Robert Pera

NET WORTH: $7.8 billion

SOURCE OF WEALTH: Ubiquiti Networks, Memphis Grizzlies

FUNDING AREAS: Community, TBD

OVERVIEW: Robert Pera does not yet appear to have a formal family foundation. Through Ubiquiti Networks, Pera donates resources and equipment to bring wireless access and upgraded technology to schools, community centers, apartments and more across the Memphis area. Also supports the Grizzlies Foundation; he also donated his personal floor seats next to the basketball team, Grizzlies bench for selected games to reward high-performing students enrolled in STEM programs in the Greater Memphis area. He does not appear to have a family foundation.

BACKGROUND: Robert Pera graduated with degrees in electrical engineering and Japanese from UC San Diego. He started his career at Apple in 2003 but struck out on his own in 2005 to found Ubiquiti Networks, which had $865 million in fiscal 2017 revenues, and sells wireless broadband systems with a focus on emerging markets. He is also bought the NBA Memphis Grizzlies in 2012.

ISSUES:

UBIQUITI NETWORKS: Through Ubiquiti Networks, Pera donates resources and equipment to bring wireless access and upgraded technology to schools, community centers, apartments and more across the Memphis area.

OTHER: Pera also works through the Grizzlies Foundation. He’s donated his floor seats next to reward high-performing students enrolled in STEM programs in the Greater Memphis area. Pera has also given individual donations to his alma mater UC San Diego.

LOOKING FORWARD: Barely into his 40s, Pera is still very much engaged in business. But perhaps he will establish a formal family foundation in the coming years. He dealt with a heart valve issue as a kid, which may spark some robust health giving down the line.

LINK: Ubiquiti Networks