Philippe Kahn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Philippe Kahn
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| Born | March 16, 1952 Paris, France
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| Occupation | CEO of Borland Software, Fullpower Technologies, Inventor, Entrepreneur |
| Known for | Executive, inventor, serial entrepreneur |
| Spouse(s) | Sonia Lee |
Philippe Kahn (born March 16, 1952) is a French engineer and business leader. He founded four important technology companies: Borland, Starfish Software, LightSurf Technologies, and Fullpower Technologies. Kahn is famous for creating the very first camera phone. He also helped start the idea of wearable technology and holds many patents for inventions related to the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and mobile devices.
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Early Life and Education
Philippe Kahn was born and grew up in Paris, France. His mother, Claire Monis, was a French singer, actress, and violinist. She survived a very difficult time during World War II. After his parents separated, Philippe was raised by his mother. She passed away when he was 15 years old.
Kahn studied mathematics at the ETH Zurich in Switzerland and the University of Nice in France. He earned a master's degree in mathematics. He also studied music, earning a master's in music composition and classical flute. As a student, Kahn helped develop software for the MICRAL, which was one of the first personal computers.
Career in Technology
Philippe Kahn has started four successful software companies. Each company focused on different areas of technology.
Starting Companies
- Borland (1982–1995): This company made tools for computer programmers. It was later bought by Micro Focus in 2009.
- Starfish Software (1995–1998): This company focused on wireless synchronization. Motorola bought it in 1998, and then Google bought it in 2011.
- LightSurf Technologies (1998–2005): This company worked on sending pictures and messages. Verisign bought it in 2005.
- Fullpower Technologies (2005–present): This company creates technology for wearable devices and sleep monitoring.
Borland: Software for Programmers
Kahn started Borland in 1982 and was its CEO for many years. Borland became a big competitor to Microsoft. The company made software tools that helped people write computer programs. Their first product, Turbo Pascal, was very affordable. Kahn grew Borland into a company that made US$500 million without needing outside investment. He left Borland in 1995 due to different ideas about the company's future.
Kahn created a fun and challenging work environment at Borland. This attracted many talented people, including Anders Hejlsberg, who created Turbo Pascal, and Marc Randolph, who later co-founded Netflix.
Starfish Software: Wireless Connections
After leaving Borland, Kahn founded Starfish Software in 1995. This company developed the first system for wireless synchronization, called TrueSync. This allowed devices to update information over the air. Motorola bought Starfish Software for US$325 million in 1998.
LightSurf Technologies: Sending Pictures
In 1998, Kahn and his wife, Sonia, started LightSurf Technologies. This company helped make multimedia messaging popular. They were key in bringing the camera phone to people. In 2005, Verisign bought LightSurf for US$300 million.
Fullpower Technologies: Wearable Tech and Sleep
Fullpower was founded in 2005. This company creates technology for wearable devices and the Internet of Things. They are experts in using sensors and artificial intelligence to monitor sleep. Kahn got the idea for some of Fullpower's technology from his love of sailing. He needed to find ways to get enough rest during long races. He developed special sensors to track sleep and help sailors take short, effective naps.
Inventing the Camera Phone
In 1997, Philippe Kahn created the first way to share pictures instantly using a mobile phone. He invented this because he wanted to share the birth of his daughter, Sophie. While his wife was in labor at the hospital, Kahn quickly connected a digital camera to a mobile phone. He then sent the photos in real time to a system he had set up at home. He later said he really wanted to make it work in time for his daughter's birth.
In 2016, Time magazine included Kahn's first camera phone photo in its list of the 100 most important photos of all time.
Supporting Equal Rights
Under Kahn's leadership, Borland was the first software company to offer full benefits to domestic partners. This made Borland a leader in supporting gay rights in Silicon Valley. Kahn also spoke at an important gay rights conference in 1993.
Personal Life and Hobbies
Philippe Kahn has four children. He is married to Sonia Lee, and they have a daughter named Sophie. Sonia helped Kahn start three of his companies: Fullpower Technologies, LightSurf, and Starfish Software.
Sailing Adventures
Kahn loves the environment and outdoor activities, especially sailing. He started sailing later in life but quickly became very successful. He has won many races around the world with his team, Pegasus Racing. Kahn has sailed across the Pacific Ocean more than 10 times. He holds the record for the fastest two-person (double handed) race from San Francisco to Oahu, Hawaii.
His son, Samuel, also became a successful sailor. He has won major races, even competing against his father.
Lee-Kahn Foundation
Philippe Kahn and his wife Sonia run the Lee-Kahn Foundation. This foundation supports non-profit groups that work on environmental causes. It also helps improve access to health care, education, and the arts.
See also
In Spanish: Philippe Kahn para niños
