Philippe Laffont

Philippe Laffont studied computer science at MIT and worked as an analyst at Tiger Management under Julian Robertson, where he specialised in technology sector investments. In 1999 he founded Coatue Management in New York, using Robertson's backing. Coatue focused intensively on the technology sector from its inception — an unusual specialisation at the time. Laffont's computer science background gave him an unusually deep understanding of software business models, technology competitive dynamics, and the compounding advantages of platform businesses. This expertise proved prescient: Coatue made early and large long positions in internet companies during the 2000s and smartphone and mobile internet companies in the 2010s. Over time Coatue expanded from pure public market hedge fund investing into private growth equity, making direct investments in late-stage technology companies before their IPOs. This dual public-private approach allowed Coatue to capture returns across the full lifecycle of technology companies. Coatue grew to manage approximately $90 billion at peak, making Laffont one of the most powerful investors in the technology sector globally. Like Tiger Global's Chase Coleman, Coatue suffered significant losses in the 2022 technology selloff but maintained a strong multi-decade track record.