Through decades of invention in the computer sector, Broadcom Corporation co-founder Henry Samueli has amassed an incredible wealth. He is thought to be valued around $6.2 billion as of 2025. Samueli is a well-known engineer and businessman whose fortune is mostly derived from Broadcom’s achievements in the semiconductor industry. In addition to his commercial endeavours, he is well-known for his substantial charitable contributions, which have included millions of dollars for scientific research, healthcare, and education. To further diversify his holdings, Samueli is also the owner of the Anaheim Ducks of the NHL. His rise from university to billionaire status demonstrates the potent fusion of technical know-how and inspirational leadership.
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Henry Samueli’s Family: Meet His Wife and Children
Susan Samueli, a well-known entrepreneur and philanthropist, is Henry Samueli’s wife. They have forged a solid alliance in life as well as in philanthropic pursuits, most notably via the Samueli Foundation, which funds community, health, and education projects. With a background in health sciences, Susan has been instrumental in the family’s charitable endeavours. Despite keeping their personal lives largely discreet, the couple has three children. The Samueli family’s enduring influence in the business sector and in their community projects is shaped by their beliefs, which place a strong emphasis on education, creativity, and giving back to the community.
Early Life and Education
On September 20, 1954, Henry Samueli was born in Buffalo, New York, to Polish-Jewish immigrants. After his family relocated to California, Samueli became interested in engineering and electronics at a young age. Samueli followed this interest academically with the support of his father, who was also an engineer.
In 1975, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He remained at UCLA for his master’s and doctorate degrees, receiving his Ph.D. in 1980 under the guidance of Professor Alan Willson, demonstrating a natural affinity for the topic. Samueli laid the groundwork for his subsequent inventions with his dissertation, which concentrated on the area of communication networks.
Career and the Founding of Broadcom
Following his degree, Samueli started working as a consultant in the electronics sector and teaching at UCLA. His consulting and research efforts resulted in a partnership with Henry Nicholas, a former pupil. The two established Broadcom Corporation in 1991, originally running the business from Nicholas’ Redondo Beach, California, home.
Broadcom made a name for itself right away by developing innovative broadband communication solutions. In the 1990s and early 2000s, the business was instrumental in the expansion of the internet by creating chips that allowed for quicker internet connections. Broadcom transformed technologies such as cable modems, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular technology under Samueli’s technical direction as Chief Technology Officer.
After going public in 1998, the business grew at one of Silicon Valley’s quickest rates. Broadcom was able to withstand industry hurdles and rivalry thanks to Samueli’s strategic commercial acumen and extensive technical understanding. Avago Technologies paid $37 billion to purchase Broadcom in 2016, and the combined business kept the Broadcom moniker while continuing to dominate the semiconductor industry.
Commitment to Education and Philanthropy
Henry Samueli maintained his ties to science and education despite his tremendous commercial success. He and his spouse, Susan, founded the Samueli Foundation in 1999 with the goal of promoting Jewish culture and values, health, education, and youth programs. Their charitable endeavours demonstrate a comprehensive goal of empowering people and enhancing communities.
Samueli’s support for higher education is among his most noteworthy charitable endeavours. He gave $20 million to the School of Engineering at UCLA in 1999; the school then changed its name to the UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science. The UC Irvine Henry Samueli School of Engineering was named after the Samuelis’ groundbreaking $30 million donation to the University of California, Irvine’s engineering school in 2007.
Public health has also received significant funding from the Samueli Foundation. In order to establish the Susan and Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences at the University of California, Irvine, Henry and Susan Samueli committed $200 million in 2017. Through the integration of conventional and alternative medicine approaches, this historic bequest sought to advance a holistic approach to health and wellness.
Other Ventures and Interests
In addition to his contributions to philanthropy and technology, Henry Samueli has established himself in the sports industry. He and Susan Samueli acquired the National Hockey League (NHL) franchise, the Anaheim Ducks, in 2005. The Ducks’ first Stanley Cup victory in 2007 under their ownership cemented the Samuelis’ standing as ardent and successful club owners.
There has been some controversy surrounding Henry Samueli’s business endeavours. He was challenged in court in 2008 for backdating of Broadcom stock options. Although the allegation was eventually dropped in 2009, he entered a guilty plea to a single count of lying to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Samueli’s reputation mostly rebounded despite this setback because of his unwavering dedication to moral leadership and charitable giving.
Henry Samueli: From Engineer to Tech Mogul
Henry Samueli’s transformation from a talented engineer to a multibillionaire businessman is evidence of his foresight, creativity, and commitment. He transformed the semiconductor business as a co-founder of Broadcom, becoming one of the most significant individuals in Silicon Valley. Beyond his commercial successes, Samueli’s legacy is highlighted by his dedication to education and philanthropy. His enduring contributions to sports, technology, and philanthropy have influenced not just the IT industry but also the communities he supports. Samueli’s tale is a motivational illustration of how intelligence, drive, and kindness can forge a lasting legacy.
