Erik Prince

Date of Birth: June 6, 1969

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Biography

Erik Prince, born Erik Dean Prince, is an American businessman, former U.S. Navy SEAL officer, and founder of the private military company Blackwater USA, now known as Academi. Born into a wealthy family, Prince was instilled with a strong sense of patriotism and business acumen from an early age. After graduating from Hillsdale College, he served as a Navy SEAL, gaining valuable military experience that later influenced his business ventures. In 1997, Prince founded Blackwater USA, which quickly became one of the most prominent private military contractors in the world, providing security services in conflict zones such as Iraq and Afghanistan. His company has been involved in several controversies, including the 2007 Nisour Square incident in Baghdad, which resulted in significant legal and reputational challenges. Following these controversies, Prince sold Blackwater in 2010 and shifted his focus to other ventures, including investment in African resource extraction and security consulting. He has also been involved in various political and philanthropic activities, maintaining a significant presence in both business and security sectors.

5 Interesting Facts about Erik Prince

1. Erik Prince’s father, Edgar Prince, was a successful industrialist and founder of the Prince Corporation, which significantly influenced Erik’s business mindset.

2. He served as a Navy SEAL from 1992 to 1996, participating in several classified missions.

3. Blackwater USA, under Prince’s leadership, secured over $2 billion in government contracts by 2007.

4. Prince has been a vocal advocate for the privatization of military services, often speaking at industry conferences and in the media.

5. He has faced numerous legal challenges and investigations, including allegations of arms smuggling and violations of international law.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Erik Prince

1. “We were building the capability to do what the U.S. government couldn’t.”

2. “The world is a dangerous place, and governments need private sector help.”

3. “You have to break a few eggs to make an omelet.”

4. “Security is not a dirty word; it’s a necessity.”

5. “War is a business, and like any business, it has its risks and rewards.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Erik Prince’s highest net worth is estimated to be around $2.4 billion.

Children

Erik Prince has seven children from two marriages. His first marriage was to Joan Prince, with whom he had four children before her passing. He later married Stacy DeLuke, with whom he has three children.