NetWorth
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Luddy
F
Rank #2829
UNITED STATES•Technology•Software

Frederic Luddy

Net Worth
$1.315B
-0.06% (24h)
Frederic Luddy, born in 1954, is an American billionaire businessman and the founder of ServiceNow, a cloud computing company. His wealth stems from his success in the software industry, particularly through ServiceNow. Luddy dropped out of Indiana University Bloomington to focus on computer programming and embarked on a career that included leadership positions at Amdahl Corporation and Peregrine Systems before founding ServiceNow in 2004. He stepped down as CEO in 2011, later taking an advisory role, but remains on the board. Luddy is also known for his philanthropy, including significant donations to Indiana University. As of March 2024, his net worth is estimated to be $1.3 billion.

How to read Frederic Luddy'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 Frederic Luddy, we anchor the narrative to Software and Software, 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 $1.315B alongside global rank #2829, 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

Frederic Luddy was born in 1954 in New Castle, Indiana. His father was an accountant, and his mother was a Catholic schoolteacher. Luddy showed an early interest in computer programming. He attended Indiana University Bloomington but dropped out after his freshman year to dedicate himself to programming, foregoing traditional classroom learning in favor of hands-on technical work.

Rise to Success

Before founding ServiceNow, Luddy worked at Amdahl Corporation, co-founded Enterprise Software, and served as chief technology officer at Peregrine Systems. However, in 2004, Luddy lost a $35 million stake due to accounting fraud at Peregrine Systems. This setback didn't deter him. Shortly before his 50th birthday, in 2004, Luddy founded ServiceNow. He served as CEO until 2011, and then transitioned to chief product officer and later an advisory role, while staying on the board. ServiceNow went public in 2012.

Key Business Strategies

Luddy's vision for ServiceNow was to provide cloud-based solutions for automating and managing enterprise workflows. His focus was on IT service management, customer service management, and IT operations management. ServiceNow's platform, known as Now, offers a single technology stack for various departments, minimizing digital sprawl. The company's strategies included a focus on strategic partnerships and innovation, and the company has expanded into AI-driven automation.

Philanthropy

Luddy has also been involved in philanthropy. He made a substantial donation to Indiana University, resulting in the naming of Luddy Hall at the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering.

Career Timeline

2023

Received Horatio Alger Award

Recognized for achievements despite facing adversity.

2012

ServiceNow IPO

Took ServiceNow public after turning down acquisition offers.

2004

Founded ServiceNow

Established the cloud computing company.

1972

Began Career

Started working at a machine shop.

Philanthropic Impact

Education$Unknown

Luddy Hall

A building at the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering at Indiana University Bloomington.

Key Business Ventures & Holdings

CompanyStakeValue
ServiceNow0.07%$0.087M

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life

Frederic Luddy was born in 1954 in New Castle, Indiana. His father was an accountant, and his mother was a Catholic schoolteacher. Luddy showed an early interest in computer programming. He attended Indiana University Bloomington but dropped out after his freshman year to dedicate himself to programming, foregoing traditional classroom learning in favor of hands-on technical work.

Rise to Success

Before founding ServiceNow, Luddy worked at Amdahl Corporation, co-founded Enterprise Software, and served as chief technology officer at Peregrine Systems. However, in 2004, Luddy lost a $35 million stake due to accounting fraud at Peregrine Systems. This setback didn't deter him. Shortly before his 50th birthday, in 2004, Luddy founded ServiceNow. He served as CEO until 2011, and then transitioned to chief product officer and later an advisory role, while staying on the board. ServiceNow went public in 2012.

Key Business Strategies

Luddy's vision for ServiceNow was to provide cloud-based solutions for automating and managing enterprise workflows. His focus was on IT service management, customer service management, and IT operations management. ServiceNow's platform, known as Now, offers a single technology stack for various departments, minimizing digital sprawl. The company's strategies included a focus on strategic partnerships and innovation, and the company has expanded into AI-driven automation.

Philanthropy

Luddy has also been involved in philanthropy. He made a substantial donation to Indiana University, resulting in the naming of Luddy Hall at the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering.

Data Sources & Methodology

Figures for Frederic Luddy 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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