Tom Steyer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tom Steyer
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Steyer in 2020
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| Born |
Thomas Fahr Steyer
June 27, 1957 Manhattan, New York, U.S.
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| Education | Yale University (BA) Stanford University (MBA) |
| Occupation |
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| Title | Co-executive chair of Galvanize Climate Solutions Founder of Farallon Capital Co-founder of Beneficial State Bank |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Board member of | Hellman & Friedman Stanford University |
| Spouse(s) |
Kat Taylor
(m. 1986) |
| Children | 4 |
| Family | Jim Steyer (brother) |
Thomas Fahr Steyer (born June 27, 1957) is an American businessman and philanthropist. He is known for investing in companies that help fight climate change. He is also an environmentalist and an activist who supports liberal ideas.
Steyer helped start Galvanize Climate Solutions, a company that invests in climate-friendly businesses. He also founded Farallon Capital, a large investment firm. He co-founded OneCalifornia Bank, which later became Beneficial State Bank. This bank helps local communities.
In 2010, Steyer and his wife, Kat Taylor, promised to give away half of their money to charity. This promise is part of The Giving Pledge. In 2012, he left Farallon Capital to focus on politics and the environment. He then started NextGen America, a group that supports ideas like fighting climate change, improving healthcare, and education.
Steyer ran for president in 2020, seeking the Democratic nomination. He later stopped his campaign. In 2021, he co-founded Galvanize Climate Solutions, a company focused on global investments that help the climate.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Tom Steyer was born in Manhattan, New York. His mother was a teacher. His father was a lawyer who worked on the Nuremberg Trials.
Steyer grew up in Manhattan. He went to the Buckley School and Phillips Exeter Academy. He then studied economics and political science at Yale University. He graduated with high honors. He was also the captain of the Yale soccer team. Steyer later earned his MBA degree from Stanford Graduate School of Business. He has also served on the board of trustees at Stanford University.
Career and Business Ventures
After college, Steyer started his career at Morgan Stanley in 1979. He later worked at Goldman Sachs, where he learned about mergers and acquisitions. He then became a partner at Hellman & Friedman, a private equity firm.
In 1986, Steyer founded Farallon Capital. This was a large investment firm. Steyer became very successful by managing this company. He was known for making smart investments, even in risky markets.
In 2012, Steyer decided to leave Farallon Capital. He wanted to spend more time working on environmental issues. He focused on promoting alternative energy. Some people criticized his past investments in companies that used fossil fuels. However, he made a clear shift to environmental work after leaving Farallon.
In 2020, the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, asked Steyer to lead a special group. This group focused on helping California's economy recover after the coronavirus pandemic. Other famous leaders, like Janet Yellen and Tim Cook, were also part of this group.
Helping Others: Philanthropy
Tom Steyer and his wife, Kat Taylor, are very active in philanthropy. This means they give a lot of money and time to help others.
In 2006, they started OneRoof, Inc. This company helped bring internet access and computer skills to small towns in India and Mexico.
In 2007, they founded Beneficial State Bank. This bank helps businesses, non-profit groups, and people in areas that need more support. All the bank's profits are used to help local communities. Steyer and Taylor provided $22.5 million to start this bank.
In 2010, they joined The Giving Pledge. This is a promise made by wealthy people to give away at least half of their money to charity.
Steyer and Taylor also created the TomKat Ranch in California. This ranch researches and shows how to farm in a way that is good for the environment. They also support healthy food programs.
In 2013, Steyer founded NextGen Climate. This group works to protect the environment and fight climate change.
Images for kids
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An early portrait of Steyer
