Ken Langone

Ken Langone studied economics at Bucknell University and earned his MBA from NYU. He began his Wall Street career at Paine, Webber before founding the investment banking firm Invemed Associates. In 1978 he met Bernie Marcus and Arthur Blank, who had recently been fired from Handy Dan Home Improvement Centers, and he became the primary force behind the creation and financing of Home Depot. Langone raised $2 million in venture capital for the first two stores — largely through his own network of wealthy individuals — and orchestrated the 1979 IPO. Home Depot has grown to become one of the world's most valuable retailers, with a market capitalisation exceeding $300 billion. Langone's initial investment was reportedly worth hundreds of millions. Beyond Home Depot, Langone has been active in private equity and venture investing, backing companies across healthcare, technology, and consumer services. He has been a major benefactor of NYU's medical centre — donating over $200 million — which was renamed NYU Langone Medical Center in his honour. He is also known for his direct speaking style and conservative political views.