Warren Edward Buffett is an American investor, businessman, and philanthropist, widely regarded as one of the most successful investors in the world. He was born on August 30, 1930, in Omaha, Nebraska. Buffett is the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, a multinational conglomerate holding company, which he transformed from a struggling textile firm into a diversified investment powerhouse
. Buffett developed an interest in business and investing at a young age, buying his first stock at age 11. He studied at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, graduated from the University of Nebraska, and earned a master's degree in economics from Columbia Business School, where he adopted the value investing philosophy pioneered by Benjamin Graham
. Known as the "Oracle of Omaha," Buffett is famous for his long-term, value- oriented investment approach. He has amassed a personal fortune estimated at around $160 billion as of May 2025, making him one of the richest people globally
. Despite his wealth, Buffett is noted for his frugality and philanthropic commitment, having pledged to give away 99% of his fortune primarily through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and co-founding the Giving Pledge initiative to encourage billionaires to donate at least half their wealth to charity
. Buffett's leadership at Berkshire Hathaway since 1970 has made it one of the world's leading corporate conglomerates. His long-time business partner Charlie Munger has served as vice-chairman since 1978. Buffett remains a highly influential figure in finance and philanthropy
