How Did David Duffield Make His Money?

David Duffield’s Profile Summary

Company	Workday, Inc.
Position	Co-founder and CEO Emeritus
Source of wealth	Enterprise software companies
Also known as	Software entrepreneur
Age	84
Education	MBA from Cornell University
Citizenship	USA
Residence	Incline Village, Nevada
Family	Married; children
Website, Social Media	https://www.workday.com https://www.ridgelineapps.com

David Duffield’s biography

David Arthur Duffield, born on September 21, 1940, in the United States, is a highly influential figure in the software industry, having founded multiple successful enterprise software companies. He earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and an MBA from Cornell University, where he later became a significant benefactor, helping fund the creation of Duffield Hall, a nanoscale science and engineering facility.

In 1987, Duffield co-founded PeopleSoft, a software company specializing in human resources and finance applications. Under his leadership as CEO and chairman, PeopleSoft grew to become the world's second-largest ERP (enterprise resource planning) application software company. In 2005, Oracle acquired PeopleSoft for $10.7 billion in a hostile takeover.

After the sale of PeopleSoft, Duffield co-founded Workday, Inc. in 2005 with Aneel Bhusri. Workday focuses on cloud-based applications for human capital and financial management. The company went public in 2012, further solidifying Duffield's position as a key figure in the tech industry.

In 2017, Duffield founded Ridgeline, Inc., a cloud software firm tailored for investment managers, where he currently serves as CEO.

Beyond his business ventures, Duffield is known for his philanthropy. He founded Maddie’s Fund, a foundation aimed at creating a no-kill nation for companion animals. The fund was named after his beloved Miniature Schnauzer, Maddie. Duffield has donated millions to animal welfare and education initiatives, including a significant gift to Cornell University.

As of 2025, Duffield’s net worth is estimated at $13.97 billion, primarily from his ownership stakes in Workday and Ridgeline.

How did David Duffield make money?
David Duffield’s wealth stems from his founding of several enterprise software companies that have revolutionized the human resources and financial management sectors. After earning his MBA from Cornell University, Duffield embarked on his entrepreneurial journey by establishing Information Associates, a company that provided software solutions to higher education institutions.

In 1987, at the age of 47, Duffield co-founded PeopleSoft, a pioneer in developing human resources and finance applications. PeopleSoft quickly gained popularity for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive software solutions, becoming the world's second-largest ERP software provider. PeopleSoft went public in 1992, and Duffield saw significant financial gains from the company’s growth.

However, the company faced challenges when Oracle initiated a hostile takeover in 2003. Despite efforts to prevent the acquisition, Oracle acquired PeopleSoft in 2005 for $10.7 billion. Duffield, undeterred by this setback, co-founded Workday, Inc. in the same year with former PeopleSoft executive Aneel Bhusri.

Workday focuses on cloud-based applications for human capital and financial management. The company went public in 2012, and Duffield’s shares in Workday became a major source of his wealth. Since 2013, he has sold more than $2.5 billion worth of Workday stock.

In 2017, Duffield founded Ridgeline, Inc., focusing on providing cloud-based solutions for investment management firms. His continued success in the software industry, along with his philanthropic contributions, has cemented his legacy as one of the most successful entrepreneurs in enterprise software.
What is David Duffield net worth?

As of 2025, David Duffield’s net worth is estimated to be $13.9 B.

What is David Duffield also known as?

David Duffield is widely recognized as a pioneering software entrepreneur. He co-founded PeopleSoft and Workday, both of which have had a significant impact on the enterprise software industry, particularly in human resources and financial management

Prominent achievements of David Duffield

David Duffield co-founded PeopleSoft and Workday, two of the most successful enterprise software companies. His leadership helped these companies become key players in the human resources and financial management sectors. Additionally, he has been a generous philanthropist, particularly in the areas of animal welfare and education, through Maddie’s Fund and donations to Cornell University.

What are David Duffield’s key insights?

David Duffield believes in fostering a positive corporate culture that prioritizes employee well-being and customer satisfaction. His business philosophy emphasizes innovation, long-term relationships with clients, and creating products that simplify complex business processes.

David Duffield’s personal life

David Duffield is married and has children. His philanthropic efforts are often inspired by his family’s love for animals. He founded Maddie’s Fund, a foundation dedicated to animal welfare, named after his family’s beloved dog Maddie. His children have been involved in some of his charitable initiatives, particularly in promoting animal welfare and education.