Date of Birth: January 18, 1963
Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
Biography
Ted Waitt is an American businessman best known for co-founding Gateway, Inc., a notable computer hardware company, in 1985. Born and raised in Sioux City, Iowa, Waitt pursued higher education at the University of Iowa, though he left before completing his degree to focus on his entrepreneurial ambitions. Alongside Mike Hammond, he started Gateway in a farmhouse, initially targeting the agricultural market with innovative and affordable personal computers. The company quickly expanded, gaining recognition for its distinctive cow-spotted boxes and direct-to-consumer sales model, which was revolutionary at the time. Under Waitt’s leadership, Gateway grew into a multibillion-dollar enterprise, becoming one of the leading PC manufacturers in the 1990s. After stepping down as CEO in 2005, Waitt transitioned to philanthropy and investment, founding the Waitt Foundation, which focuses on ocean conservation and other global issues. He has also been involved in various ventures through his investment firm, Avalon Capital Group.
5 Interesting Facts about Ted Waitt
1. Ted Waitt co-founded Gateway, Inc. at the age of 22.
2. Gateway was one of the first companies to sell PCs directly to consumers, bypassing traditional retail channels.
3. Waitt is a significant philanthropist, with his Waitt Foundation donating millions to ocean conservation efforts.
4. He played a role in the 2011 documentary film “The Last Mountain,” which explores environmental issues related to coal mining.
5. In addition to his tech ventures, Waitt has invested in real estate, entertainment, and biotechnology through Avalon Capital Group.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ted Waitt
1. “The world is changing, and we need to change with it.”
2. “Innovation is not just about creating something new; it’s about rethinking how we do everything.”
3. “Success is not measured by what you achieve, but by the positive impact you make on others.”
4. “Entrepreneurship is about taking risks, but smart risks based on calculated decisions.”
5. “Our oceans are vital to our planet’s health, and we must take action to protect them.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Ted Waitt’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $1.4 billion.
Children
Ted Waitt has four children.
Relevant Links
1. [Forbes Profile](https://www.forbes.com/profile/ted-waitt/
2. [Waitt Foundation](https://www.waittfoundation.org/
3. [Gateway, Inc. History](https://www.computerhistory.org/bios/ted-waitt/
4. [Avalon Capital Group](https://www.avalon.com/
5. [The Last Mountain Film](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1787816/
