Chamath Palihapitiya is a name that has become known for disruption in the venture capital world. From his humble beginnings in Sri Lanka to leading the charge as the founder and CEO of Social Capital, Chamath’s journey is one of resilience, vision, and bold bets on the future. Add to that his early days as a Facebook executive and his reputation as a SPAC (special purpose acquisition company) sponsor, and you’ve got one of the most intriguing figures in Silicon Valley.
Let’s dive deeper into the life and career of Chamath Palihapitiya—a venture capitalist who’s reshaping the way the world approaches tech investments.
Early Life: From Sri Lanka to Canada to the World
Chamath Palihapitiya was born on September 3, 1976, in Sri Lanka. In 2025, he’s 48 years old, but his life’s story is anything but ordinary. When he was just six years old, his family immigrated to Canada to escape the civil war in Sri Lanka. Growing up in Ottawa, Chamath’s family faced significant financial struggles. His father grappled with alcoholism and unemployment, while his mother worked low-paying housekeeping jobs to make ends meet. To help support the family, Chamath worked at a Burger King outlet during his teenage years.
Despite the challenges, Chamath excelled academically, attending Lisgar Collegiate Institute and later graduating from the University of Waterloo in 1999 with a degree in electrical engineering. This foundational education would set the stage for his entry into the tech world.
Breaking Into the Tech Industry
Chamath’s professional journey began in finance, where he worked as a derivatives trader at BMO Nesbitt Burns. However, it wasn’t long before he pivoted to tech, joining Winamp in the early 2000s. After Winamp was acquired by AOL, Chamath became the company’s youngest vice president at the age of 28, leading its instant messaging division.
In 2005, he moved to the venture capital firm Mayfield Fund. But in 2007, Chamath made a career-defining leap by joining Facebook, then a fledgling social media startup. While his early days at Facebook were fraught with challenges—including the controversial release of Facebook Beacon—he eventually found his stride, leading the company’s growth initiatives. Under his leadership, Facebook achieved the monumental milestone of 1 billion users.
Chamath left Facebook in 2011, but his time there had already cemented his reputation as a tech visionary.
Founding Social Capital: A New Approach to Venture Capital
In 2011, Chamath launched The Social+Capital Partnership (later rebranded as Social Capital) alongside his then-wife, Brigette Lau. His goal? To create a venture capital firm that focused not just on financial returns but also on solving big societal problems. Over the years, Social Capital has invested in game-changing companies like Slack, Yammer, Box, and Glooko.
By 2015, Social Capital had over $1.1 billion in assets under management. Chamath’s approach to investing has always been bold and contrarian, emphasizing long-term value over short-term gains. This philosophy has earned him both admirers and critics, but it’s undeniable that his impact on the tech investment landscape has been profound.
Family Life: From Personal Struggles to New Beginnings
Chamath’s personal life has been as eventful as his professional one. He was previously married to Brigette Lau, with whom he co-founded Social Capital. The couple divorced in 2018, and Chamath’s honesty about their separation—and its impact on his life—has added a layer of relatability to his otherwise larger-than-life persona. Chamath and Brigette share four children.
In 2018, Chamath began dating Nathalie Dompé, an Italian businesswoman and CEO of Dompé Holdings. The two tied the knot in 2023 at Castle Brown, a stunning venue that perfectly encapsulates their love story. Nathalie and Chamath share two children together, adding to their blended family.
As of 2025, Chamath Palihapitiya’s net worth is estimated to be $1.5 billion. Despite his immense wealth, Chamath remains vocal about raising his children away from the clutches of social media, advocating for a balanced and mindful upbringing.
Championing SPACs and the Future of Investing
Chamath has been a driving force behind the rise of SPACs—companies created specifically to raise money through IPOs for the purpose of acquiring or merging with an existing company. His SPAC ventures have led to successful investments in companies like Virgin Galactic, cementing his status as a pioneer in this space.
While SPACs have drawn criticism for their high risk, Chamath’s ability to identify undervalued opportunities and bring them to market has earned him the moniker “SPAC King.” His approach is rooted in his belief that financial markets should be more accessible to everyday investors.
A Legacy of Resilience and Innovation
Chamath’s story is a testament to resilience and innovation. From a childhood marked by adversity to a career defined by bold bets and game-changing ideas, he has consistently defied expectations. Whether it’s through his investments, his role as a tech leader, or his advocacy for social change, Chamath Palihapitiya continues to challenge the status quo.
At 48 years old, Chamath shows no signs of slowing down. His focus on addressing societal challenges through technology and investment is reshaping what it means to be a venture capitalist in the 21st century. For aspiring entrepreneurs and investors, his journey offers a blueprint for turning vision into reality.
Chamath Palihapitiya is more than a venture capitalist; he’s a symbol of what’s possible when ambition meets purpose. Whether you know him as the founder of Social Capital, the SPAC King, or simply as a voice advocating for change, one thing is clear: Chamath’s impact on the world of tech and finance is just beginning.
