedia that has become one of the most popular websites in the world. He has been a staunch advocate for free knowledge and open access to information, leading him to create the Wikimedia Foundation in 2003. Under his leadership, Wikipedia has grown to over 50 million articles in more than 300 languages.

Wales has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the internet and knowledge sharing. In 2006, he was named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world. He has also been awarded honorary doctorates from several universities for his work in advancing education through technology.

Net Worth

As of 2024, Jimmy Wales' net worth is estimated to be around $1 billion. His wealth comes from his stake in Wikipedia and other ventures in the tech industry. Despite his success, Wales remains committed to his vision of providing free access to knowledge for everyone.

Personal Life

Jimmy Wales is married to Kate Garvey, a former aide to British Prime Minister Tony Blair. They have two children together and reside in London. In his spare time, Wales enjoys playing chess and reading books on a wide range of subjects.

Conclusion

Jimmy Wales is a trailblazer in the world of technology and information sharing. His dedication to providing free knowledge through Wikipedia has revolutionized how we access information online. With a net worth of $1 billion and a legacy that continues to grow, Wales' impact on the internet is undeniable.