LeaderPortfolio
Adelman
David Adelman
Rank #1703
UNITED STATESDiversifiedReal estate, asset management

David Adelman

Net Worth
$2.41B
0% (24h)
David Adelman is an American businessman and entrepreneur, with a net worth of $2.3 billion as of March 2026. His wealth stems from real estate and asset management. Adelman is the CEO of Campus Apartments, one of the largest providers of student housing in the United States, and co-founder of FS Investments, an alternative investment firm. He also founded Darco Capital, his family office investment vehicle. Adelman is also a partner in Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, which owns the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils, and is spearheading the 76 Place arena project in Philadelphia.

How to read David Adelman's profile

Public net-worth figures are estimates. They combine observable inputs—typically listed equity, disclosed transactions, and market prices—with editorial judgment where filings are incomplete (for example, private holdings, debt, or cross-holdings). For David Adelman, we anchor the narrative to Real estate and Real estate, asset management, then update the headline number as markets move. The chart on this page is meant to show trajectory, not a certified balance sheet.

When you see $2.41B alongside global rank #1703, interpret it as our best synthesis of widely cited ownership and price signals—not a claim about cash on hand. Estimates can diverge from other publishers because of different treatment of options, trusts, charitable vehicles, or illiquid assets. We document the general approach in methodology and welcome corrections via corrections.

Country (UNITED STATES) and career milestones on this page are curated for reader context; they should be verified against primary sources when used for research. Editorial metadata for this profile is refreshed on a rolling basis, with deeper audits at least annually (last noted cycle: 2026).

Looking for depth? When available, the dossier and timeline sections below add long-form context beyond the headline number—prioritize those modules when evaluating claims about strategy, controversies, or philanthropic commitments.

The Full Dossier

Early Life and Education

David Adelman was born on March 11, 1972, and raised in Penn Valley, Pennsylvania, to a Jewish family. His grandfather was a Holocaust survivor. Adelman's entrepreneurial journey began early. At 13, he invested $2,000 of his bar mitzvah money in Campus Apartments, guided by his mentor, Alan Horwitz, the founder of Campus Apartments. Adelman attended Ohio State University, graduating in 1994 with a degree in Political Science.

Rise to Success

Adelman's career took off when he became CEO of Campus Apartments in 1997 at age 25. Under his leadership, Campus Apartments expanded significantly. Adelman also co-founded FS Investments, an alternative investment firm that manages billions in assets. In 2013, Adelman led a $30 million investment in the private aviation company Wheels Up. In 2022, Adelman bought a 10% ownership stake in Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment. Adelman is also the founder of Darco Capital, his family office investment vehicle.

Key Business Strategies

Adelman has focused on strategic investments in real estate, student housing, and alternative investments, as well as ventures into sports and entertainment. He expanded Campus Apartments to include properties at numerous schools. Adelman's investments through Darco Capital span multiple sectors, including climate tech, spirits, fintech, and consumer brands.

Philanthropy

Adelman is actively involved in philanthropy, supporting various Jewish organizations. He is the former chairman of the Philadelphia Holocaust Remembrance Foundation and serves on the board of the USC Shoah Foundation.

Career Timeline

2022

Purchased stake in Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment

Bought a 10% ownership stake in the company, which owns the 76ers and New Jersey Devils.

2007

Co-founded FS Investments

Co-founded FS Investments, an alternative investment firm.

1997

CEO of Campus Apartments

Became CEO of Campus Apartments at age 25, expanding the company nationwide.

Philanthropic Impact

Holocaust RemembranceUndisclosed

Philadelphia Holocaust Remembrance Foundation

Former chairman and led the development of The Horwitz-Wasserman Holocaust Memorial Plaza.

Jewish CausesUndisclosed

Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia

Serves as Co-chair.

Key Business Ventures & Holdings

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life and Education

David Adelman was born on March 11, 1972, and raised in Penn Valley, Pennsylvania, to a Jewish family. His grandfather was a Holocaust survivor. Adelman's entrepreneurial journey began early. At 13, he invested $2,000 of his bar mitzvah money in Campus Apartments, guided by his mentor, Alan Horwitz, the founder of Campus Apartments. Adelman attended Ohio State University, graduating in 1994 with a degree in Political Science.

Rise to Success

Adelman's career took off when he became CEO of Campus Apartments in 1997 at age 25. Under his leadership, Campus Apartments expanded significantly. Adelman also co-founded FS Investments, an alternative investment firm that manages billions in assets. In 2013, Adelman led a $30 million investment in the private aviation company Wheels Up. In 2022, Adelman bought a 10% ownership stake in Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment. Adelman is also the founder of Darco Capital, his family office investment vehicle.

Key Business Strategies

Adelman has focused on strategic investments in real estate, student housing, and alternative investments, as well as ventures into sports and entertainment. He expanded Campus Apartments to include properties at numerous schools. Adelman's investments through Darco Capital span multiple sectors, including climate tech, spirits, fintech, and consumer brands.

Philanthropy

Adelman is actively involved in philanthropy, supporting various Jewish organizations. He is the former chairman of the Philadelphia Holocaust Remembrance Foundation and serves on the board of the USC Shoah Foundation.

Data Sources & Methodology

Figures for David Adelman are synthesized from the sources below and cross-checked against our net worth methodology. Estimates may lag market moves; see corrections to report discrepancies.