Hasso Plattner Founder of SAP Country: Germany

1. Biography of Hasso Plattner
2. SAP and its Success
3. Life Beyond Retirement
4. Scientific Contributions
5. Leisure Activities

Biography of Hasso Plattner

Hasso Plattner, the co-founder of SAP, along with four colleagues from IBM, established the company in the early 1990s. In a short period of time, this small and unknown company transformed into a global software giant. Plattner is one of the wealthiest German and global entrepreneurs. He resides in Germany with his wife and two children, yet his company's products are distributed worldwide. What sets his fortune apart from other billionaires is that he did not inherit it from his father or grandfather. Plattner earned his billions through hard work, entrepreneurial acumen, and the ability to take risks in the right situations. By the age of 62, Mr. Plattner had accumulated around $6.5 billion. Considering the increasing popularity of his company's product, software, he will be able to pass on even more wealth to his children and wife.

SAP and its Success

The company SAP, founded by Hasso Plattner and his four colleagues from IBM in the early 1990s, quickly grew from a small and unknown company to a global software giant. The niche they chose for their product allowed them to work alongside computer industry giants such as Microsoft and Apple. Today, SAP's analytical systems are used worldwide by companies, enterprises, and stock exchanges. Plattner himself currently serves as the Chairman of the Supervisory Board, a position he assumed after retiring as Chairman of the Executive Board.

Life Beyond Retirement

Despite retiring, Hasso Plattner has dedicated his life to various pursuits, ranging from scientific research to philanthropy. He also devotes a significant amount of time to sports. For example, his company HassoPlattnerVentures supports new developments in the field of computer technology and helps young talented professionals in advancing their careers.

Scientific Contributions

Plattner's scientific activities include his own research as well as support for innovative projects by other specialists. In 2002, he became an honorary doctor of the University of Potsdam, and since 1994, he has held the honorary title of professor of information technology at the University of Saarland. He allocates substantial funds for the development of universities and the support of young professionals. According to various estimates, he has already invested between 200 and 250 million euros in research programs.

Leisure Activities

As for his free time, Hasso Plattner divides it between his yacht, Morning Glory, with which he recently won a regatta across the Pacific Ocean, tennis, skiing, and golf.