Henry Samueli is an influential figure in the fields of technology, business, and philanthropy. A co-founder of Broadcom Corporation, Samueli is a renowned engineer, businessman, and generous benefactor of education and medical research. His contributions to the semiconductor industry have helped shape modern communications and computing technologies.
Early Life and Education
Born on September 20, 1954, in Buffalo, New York, Henry Samueli is the son of Polish-Jewish immigrants who survived the Holocaust. His family later moved to California, where he developed a passion for science and engineering. Samueli pursued electrical engineering at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), earning his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. degrees.
Career and Broadcom Corporation
Samueli began his career in academia, joining UCLA as a professor in the Electrical Engineering Department. His research focused on digital signal processing and communications, areas that would later become crucial to his success in the private sector.
In 1991, Samueli co-founded Broadcom Corporation with one of his former students, Henry Nicholas III, with the vision of revolutionizing the semiconductor industry. The company developed cutting-edge chips that powered broadband communication, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other wireless technologies. Under Samueli’s leadership, Broadcom became a global powerhouse, supplying key components for networking, mobile, and broadband applications.
In 2016, Broadcom was acquired by Avago Technologies, forming Broadcom Inc., a multinational leader in semiconductor solutions. Samueli remains actively involved in the company’s strategic direction as Chief Technology Officer.
Philanthropy and Community Impact
Beyond his business ventures, Samueli and his wife, Susan, have dedicated a significant portion of their wealth to philanthropy. Their foundation has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to education, healthcare, and scientific research.
One of their most notable contributions was a $100 million gift to UCLA, leading to the renaming of the UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science. They have also supported institutions such as the University of California, Irvine, and various medical and research initiatives.
Additionally, Samueli is the owner of the Anaheim Ducks, a National Hockey League (NHL) team. Under his ownership, the Ducks won their first Stanley Cup in 2007, solidifying his influence in the world of professional sports.
Legacy and Influence
Henry Samueli’s impact spans multiple industries, from technology and academia to philanthropy and sports. As a visionary engineer and entrepreneur, he played a crucial role in advancing semiconductor innovation. His commitment to giving back has made a lasting impact on education and medical research.
Samueli’s story serves as an inspiration for aspiring engineers, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists, demonstrating that technological innovation and social responsibility can go hand in hand.
