Vivek Ramaswamy: Billionaire Entrepreneur Advocates for Unified America Through “Excellence Capitalism”

At just 39 years old, Vivek Ramaswamy, a self-made billionaire and co-director of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under former President Donald Trump, is a prominent voice in championing a unified America through the lens of capitalism. Ramaswamy’s advocacy and financial success are tied to his notable work in biotechnology and investments in technology, cryptocurrency, and asset management. With a foundation in Harvard and Yale Law School, Ramaswamy promotes what he calls “excellence capitalism,” a philosophy that urges corporations to focus on excellence and customer needs over social agendas. Born to Indian immigrant parents in the U.S., Ramaswamy achieved significant political visibility in 2023 when he entered the race for the Republican presidential nomination.

Building Wealth in Biotech

Ramaswamy, who appeared on Forbes’ “Richest Entrepreneurs Under 40” and “30 Under 30” lists, has an estimated net worth of over $1 billion. His financial rise centers on Roivant Sciences, a biotechnology company he established in 2014. His strategy with Roivant was focused on acquiring undervalued pharmaceuticals and steering them towards commercial success. In 2016, he initiated Myovant Sciences, a subsidiary of Roivant, leading it through the largest biotech IPO of that year. This move garnered $218 million via Nasdaq.

A pivotal financial milestone for Roivant—and for Ramaswamy personally—arrived in 2020 when Sumitomo Dainippon, a Japanese pharmaceutical company, purchased a portfolio of five Roivant drugs along with a 10% stake in the company for $3 billion. This deal netted Ramaswamy an estimated $176 million in capital gains, significantly amplifying his wealth. In 2021, Roivant’s valuation rose to $7.3 billion following a merger through a Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC), bringing Ramaswamy’s 7% stake to an estimated worth of $511 million.

Diverse Investment Portfolio

Outside of biotechnology, Ramaswamy has branched out with a diverse range of investments. He has allocated portions of his earnings across various assets, including traditional stocks and bonds, along with cutting-edge technology sectors like cryptocurrency. Ramaswamy’s confidence in the digital economy is evidenced by his holdings in crypto assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. According to Forbes, he also maintains stakes in Rumble, a video platform competing with YouTube, and in MoonPay, a crypto payments company. These investments reflect his broad vision and reinforce his standing in the business world beyond biotechnology.

Political Entry and “Excellence Capitalism”

Ramaswamy’s transition into politics came in 2021, driven by his perspectives on corporate America’s shifting priorities. He published Woke, Inc., a book that criticizes corporations for focusing on social issues rather than core business objectives. This publication marked his stance against what he perceives as a drift toward “woke capitalism” and solidified his call for a return to prioritizing corporate excellence. Shortly after, he established Strive Asset Management, an investment firm promoting what he terms “excellence capitalism.” This approach emphasizes customer-centric goals over social or political ambitions, aligning Ramaswamy against stakeholder capitalism. Strive Asset Management, valued at around $300 million, is supported by high-profile investors like Peter Thiel and Bill Ackman.

Explaining his business philosophy, Ramaswamy said, “Companies should focus on customer-driven excellence rather than pushing social agendas. This is what I call ‘excellence capitalism’—where businesses excel by fulfilling their primary mission.” Through Strive, Ramaswamy positions himself as a figure who pushes for an economically strong America where corporations prioritize operational excellence over external social pressures.

A Down-to-Earth Lifestyle Despite Wealth

Although Ramaswamy’s wealth continues to grow, he maintains a relatively modest lifestyle. He owns two homes in Ohio with a combined value of $2.5 million. In line with his approach to balancing work and personal life, Ramaswamy has stakes in private aviation, but he emphasizes that this is to “buy time with family,” underscoring the practical aspect of his choices. This blend of business success and unassuming lifestyle has earned him respect among supporters, who perceive him as authentic in an era where political personas can often feel manufactured.