Nolan Bushnell

Date of Birth: February 5, 1943

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Biography

Nolan Bushnell is an American businessman and electrical engineer, renowned for his pioneering role in the video game industry and as a founder of Atari, Inc. Born on February 5, 1943, in Clearfield, Utah, Bushnell’s interest in engineering and innovation began at a young age. He graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in electrical engineering, where he was introduced to computer science and graphics. In 1972, Bushnell co-founded Atari, Inc. with Ted Dabney, and they released the first commercially successful video game, “Pong.” This landmark moment is often credited with launching the video game industry as we know it today. Atari’s success brought Bushnell significant fame and fortune, and he continued to innovate in the entertainment sector. After leaving Atari in 1978, Bushnell founded Chuck E. Cheese’s Pizza Time Theatre, combining dining with video games and robotic entertainment. This venture also proved successful and became a staple of family entertainment in the United States. Bushnell has founded more than twenty companies over his career, including Catalyst Technologies, one of the earliest business incubators, and uWink, a touch-screen entertainment dining experience. He has been honored with numerous awards, including the BAFTA Fellowship and induction into the Video Game Hall of Fame.

5 Interesting Facts about Nolan Bushnell

1. Nolan Bushnell’s Atari, Inc. was the first company to hire Steve Jobs, who later co-founded Apple Inc.

2. Bushnell was named one of Newsweek’s “50 Men Who Changed America.”

3. He authored the book “Finding the Next Steve Jobs: How to Find, Keep, and Nurture Creative Talent.”

4. Bushnell was a pioneer in the concept of a business incubator with his company Catalyst Technologies.

5. He received the 2014 BAFTA Fellowship for his contributions to the video game industry.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Nolan Bushnell

1. “The best ideas lose their owners and take on lives of their own.”

2. “Everyone who has ever taken a shower has had an idea. It’s the person who gets out of the shower, dries off, and does something about it who makes a difference.”

3. “The critical ingredient is getting off your butt and doing something. It’s as simple as that. A lot of people have ideas, but there are few who decide to do something about them now. Not tomorrow. Not next week. But today.”

4. “Innovation is the calling card of the future.”

5. “The ultimate inspiration is the deadline.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Nolan Bushnell’s net worth was estimated to be around $50 million.

Children

Nolan Bushnell has eight children. His large family has been a significant part of his life, and he has often spoken about balancing his professional and personal responsibilities.