David Siegel: Biography, Career, and Business Insights

David Siegel’s Profile Summary

Company	Two Sigma Investments
Position	Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of Two Sigma Investments, a leading quantitative hedge fund applying technology and data science to investment management
Source of wealth	Co-founder of Two Sigma Investments, management and performance fees from Two Sigma’s investment strategies, prior leadership roles at D.E. Shaw and Tudor Investment Corporation
Also known as	Philanthropist, Technology Advocate, Educational Supporter.
Age	64
Education	Princeton University – Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – Ph.D. in Computer Science
Citizenship	United States
Residence	New York City, USA
Family	David Siegel is married and has children, though detailed public information about them is limited.
Website, Social Media	https://www.twosigma.com/

David Siegel’s biography

David Siegel, born in 1961, is a computer scientist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He co-founded Two Sigma Investments in 2001 alongside John Overdeck, with the belief that innovative technology could uncover value in the world’s data. Siegel holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from Princeton University and a Ph.D. in Computer Science from MIT. Prior to Two Sigma, he worked at hedge fund D.E. Shaw & Co., where he served as Chief Information Officer, and at Tudor Investment Corporation as Managing Director and Chief Technology Officer. Siegel is known for integrating cutting-edge technology into financial services, helping Two Sigma grow into a global powerhouse managing over $60 billion in assets. Outside of finance, he is an active philanthropist, having founded the Siegel Family Endowment, which supports initiatives related to education, workforce development, and infrastructure. Siegel also co-founded the Scratch Foundation and serves on the boards of organizations such as Cornell Tech, Carnegie Hall, and Khan Academy

How did David Siegel make money?

David Siegel makes money in the following areas:

Co-founder of Two Sigma Investments, management and performance fees from Two Sigma’s investment strategies, prior leadership roles at D.E. Shaw and Tudor Investment Corporation
What is David Siegel net worth?

As of 2025, David Siegel’s net worth is estimated to be $7.4B.

What is David Siegel also known as?

David Siegel is widely recognized for his philanthropic contributions, particularly in the fields of education and technology. He founded the Siegel Family Endowment, which funds initiatives that prepare society for the impact of technology on the workforce and education. Siegel also co-founded the Scratch Foundation, aimed at making coding accessible to children through the Scratch programming language. He is a strong advocate for STEM education, serving on the boards of Khan Academy, NYC FIRST Robotics, and Carnegie Hall. His work extends to supporting innovative solutions for social challenges through organizations like the Aspen Institute and Princeton's Center on Information Technology Policy

Prominent achievements of David Siegel

Co-founder of Two Sigma, a firm managing billions in assets, he has received multiple accolades, including being named on Forbes’ Billionaires list and receiving the Institutional Investor's Lifetime Achievement Award. His contributions to education through the Siegel Family Endowment and his involvement in philanthropy further highlight his commitment to societal progress

What are David Siegel’s key insights?

David Siegel believes in the transformative power of technology, particularly data science and machine learning, in driving financial innovation. He emphasizes the importance of using technology for the betterment of society, reflected in his philanthropic work. Siegel also supports educational initiatives to prepare the next generation for a technologically-driven future, encouraging collaboration between tech and societal needs

David Siegel’s personal life

David Siegel is married to Jackie Siegel, with whom he has multiple children. Their family life is private, but they are known for their philanthropic work, especially in education and technology. Jackie is also involved in various charitable activities. Together, they are advocates for education and STEM programs

Useful insights

Understanding market forces

In my experience, to truly succeed as an investor, it’s essential to understand the driving forces behind market behavior. Market movements aren’t random—they’re influenced by a range of economic theories and dynamics. The following books provide valuable insights into these forces, offering a deeper understanding of how global financial markets operate and what shapes their trends.

Nassim Nicholas Taleb – "The Black Swan"
- Summary:
  
  Taleb explores the concept of rare, unpredictable events—so-called "Black Swans"—that can have massive impacts on markets and society. These events are often overlooked by traditional risk management models, leading to devastating consequences when they occur. Taleb illustrates how these unpredictable shocks shape our world, often more than gradual, expected changes.
- Why read it:
  
  This book challenges conventional thinking about risk and uncertainty, showing that many major historical and financial events were "Black Swans." It's a vital read for investors who want to build resilience in the face of market volatility.
John Maynard Keynes – "The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money"
- Summary:
  
  Keynes revolutionized economics by focusing on total demand within an economy and its effect on output and inflation. His theory suggested that government intervention could stabilize economic cycles through fiscal and monetary policy. The book also explains the consequences of under-consumption and the role of interest rates in managing economic stability.
- Why read it:
  
  For investors interested in macroeconomic trends and policy impacts, Keynes’ work is essential. Understanding the Keynesian framework can help investors predict how government actions might influence market performance.