HASSO PLATTNER
FOUNDER
SAP
THE MONEY: Plattner and a handful of other former IBM employees started Germany’s SAP, an enterprise software company that went public in 1988 and is now one of the world’s largest software company, valued at $166 billion as of mid-July. Counts a 6.3% stake, shares now valued at a little over $6.5 billion. Stepped down as CEO in 2003, still chairs the company’s advisory board, but will step down from that role next year. Owner of San Jose Sharks NHL franchise.
THE INNOVATION: Instrumental in SAP opening offices along Newport Harbor. The initial office is also the home of HanaHaus, a café and community workspace founded and operated by SAP to help spark creativity. It is the second HanaHaus in the U.S., alongside a spot in Palo Alto. Plattner is “absolutely” happy with the Newport Beach location, and is a frequent visitor, execs told the Business Journal in 2021, when the offices reopened.
THE HOMES: Has multiple homes in Emerald Bay, according to trade publication Dirt. Paid close to $45 million for a two-house blufftop compound there in 2014. Also has owned a home in the exclusive Irvine Cove community nearby. None are his primary residence, sources tell the Business Journal.
PHILANTHROPY: His nonprofit Hasso Plattner Institute focuses on research and teaching in IT systems engineering; he’s also a member of the Giving Pledge.
