Steve Wozniak, often referred to as “Woz,” is one of the most influential figures in the history of computing. As a co-founder of Apple, he played a crucial role in shaping the personal computer revolution. Despite his early success, Wozniak’s current net worth is estimated at $10 million, significantly lower than what many might expect. His journey is marked by innovation, philanthropy, and a deep commitment to technology education.
Early Life and Education
Steve Wozniak was born on August 11, 1950, in San Jose, California. He showed an early interest in electronics and computing, influenced by his father, an engineer at Lockheed Corporation. During his high school years at Homestead High School, Wozniak developed a passion for designing and building circuits.
After a brief stint at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he was expelled for hacking the university’s computer system, Wozniak returned to California. He later enrolled at De Anza College before transferring to UC Berkeley. However, he dropped out before completing his degree to pursue his growing interest in computer engineering.
The Birth of Apple
Meeting Steve Jobs
Wozniak met Steve Jobs in 1971 through a mutual friend. Their shared interest in technology and pranks laid the foundation for what would later become Apple. At the time, Wozniak was working at Hewlett-Packard (HP) designing calculators, while Jobs had started working at Atari.
Apple I and Apple II
In 1975, Wozniak developed the Apple I computer in Jobs’ parents’ garage. Despite initial skepticism, Jobs convinced Wozniak that they should start a company to sell the product. Since Wozniak was still working at HP, he offered the Apple I technology to HP first, but they declined. This led to the birth of Apple Inc. on April 1, 1976, co-founded by Wozniak, Jobs, and Ronald Wayne.
The Apple I gained traction, but it was the Apple II, introduced in 1977, that truly revolutionized the industry. Designed by Wozniak, the Apple II became one of the first mass-market personal computers, propelling Apple into global success.
IPO and Wealth Donations
Apple’s Stock Market Debut
Apple went public in 1980, with an initial market capitalization of $1.8 billion. At the time, Wozniak owned 7.9% of Apple, which translated to a paper net worth of $142 million. Had he retained his shares, his wealth could have exceeded $237 billion today. However, Wozniak donated or gifted most of his early shares to Apple employees who had missed out on stock options.
Commitment to Philanthropy
Wozniak has openly stated that he never wanted to be extremely wealthy. In a 2019 interview, he confirmed that he had given away the vast majority of his wealth to charities, educational initiatives, and social causes. His primary focus has been on children’s education, technological access, and equal opportunities.
Life After Apple
Departure from Apple
In 1981, Wozniak suffered a serious plane crash, resulting in temporary amnesia and brain trauma. This incident caused him to step away from Apple for several years. Although he returned briefly, he officially left the company in 1985. Despite his departure, Wozniak remains an Apple employee and receives a $120,000 annual stipend for representing the company at public events.
New Ventures
Since leaving Apple, Wozniak has embarked on several entrepreneurial and philanthropic initiatives, including:
- Wheels of Zeus (WoZ) – Founded in 2001, this company developed GPS-based technology.
- Efforce – Launched in 2020, this venture focuses on funding energy-efficient projects through blockchain technology.
- Privateer Space – Co-founded in 2021, this company is dedicated to space debris tracking and management.
- Woz U – An online tech education platform, launched in 2017, aimed at training future programmers and engineers.
Television Appearances and Public Speaking
Wozniak has made multiple media appearances, including:
- “Dancing with the Stars” (Season 8)
- “Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List”
- “Code Monkeys”
He is also a highly sought-after public speaker, earning substantial income from technology and motivational talks worldwide.
Real Estate and Personal Life
Wozniak has been married four times and has three children from a previous marriage. Since 2008, he has been married to Janet Hill.
In 2006, he purchased a 7,500-square-foot mansion in Los Gatos, California, for $6.9 million. However, he later sold it in 2015 for $3.8 million after multiple price cuts.
The Wozniak Legacy
Contributions to Technology
Wozniak’s technical innovations and engineering expertise laid the groundwork for the modern personal computing era. His work on hardware, circuit board design, and operating systems has influenced generations of computer engineers and software developers.
Philanthropic Efforts
From funding tech education initiatives to supporting nonprofit organizations, Wozniak’s impact goes beyond technology. He has been a major contributor to:
- The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF)
- The Tech Museum of Innovation
- The Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose
