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Bertarelli
Dona Bertarelli
Rank #520
SWITZERLAND•Healthcare•Biotech and investments

Dona Bertarelli

Net Worth
$7.442B
0% (24h)
Dona Bertarelli, born in Rome in 1968, is a Swiss businesswoman, philanthropist, and ocean advocate. Her wealth stems from biotech and investments, notably the sale of the family's biotech company, Serono. She inherited Serono, a company founded by her father, with her brother, Ernesto. Bertarelli is known for her multifaceted contributions, including her role as co-chair of the Bertarelli Foundation, which focuses on marine conservation and life sciences research. Her career also includes significant achievements in sailing, where she has set records and won prestigious races, and she is the fastest woman to sail around the world. As of June 2024, her net worth is estimated to be $6.2 billion, reflecting her success in business and her commitment to environmental stewardship.

How to read Dona Bertarelli'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 Dona Bertarelli, we anchor the narrative to Biotech and investments and Biotech and investments, 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 $7.442B alongside global rank #520, 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 (SWITZERLAND) 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

Dona Bertarelli was born in Rome, Italy, on March 3, 1968. Her parents are Maria Iris and Fabio Bertarelli. She and her brother, Ernesto Bertarelli, inherited Serono, a biotechnology company founded in 1906 by their grandfather. Dona holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Boston University's College of Communication.

Rise to Success

Bertarelli's wealth is primarily derived from biotech and investments, particularly the sale of the family's biotechnology company, Serono, in 2007. She served as the Executive Director of Public and Professional Affairs at Serono in the 1990s. The Bertarelli family sold Serono to Merck for over $13 billion. Dona and her brother Ernesto split ownership of the family assets.

Key Business Strategies

Dona Bertarelli co-chairs the Bertarelli Foundation, which focuses on marine conservation and life sciences research. The family's B-Flexion Group invests in diverse areas, including commercial real estate, technology, and drug companies. She also founded Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy, which supports initiatives in advocacy, education, science, technology, and community-driven projects, with a strong focus on environmental conservation.

Philanthropy

Bertarelli is deeply involved in philanthropy, co-chairing the Bertarelli Foundation, which promotes scientific, social, and economic knowledge in reproductive health and infertility. In 2021, the Bertarelli Rare Cancers Fund supported $15 million in research projects. She also founded the Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy, working with The Pew Charitable Trusts to advance ocean conservation.

Career Timeline

2016

Jules Verne Trophy

Fastest woman to sail around the world.

2013

America Discovery Route Record

Set a new record for the America Discovery Route.

2013

Rolex Fastnet Race

Won the Rolex Fastnet Race.

2010

Bol d'Or Mirabaud

Won the Bol d'Or Mirabaud sailing race.

1999

Co-founder

Co-founded the Bertarelli Foundation.

1992

Executive Director

Executive Director of Public and Professional Affairs at Serono.

Philanthropic Impact

Marine Conservation, Scientific ResearchUndisclosed

Bertarelli Foundation

Focuses on marine conservation, life sciences research, and support for local educational and community projects.

Ocean ConservationUndisclosed

Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy

Advances ocean conservation.

Environmental ConservationUndisclosed

Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy

Supports biodiversity initiatives and a healthy balance between people and nature.

Cancer Research$15M

Bertarelli Rare Cancers Fund

Supported research projects and community building in 2021.

Key Business Ventures & Holdings

CompanyStakeValue
B-Flexion——

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life and Education

Dona Bertarelli was born in Rome, Italy, on March 3, 1968. Her parents are Maria Iris and Fabio Bertarelli. She and her brother, Ernesto Bertarelli, inherited Serono, a biotechnology company founded in 1906 by their grandfather. Dona holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Boston University's College of Communication.

Rise to Success

Bertarelli's wealth is primarily derived from biotech and investments, particularly the sale of the family's biotechnology company, Serono, in 2007. She served as the Executive Director of Public and Professional Affairs at Serono in the 1990s. The Bertarelli family sold Serono to Merck for over $13 billion. Dona and her brother Ernesto split ownership of the family assets.

Key Business Strategies

Dona Bertarelli co-chairs the Bertarelli Foundation, which focuses on marine conservation and life sciences research. The family's B-Flexion Group invests in diverse areas, including commercial real estate, technology, and drug companies. She also founded Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy, which supports initiatives in advocacy, education, science, technology, and community-driven projects, with a strong focus on environmental conservation.

Philanthropy

Bertarelli is deeply involved in philanthropy, co-chairing the Bertarelli Foundation, which promotes scientific, social, and economic knowledge in reproductive health and infertility. In 2021, the Bertarelli Rare Cancers Fund supported $15 million in research projects. She also founded the Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy, working with The Pew Charitable Trusts to advance ocean conservation.

Data Sources & Methodology

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

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