What is David Duffield’s Net Worth?

David Duffield, an influential figure in the software industry, has an estimated net worth of around $14 billion. Duffield’s wealth primarily stems from his ventures in enterprise software, notably as the co-founder of PeopleSoft and Workday, Inc.

Duffield’s first major success came with the founding of PeopleSoft in 1987, a company that specialized in human resource management systems and other enterprise software solutions. Under his leadership, PeopleSoft grew to become the world’s second-largest application software company before being acquired by Oracle for $10.3 billion in 2005. This acquisition significantly boosted Duffield’s financial standing, as he had reaped over $600 million through stock sales during PeopleSoft’s public offering and subsequent growth.

In 2005, shortly after the sale of PeopleSoft, Duffield co-founded Workday, Inc. with Aneel Bhusri. Workday focuses on providing cloud-based financial management and human capital management software. Duffield’s role in Workday has been pivotal, serving as co-CEO and later as chairman of the board. His substantial ownership stake in Workday, which includes significant stock holdings, has been a major contributor to his net worth. Since 2013, Duffield has sold more than $2.5 billion worth of Workday stock.

Duffield is also known for his philanthropic efforts. He and his wife, Cheryl, established Maddie’s Fund in 1999, a foundation dedicated to animal welfare and the no-kill movement for shelter animals. In addition, Duffield has made substantial donations to his alma mater, Cornell University, and other educational institutions, contributing over $100 million to various causes.

Here’s the breakdown of David Duffield’s net worth:

Name:	David Duffield
Net Worth:	$14 Billion
Date of Birth:	September 21, 1940
Profession:	Businessperson

If you’re curious about how we estimate a celebrity’s net worth, you can check out our methodology here.

David Duffield Net Worth

Early Life

David Arthur Duffield was born on September 21, 1940, in Cleveland, Ohio. His family relocated to Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey, when he was just six months old. Growing up in a small town, Duffield had a typical middle-class upbringing, which he attributes to the strong community and supportive family environment.

His father, an engineer, was a significant influence, instilling in him a love for technology and innovation. Among Duffield’s early memories is watching his father build the first television in their neighborhood, an experience that sparked his interest in engineering and technology.

Duffield attended Ridgewood High School in nearby Ridgewood, New Jersey, where he was co-captain of the baseball team. He then pursued higher education at Cornell University, earning a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and an MBA from the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management.

During his time at Cornell, Duffield was an active member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity and played in a band, showcasing his diverse interests and talents.

Career

David Duffield’s career began at IBM in 1964, where he worked as a marketing representative and systems engineer. His time at IBM was formative, allowing him to develop his entrepreneurial skills and gain valuable experience in the technology sector. In 1968, Duffield left IBM to found Information Associates, a company that developed exam scheduling software for universities.

In 1972, Duffield founded Integral Systems, which became a leading vendor of human resources management systems for higher education. He continued to innovate in the software industry, establishing Business Software Corporation in 1979, which provided real-time human resources and payroll applications for commercial enterprises.

Duffield’s most notable achievement came in 1987 when he founded PeopleSoft, a company specializing in human resource management systems and other enterprise software solutions. Under his leadership, PeopleSoft grew to become the world’s second-largest application software company. The company’s success culminated in its acquisition by Oracle for $10.3 billion in 2005, significantly boosting Duffield’s financial standing.

In the same year, Duffield co-founded Workday, Inc. with Aneel Bhusri. Workday focuses on providing cloud-based financial management and human capital management software. Duffield played a crucial role in the company’s growth, serving as co-CEO and later as chairman of the board.

His substantial ownership stake in Workday has been a major contributor to his net worth. In 2017, Duffield founded Ridgeline, an industry cloud software platform for investment management, further cementing his legacy as a pioneer in the software industry.

Philanthropy

David Duffield, along with his wife Cheryl, has made significant contributions to various philanthropic causes, particularly in animal welfare and community support. Their first major philanthropic initiative was Maddie’s Fund, established in 1994 and named after their beloved Miniature Schnauzer, Maddie.

The foundation has been a transformative force in the animal welfare industry, investing over $345 million in grants to support animal adoption, no-kill shelters, and veterinary research.

Maddie’s Fund has played a crucial role in promoting the well-being of companion animals and advancing the no-kill movement in animal shelters across the United States.

In 2016, the Duffields founded the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation (DCDF), which continues their commitment to animal welfare and extends support to disabled military veterans and local community organizations.

Based in Incline Village, Nevada, the foundation has funded various projects, including a $350,000 grant to the Incline Village Community Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic and a $4 million donation to support victims of the 2021 Lake Tahoe forest fires.

One of DCDF’s capstone projects is Liberty Dogs, a state-of-the-art campus in Reno, Nevada, set to open in 2026, which will pair service dogs with disabled veterans to enhance their emotional and psychological well-being.

Political Activity

David Duffield has also been active in political donations, particularly in recent years. He has made substantial contributions to various political campaigns and super PACs. Notably, in 2020, Duffield and his wife donated over $1.1 million to President Donald Trump’s reelection campaign.

More recently, in 2023, Duffield donated $2 million to Duty First Nevada, a super PAC supporting Republican U.S. Senate candidate Sam Brown. His political contributions have not been limited to federal campaigns; he has also supported local candidates and initiatives, including a $10,000 donation to Republican Joe Lombardo’s successful gubernatorial campaign in Nevada.

Despite his significant political donations, Duffield is not widely known as a political mega-donor. His contributions have generally focused on candidates and causes that align with his personal and business interests, reflecting a strategic approach to political engagement.

Awards

David Duffield’s contributions to the business world and his philanthropic efforts have earned him numerous awards and recognitions. In 1998, he received the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement, which honors individuals who have made significant contributions to their fields. In 2013, Duffield was named the EY Entrepreneur of the Year, recognizing his innovative leadership and success in the software industry.

Additionally, in 2018, he was honored with the Cornell Engineering Distinguished Alumni Award, the highest alumni honor from Cornell University’s College of Engineering, acknowledging his extraordinary leadership and contributions to the field of engineering.

These awards highlight Duffield’s impact not only as a successful entrepreneur but also as a visionary leader who has significantly influenced the software industry and beyond.

Personal Life

David Duffield’s personal life is marked by his deep commitment to family and community. He is married to Cheryl Duffield, and together they have ten children and seven grandchildren. The Duffields are also passionate about animal welfare, a commitment that began with their Miniature Schnauzer, Maddie, and continues with their current pets, which include four dogs and four parrots.

The Duffields reside in Incline Village, Nevada, a community they have supported through various philanthropic initiatives. Their contributions to local schools, parks, and community organizations reflect their dedication to giving back to the community that has been their home for many years.

Despite his immense wealth and success, Duffield is known for his approachable and down-to-earth demeanor, often engaging with employees and community members in a personable and sincere manner.