Jeffrey Ubben: Biography, Career, and Business Insights

Jeffrey Ubben’s Profile Summary

Company	ValueAct Capital
Position	Founder, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Investment Officer, and Portfolio Manager of ValueAct Capital.
Source of wealth	Performance and management fees from ValueAct Capital, investment income from Inclusive Capital Partners, board director fees from various public companies.
Also known as	Philanthropist, Board Director.
Age	65
Education	Duke University - Bachelor’s degree, Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern University) - MBA
Citizenship	United States
Residence	San Francisco, California, United States
Family	Jeffrey Ubben is married to Laurie Ubben, and they have three children: Charlotte, Josephine, and Theo
Website, Social Media	https://valueact.com/

Biography

Jeffrey Ubben is a prominent American investor, best known for founding ValueAct Capital, an activist hedge fund based in San Francisco, in 2000. Prior to this, he was a managing partner at Blum Capital Partners, where he refined his skills in investment and management. Ubben holds a Bachelor’s degree from Duke University and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Over two decades, he built ValueAct Capital into a significant force in shareholder activism, working with companies like Microsoft, Rolls-Royce, and The New York Times. In 2020, Ubben left ValueAct to create Inclusive Capital Partners, focusing on sustainable and socially responsible investing, a move that reflected his growing interest in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. He also sits on various boards, including AES Corporation and Nikola, and has been actively involved in philanthropic efforts, particularly with institutions like Duke University and the Posse Foundation. His work continues to shape both the financial world and the landscape of social impact investing.

Founder & Managing Partner of Inclusive Capital Partners. As of July 2025, serves on the boards of Bayer AG, Duke University, and WWF.

How did Jeffrey Ubben make money?

Jeffrey Ubben makes money in the following areas:

Performance and management fees from ValueAct Capital, investment income from Inclusive Capital Partners, board director fees from various public companies.
What is Jeffrey Ubben net worth?

As of 2026, Jeffrey Ubben’s net worth is estimated to be $3.8B.

What is Jeffrey Ubben also known as?

Jeffrey Ubben is not only recognized for his leadership in investment through ValueAct Capital and Inclusive Capital Partners, but he has also made significant contributions as a philanthropist. He has been involved in numerous charitable activities, most notably through his work with the Posse Foundation, where he served as the Chair of the National Board of Directors for nine years. Additionally, he has pledged significant donations to institutions such as Northwestern University to support scholarships. Beyond his philanthropic efforts, Ubben serves on various corporate boards, including Nikola Corporation and AES, and is also actively involved with environmental initiatives through organizations like The Nature Conservancy’s NatureVest and the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation

Prominent achievements

Jeffrey Ubben co-founded ValueAct Capital, building it into a renowned hedge fund. He has served on numerous corporate boards, including ExxonMobil and Nikola, and is known for his influence in corporate governance. In 2020, he transitioned to focus on social investing through Inclusive Capital Partners. He has also been a significant donor, pledging over $50 million to Northwestern University for scholarships and sustainability initiatives

Founded Inclusive Capital Partners and became its Managing Partner.

What are Jeffrey Ubben’s key insights?

Jeffrey Ubben’s business philosophy has evolved from a shareholder activist approach, focusing solely on financial returns, to a broader stakeholder activism model. He believes that businesses have a responsibility to address social and environmental issues like climate change and inequality. He emphasizes long-term investments that align with sustainability goals, viewing them as essential not only for the planet’s health but also for long-term corporate success

Personal life

Jeffrey Ubben and his wife, Laurie, have been deeply involved in philanthropic activities. Laurie is notably an animal welfare activist and co-founder of the Bird School of Music. They have three children together: Charlotte, Josephine, and Theo. The Ubbens are actively engaged in supporting sustainability initiatives, including significant contributions to Northwestern University, where Jeffrey serves as a trustee

Useful insights

Decision-making and success

Making the right decisions at the right time is often what sets successful people apart. Drawing on the experience of Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, here are some key lessons for improving your decision-making and achieving long-term success.

Create a decision-making framework

Ray Dalio advocates for a clear, principles-based approach to decision-making. Establish a set of guiding principles that you consistently apply when faced with choices. This will help you stay focused and avoid emotional or impulsive decisions.
Embrace transparency and open feedback

Dalio’s philosophy of radical transparency is about creating an environment where honest feedback is encouraged. Whether in your career or personal life, being open to criticism and maintaining transparency will help you grow and make better decisions.
Prepare for risks and manager them wisely

Success isn’t just about making the right moves—it's also about managing risks effectively. Always consider worst-case scenarios and have a plan in place to navigate them. Risk management is a crucial part of any decision-making process.