Michael Dell is a famous American business executive and technology entrepreneur with an astonishing net worth of $112 billion at the age of 59. The journey of the owners of Dell Technologies is: nothing short of remarkable. As the sole owner of Merck Capital and a major shareholder of Dell Technologies, Dell's influence extends far beyond personal computers.
The Origins of Dell Technologies
Michael Saul Dell was born on February 23, 1965 in Houston, Texas, to a Jewish family. His early interest in business and technology laid the foundation for his future success. When Dale was eight years old, he took the high school equivalency exam out of a desire to enter the business world. His teenage years were marked by investing in stocks and precious metals, funded by income from part-time jobs. Dell's fascination with computers began with the purchase of an Apple II, which he immediately took apart to understand its inner workings.
Dale's parents had high hopes for him to become a doctor, prompting him to enter the University of Texas in 1983 as a pre-med major. While in college, he started selling personal computer upgrade kits, earning a handsome income of $200,000 a year. This lucrative venture prompted Dale to drop out of college at age 19 to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams.
The birth of Dell Computer Corporation
In 1984, Michael Dell founded “PC's Limited” with a meager investment of US$1,000. The company later changed its name to Dell Computer Corporation and quickly gained traction. Operating out of a small office in Austin, Texas, Dell's innovative approach to selling customized PCs directly to consumers revolutionized the industry. By 1992, Dell had become the youngest CEO of a Fortune 500 company and the company's daily sales reached $1 million. Under his leadership, Dell grew into the world's largest personal computer manufacturer in 2001.
In 2003, Dell went private in a $25 billion deal and went public again in 2018. In 2015, he carefully planned the acquisition of EMC for US$67 billion and established Dell Technology Group, the world's largest private technology company. Today, Dell Technologies' annual revenue exceeds $90 billion.
Expand your horizons with MSD Capital
In addition to his involvement in Dell Technologies, Michael Dell established MSD Capital in 1998 to manage his vast wealth. MSD Capital's diversified portfolio includes real estate, private equity, stocks, bonds and more. Notable properties owned by MSD Capital include:
- Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
- Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
- Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows Santa Monica
- Boca Raton
- naples beach club
MSD Capital also has substantial real estate investments in Knox Street and more than 13,000 multifamily units in Dallas, as well as numerous developments in Austin, Texas.
Michael Dell's personal real estate investments
A large portion of Michael Dell's wealth is invested in real estate, both for personal use and investment purposes. Dell made headlines in 2014 when he purchased a penthouse in Manhattan's Billionaires Row for just over $100 million, setting a then-record for the most expensive home in New York. The six-bedroom property spans nearly 11,000 square feet and is located on the 89th and 90th floors of the One57 building in the city centre.
Dale's real estate portfolio extends to Boston, where he owns several properties. In 2017, he purchased a penthouse in the Four Seasons Private Residences building for $34 million and later listed it for $35 million in 2023. Another penthouse at Boston's Millennium Tower was purchased for $11 million in 2016 and listed for sale in February 2024.
In addition to the city property, Dell also owns a 33,000-square-foot home in Austin, Texas. Completed in 1996, the home sits on 120 acres and features eight bedrooms, a home gym and an indoor swimming pool. Dale also owns 6D Ranch nearby, which specializes in raising Arabian horses.
Dale's Hawaiian resort on the Big Island's Kohala coast is another highlight of his real estate portfolio. Located in the exclusive Kukio community, Dale's home is the largest home in the neighborhood at 18,500 square feet, with seven bedrooms and luxurious amenities.
Michael Dell's legacy
Michael Dell's journey from teenage entrepreneur to tech mogul is a testament to his vision and determination. His strategic decisions, including the acquisition of EMC Corp. and the establishment of MSD Capital, have solidified his status as a business leader. With a net worth of $112 billion, Michael Dell continues to shape the future of technology and business, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.