LeaderPortfolio
Sun
David Sun
Rank #83
UNITED STATESTechnologyComputer hardware

David Sun

Net Worth
$28.488B
0% (24h)
David Sun is a Taiwanese-American billionaire businessman, best known as the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Kingston Technology Corporation. Born in Taiwan in 1951, Sun immigrated to the United States in 1977. His wealth stems primarily from his ownership stake in Kingston Technology, the world's largest independent manufacturer of memory products. Sun's career in computer hardware began with early roles in hardware design. He co-founded Kingston Technology in 1987 with John Tu, launching the company from a garage to address a shortage of memory chips. His achievements include building Kingston into a global leader. Sun is also recognized for his philanthropic efforts through the Sun Family Foundation.

How to read David Sun'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 Sun, we anchor the narrative to Computer hardware and Computer hardware, 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 $28.488B alongside global rank #83, 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

David Sun was born in Taiwan on October 12, 1951. He earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Tatung University before immigrating to the United States in 1977 with his wife, Diana.

Rise to Success

Sun began his career in the United States as an engineer. In 1987, he co-founded Kingston Technology with John Tu in Fountain Valley, California. The company started in response to a shortage of surface-mount memory chips and developed innovative memory modules. Kingston Technology quickly grew, becoming a global leader in the memory products industry. In 1996, Sun and Tu sold an 80% stake in Kingston to Softbank for $1.5 billion. However, they repurchased the stake in 1999 for $450 million. In 2021, Kingston sold its HyperX gaming division to HP Inc. for $425 million.

Key Business Strategies

Key strategies include a focus on high-quality, affordable memory solutions and a commitment to innovation. Kingston expanded its product lines and established a global presence, serving markets worldwide. The company also implemented a rigorous testing policy and adapted to technological changes.

Philanthropy

David and Diana Sun established the Sun Family Foundation in 1999. The foundation supports education programs for underserved youth in the U.S. and Taiwan. In 2022, they announced a $50 million gift.

Career Timeline

2021

Sold HyperX

Sold the HyperX gaming division to HP Inc.

1999

Repurchased Kingston Stake

Sun and Tu bought back the 80% stake in Kingston from Softbank.

1987

Co-founded Kingston Technology

Co-founded Kingston Technology with John Tu.

1977

Immigrated to the United States

Moved to the United States from Taiwan with his wife.

Philanthropic Impact

Education$50M

Sun Family Foundation

Supports education programs for underserved youth in the U.S. and Taiwan.

Key Business Ventures & Holdings

CompanyStakeValue
Kingston Technology

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life

David Sun was born in Taiwan on October 12, 1951. He earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Tatung University before immigrating to the United States in 1977 with his wife, Diana.

Rise to Success

Sun began his career in the United States as an engineer. In 1987, he co-founded Kingston Technology with John Tu in Fountain Valley, California. The company started in response to a shortage of surface-mount memory chips and developed innovative memory modules. Kingston Technology quickly grew, becoming a global leader in the memory products industry. In 1996, Sun and Tu sold an 80% stake in Kingston to Softbank for $1.5 billion. However, they repurchased the stake in 1999 for $450 million. In 2021, Kingston sold its HyperX gaming division to HP Inc. for $425 million.

Key Business Strategies

Key strategies include a focus on high-quality, affordable memory solutions and a commitment to innovation. Kingston expanded its product lines and established a global presence, serving markets worldwide. The company also implemented a rigorous testing policy and adapted to technological changes.

Philanthropy

David and Diana Sun established the Sun Family Foundation in 1999. The foundation supports education programs for underserved youth in the U.S. and Taiwan. In 2022, they announced a $50 million gift.

Data Sources & Methodology

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