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 inventor. He started four big technology companies: Borland, Starfish Software, LightSurf Technologies, and Fullpower Technologies. Philippe Kahn is famous for inventing the first camera phone. He also helped create early wearable technology. He holds many patents for inventions in areas like the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI).
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Early Life and School
Philippe Kahn was born and grew up in Paris, France. His mother, Claire Monis, was a French singer, actress, and violinist. She was part of the French Resistance during World War II. She survived a very difficult time as a musician in a concentration camp. Philippe was raised by his mother after his parents separated. She passed away when he was 15 years old.
Kahn studied mathematics at the ETH Zurich in Switzerland. He also studied music at the Zurich Music Conservatory. While he was a student, he helped develop software for the MICRAL. This computer is known as one of the very first personal computers.
Career in Technology
Philippe Kahn has started four successful software companies. Each company focused on different areas of technology.
Borland (1982–1995): Computer Tools
Kahn started Borland in 1982. He was the CEO until 1995. Borland made special tools for computer programmers. Its first product, Turbo Pascal, was very affordable. It helped many people learn to program. Kahn grew Borland into a very successful company. He encouraged a fun and hardworking environment. Many talented people, like Anders Hejlsberg and Marc Randolph (who co-founded Netflix), worked there.
Starfish Software (1995–1998): Wireless Sharing
Philippe Kahn founded Starfish Software in 1995. This company created the first system to wirelessly share information between devices. It was called TrueSync. Starfish Software was bought by Motorola in 1998.
LightSurf Technologies (1998–2005): Picture Messaging
Kahn and his wife, Sonia, started LightSurf Technologies in 1998. This company made it possible to send pictures using phones. They helped make the camera phone popular. In 2005, LightSurf was bought by Verisign.
Fullpower Technologies (2005–Present): Smart Sensors
Fullpower was founded in 2005. This company creates technology for wearable technology and the Internet of Things. They use sensors and artificial intelligence to help people. A main focus is on monitoring sleep. Kahn got the idea for some of this technology from his love of sailing. He wanted to find ways to get the best rest during long races.
The First Camera Phone
In 1997, Philippe Kahn invented the first way to share photos instantly from a phone. This amazing invention happened when his daughter was born. While his wife was in the hospital, Kahn quickly connected a digital camera to a mobile phone. He then sent a picture of his newborn daughter, Sophie, to his home computer system. This was the very first photo ever shared from a camera phone!
In 2016, Time magazine included this first camera phone photo in its list of the 100 most important photos of all time.
Supporting Equal Rights
Under Philippe Kahn's leadership, Borland was a leader in supporting equal rights. It was one of the first software companies to offer full benefits to domestic partners. This was a big step for equal rights in the technology industry.
Personal Life
Philippe Kahn has four children. He is married to Sonia Lee. Sonia helped him start three of his companies: Fullpower Technologies, LightSurf, and Starfish Software.
Sailing and Sports
Philippe Kahn loves sailing and the outdoors. He started sailing later in life but quickly became very good at it. He has won many races. His sailing team, Pegasus Racing, has competed in many international championships. Kahn holds a record for sailing across the Pacific Ocean from San Francisco to Hawaii with only two crew members. His son, Samuel, also became a successful sailor. He has even competed against his father.
Lee-Kahn Foundation
Philippe Kahn and his wife Sonia run the Lee-Kahn Foundation. This foundation supports groups that work on protecting the environment. It also helps improve access to health care, education, and the arts.
See also
In Spanish: Philippe Kahn para niños
