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Liemandt
Joseph Liemandt
Rank #598
UNITED STATES•Technology•Software

Joseph Liemandt

Net Worth
$6.598B
0% (24h)
Joseph Liemandt is an American billionaire businessman and entrepreneur, best known as the founder of Trilogy Software and ESW Capital. His career began with dropping out of Stanford University to pursue his entrepreneurial ambitions. At a young age, he gained prominence in the tech industry, appearing on the cover of Forbes magazine and being the youngest self-made member of the Forbes 400 list in 1996. Liemandt's wealth stems from his investments in the software industry. In addition to his business ventures, Liemandt is recognized for his philanthropic efforts, supporting educational institutions and technological innovation.

How to read Joseph Liemandt'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 Joseph Liemandt, 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 $6.598B alongside global rank #598, 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

Joseph Liemandt was born in 1967 or 1968 and is an American entrepreneur. Details about his early life and childhood are not publicly available. He attended Stanford University but dropped out to start Trilogy Software.

Rise to Success

Liemandt founded Trilogy Software in 1989, a software development company that quickly became a leading provider of enterprise software solutions. In 1996, at age 27, he became the youngest self-made person on the Forbes 400 list, with a net worth of $500 million. After leaving Trilogy Software, Liemandt established ESW Capital, a private equity firm focused on investing in technology companies.

Key Business Strategies

ESW Capital, under Liemandt's leadership, has purchased over 100 small U.S. software companies, often moving their workforce to foreign freelance workers. Liemandt's approach involves identifying and optimizing underperforming software assets. He has also been at the forefront of workplace innovation, embracing remote work and implementing data-driven operational models.

Philanthropy

Liemandt directs his philanthropic activities primarily through the ESW Capital Foundation, which supports initiatives in education, healthcare, and social services. He is also an advocate for entrepreneurship and has supported various charitable causes, including donations to educational institutions and organizations focused on technology.

Career Timeline

2006

Moved to Austin

Relocated to Austin, Texas.

1996

Youngest on Forbes 400

Became the youngest self-made person on the Forbes 400 list.

1989

Founded Trilogy Software

Founded software development company.

Philanthropic Impact

Education, Healthcare, Social ServicesInformation not available

ESW Capital Foundation

Supports education, healthcare, and social services.

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life

Joseph Liemandt was born in 1967 or 1968 and is an American entrepreneur. Details about his early life and childhood are not publicly available. He attended Stanford University but dropped out to start Trilogy Software.

Rise to Success

Liemandt founded Trilogy Software in 1989, a software development company that quickly became a leading provider of enterprise software solutions. In 1996, at age 27, he became the youngest self-made person on the Forbes 400 list, with a net worth of $500 million. After leaving Trilogy Software, Liemandt established ESW Capital, a private equity firm focused on investing in technology companies.

Key Business Strategies

ESW Capital, under Liemandt's leadership, has purchased over 100 small U.S. software companies, often moving their workforce to foreign freelance workers. Liemandt's approach involves identifying and optimizing underperforming software assets. He has also been at the forefront of workplace innovation, embracing remote work and implementing data-driven operational models.

Philanthropy

Liemandt directs his philanthropic activities primarily through the ESW Capital Foundation, which supports initiatives in education, healthcare, and social services. He is also an advocate for entrepreneurship and has supported various charitable causes, including donations to educational institutions and organizations focused on technology.

Data Sources & Methodology

Figures for Joseph Liemandt 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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