Philip Berber
Philip Berber | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1958 Dublin, Ireland |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Alma mater | University College Dublin (B.Comm) |
| Occupation(s) | Businessman, philanthropist |
| Known for | Multi millionaire businessman, Philanthropy |
| Spouse | Donna Berber |
| Website | A Glimmer of Hope |
Philip Berber (born 1958) is an Irish millionaire and philanthropist. He is well known for his former company, CyBerCorp, which he sold for $488 million dollars in 2000 and his subsequent philanthropy through his and his wife's charity, A Glimmer of Hope Foundation.[1][2]
Early life
Berber was born in Dublin in 1958. He attended Wesley College, Dublin in South Dublin. Following school, he attended University College Dublin and studied for a Business Communication degree. In addition to Berber, 'The Class of '79' would boast a number of other high flying business and political figures.[3] He was also in the same classes as Dan O'Connell[disambiguation needed] and Brian MacCaba, the latter with whom he would form one of his first companies in 1984.[1]
Business
In 1984 he set up a high-tech London-based company, Financia, which was bought in 1991 by Frontier Financial of Houston.[4][5]
Berber set up CyBerCorp in 1995. It was one of the first online trading firms for retail investors. He would sell the firm to Charles Schwab in 2000 for $488 million dollars.[6][7]
His net worth as of 2009 is estimated at $295 million USD, placing him within the top 50 wealthiest individuals in Ireland.[8]
Philanthropy
Berber and his wife Donna, became heavily involved in philanthropy following the sale of his business. They pledged $100 million in Schwab stock to the A Glimmer of Hope Foundation.[9][10] He is now chairman of the foundation.[9]
He has also donated to his alma mater, UCD, donating money towards their business school. The atrium of the Quinn School of Business is named in his honour.
References
- ^ a b http://www.independent.ie/business/prodigal-son-of-cognotec-516948.html
- ^ http://www.aglimmerofhope.org
- ^ https://www.tribune.ie/archive/article/2000/feb/13/class-of-79-remember-their-names/
- ^ http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-27669847_ITM
- ^ http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-28652854_ITM
- ^ http://news.cnet.com/Charles-Schwab-buys-CyberCorp,-cuts-commissions/2100-1017_3-236397.html
- ^ http://www.wired.com/techbiz/media/news/2000/02/34047
- ^ http://business.timesonline.co.uk/richlist-app/index.php?l=29&pageID=2
- ^ a b http://www.synergos.org/globalgivingmatters/features/0107glimmer.htm
- ^ http://www.nytimes.com/2000/08/27/business/private-sector-venture-philanthropy-for-africa-out-of-austin.html