How Did Hasso Plattner Make His Money?

Hasso Plattner’s Profile Summary

Company	SAP SE
Position	Chairman of the Supervisory Board
Source of wealth	Enterprise software (SAP SE)
Also known as	Hasso Plattner
Age	81
Education	University of Karlsruhe
Citizenship	Germany
Residence	San Jose, California, USA; Potsdam, Germany
Family	Married, two children
Website, Social Media	No data

Hasso Plattner’s biography

Hasso Plattner, born on January 21, 1944, in Berlin, Germany, is a renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist, best known as the co-founder of SAP SE, one of the world's leading enterprise software companies. He earned a degree in communications engineering from the University of Karlsruhe in 1968. After graduation, Plattner began his career at IBM, where he gained valuable experience in software development. In 1972, he left IBM along with four colleagues to establish SAP (Systems, Applications, and Products in Data Processing), aiming to create standard application software for real-time data processing. Under Plattner's leadership, SAP introduced innovative enterprise solutions that revolutionized business operations globally. The company went public in 1988, further solidifying its position in the software industry. Plattner served as CEO until 2003, when he transitioned to the role of Chairman of the Supervisory Board, a position he held until May 2024. Beyond his corporate endeavors, Plattner is a dedicated philanthropist, founding the Hasso Plattner Institute for Digital Engineering in Potsdam, Germany, which focuses on IT systems engineering education and research. He is also known for his contributions to healthcare and environmental conservation. As of December 2024, Forbes estimated his net worth at $13.9 billion, reflecting his significant impact on the technology sector and his successful business ventures.

How did Hasso Plattner make money?
Hasso Plattner’s wealth primarily stems from his pivotal role in co-founding SAP SE, one of the world's largest enterprise software companies. In 1972, Plattner, along with four former IBM colleagues, founded SAP (Systems, Applications, and Products in Data Processing) in Weinheim, Germany. The idea was to create standardized software that would help companies manage their operations in real time, a revolutionary concept at the time.

Plattner played a key role in developing SAP's first product, a real-time payroll and accounting system, which gained significant traction among German companies. By the late 1970s, SAP had established itself as a leader in enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, helping businesses streamline their operations. The company's success led to its initial public offering (IPO) in 1988, significantly boosting Plattner's wealth.

Under Plattner’s leadership as CEO, SAP expanded globally, entering markets in Europe, the U.S., and Asia. The company introduced its flagship product, SAP R/3, in the 1990s, a client-server software solution that revolutionized enterprise software by allowing integration across various business functions.

In addition to his role at SAP, Plattner has invested in various ventures, including healthcare and technology startups. He founded the Hasso Plattner Institute (HPI) in Potsdam, Germany, to advance education and research in digital engineering.

Plattner’s wealth has primarily grown from his significant ownership stake in SAP, which remains a leading global provider of enterprise software solutions. As of 2025, SAP continues to be one of the most valuable tech companies in Europe, contributing to Plattner’s estimated net worth of $13.9 billion.
What is Hasso Plattner net worth?

As of 2025, Hasso Plattner’s net worth is estimated to be $16.6 B.

What is Hasso Plattner also known as?

Hasso Plattner is recognized as a leading figure in the technology industry, renowned for co-founding SAP SE and his contributions to enterprise software development.

Prominent achievements of Hasso Plattner

Co-founded SAP SE, leading it to become a global enterprise software leader; established the Hasso Plattner Institute, contributing significantly to IT education and research.

What are Hasso Plattner’s key insights?

Plattner emphasizes innovation, real-time data processing, and customer-centric solutions in enterprise software, advocating for continuous technological advancement.

Hasso Plattner’s personal life

Hasso Plattner is married to Sabine Plattner, a former teacher. The couple has two daughters and maintains residences in San Jose, California, and Potsdam, Germany.