Ted Waitt

Ted Waitt, Gateway founder and former CEO of the company, is a legend in the computer business. Ted Waitt currently is Chairman of The Waitt Family Foundation, Waitt Institute for Historical Discovery, Waitt Institute for Violence Prevention, Waitt Institute for Scientific Breakthroughs and the Founding Fathers campaign for the Family Violence Prevention Fund. Ted Waitt is a member of the “Steering Committee” at the Foresight Nanotech Institute which has launched a Technology Roadmap for Productive Nanosystems. Mr. Waitt is also a board member of the Salk Institute for Biological Studies.

Born and raised in Sioux City, Iowa, Ted Waitt attended the University of Iowa, but left school in 1984 to explore business opportunities. The result of Waitt’s decision was the founding of Gateway, Inc., established in 1985. Selling build-to-order personal computers directly to consumers paved the way for Gateway’s initial successes. By 2000 the company was worth nearly $10 billion and employed 24,000 people.

Waitt is owner of Avalon Capital Group, Inc., a private investment company with varied interests. He also owns a construction finance company which operates out of the Midwest.

Founded in 1993, the Waitt Family Foundation focused on domestic violence prevention and community development. As Mr. Waitt’s interests have grown, so have those of the Waitt Family Foundation. The Waitt Institutes were founded in 2005 with a focus on past, present and future. The Waitt Institute for Historical Discovery focuses on the origins and behaviors of the human race. The Waitt Institute for Violence Prevention emphasizes the importance of researching the causes and effects of domestic violence and developing solutions and preventive measures. The Waitt Institute for Scientific Breakthroughs brings together scientific research and technology to benefit mankind.

Ted Waitt has consistently been included on Business Week’s annual list of “50 Most Generous Philanthropists” in America. Through his various foundations and institutes, Waitt has donated over $300 million to support the improvement of family, community, scientific research, domestic violence prevention, and many other important causes.

To learn more about Ted Waitt, Gateway founder and active philanthropist, visit the following sites: