Ray Dalio

Ray Dalio’s journey from middle-class Long Island to founding one of the world’s most influential investment firms is a testament to disciplined thinking and radical transparency. Dalio founded Bridgewater Associates in 1975 from a two-bedroom apartment in New York City. Over four decades, he grew the firm into one of the largest hedge funds in the world.

The son of a jazz musician and a homemaker, Dalio’s interest in investing began at age 12 while caddying at a local golf course. His first investment—a near-bankrupt airline that tripled in value—sparked a lifelong passion for markets. Despite limited academic interest in high school, he graduated top of his class in finance and earned an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1973.

In 2012, Time Magazine named Dalio one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World for his impact on global macroeconomic policy.

After stepping down as Bridgewater Associates’ CEO in 2017, CIO in 2020 and chairman in 2021, his focus shifted to mentorship. His books and digital resources on principled decision-making have reached over 150 million people worldwide.

Dalio is also an avid philanthropist who has given more than US$1 billion to philanthropic causes. His Dalio Philanthropies aims to provide better access to quality education, healthcare, capital and technology, as well as protecting the ocean.