Eduardo Saverin, a Brazilian-born entrepreneur, is widely recognized as one of the co-founders of Facebook.

Born on March 19, 1982, in São Paulo, Brazil, Saverin's early investment in Facebook played a crucial role in the company's initial success.

Over the years, his stake in Facebook and various other ventures have contributed to his significant net worth, making him a prominent figure in the tech and investment sectors.

Did Eduardo Saverin Get Another Citizenship?

Eduardo Saverin, famously known as one of the co-founders of Facebook, has a unique citizenship status. He is not a dual citizen.

Saverin made headlines when he renounced his US citizenship and became a citizen of Singapore. It's noteworthy that Singapore does not allow dual citizenship.

Saverin's decision to renounce his US citizenship and embrace Singaporean citizenship reflects his personal and professional choices. This move has undoubtedly influenced his financial and legal standing, as well as his global mobility. Singapore, known for its strong economy and strategic location, offers various advantages to its citizens, attracting individuals like Saverin seeking new opportunities and connections in the dynamic Southeast Asian region.

If you are interested in knowing more about Singaporean citizenship by investment and residency you can read more about it here.

Early Life and Education

Family Background

Eduardo Saverin was born into a wealthy family in São Paulo, Brazil. 

His family later moved to Miami, Florida, where he attended Gulliver Preparatory School. His father was a successful businessman, and his mother worked in various family-run businesses in Indonesia.

Education at Harvard

Saverin enrolled at Harvard University, where he pursued a Bachelor of Economics degree. He graduated with honors in 2006. 

During his time at Harvard, he was a member of the Phoenix S.K. Club and the president of the Harvard Investment Association.

Early Interests

In the early days of Facebook, Eduardo Saverin, a Harvard student, noted Mark Zuckerberg's extraordinary computer skills. 

Saverin had a keen interest in economics and finance, which later played a crucial role in his initial investment in Facebook.

Eduardo's early life and education laid a strong foundation for his future entrepreneurial ventures.

Role in Founding Facebook

Initial Investment

In late 2003, Mark Zuckerberg approached Eduardo Saverin with his idea for TheFacebook.com.

Eduardo provided the funds Mark needed to buy servers and get the site up and running. 

TheFacebook.com launched in February 2004. As co-founder, Saverin held the positions of chief financial officer and business manager

Saverin played a crucial role in co-founding Facebook and remains a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist.

Responsibilities and Contributions

Saverin's responsibilities included setting up the company, getting funding, and writing a business model.

His role was very important in the early stages, ensuring the financial stability of the fledgling social network. Despite interning at Lehmann Brothers during the summer of 2004, he continued to contribute to Facebook's growth.

Legal Disputes

However, as soon as The Facebook launched, problems arose, causing the two best friends to separate eventually.

In the summer of 2004, Moskovitz and Zuckerberg moved to Palo Alto, California, while Saverin stayed behind. This separation led to legal disputes over ownership and responsibilities. Initially, the company was set with Mark holding 65%, Eduardo 30%, and Dustin Moskovitz 5%. The legal battles eventually resulted in Saverin's stake being diluted, but he retained a significant portion of the company.

Despite the legal disputes, Eduardo Saverin's early contributions were vital to Facebook's success.

Wealth Accumulation

Facebook Stake

Eduardo Saverin's wealth has seen a significant surge, primarily driven by Meta’s stock prices, which skyrocketed by nearly 70% since the last wealth assessment.

His wealth has surged by $6.4 billion this year, according to Forbes. Saverin’s journey includes a famous lawsuit against Mark Zuckerberg over a reduced stake in Facebook, later settled out of court.

Other Investments

Saverin is not only a key figure at Meta but also co-owns B Capital Group, a prominent venture capital firm managing assets worth $6.3 billion. This substantial wealth gain propelled him ahead of former leader Li Xiting, the chairman of Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics.

Venture Capital

Saverin's venture capital endeavors are primarily channeled through B Capital Group. The firm has been instrumental in various high-profile investments, contributing significantly to his wealth accumulation.

The combined wealth of tycoons on the 2023 Forbes list of Singapore’s 50 Richest rose by 8% to US$177 billion. Eduardo Saverin is the new number one with $16 billion.

Life After Facebook

After parting ways with Facebook, Eduardo Saverin made a significant life change by relocating to Singapore in 2009. This move was not just a personal decision but also a strategic one, as Singapore offered a favorable business environment and tax benefits. Saverin's relocation allowed him to explore new opportunities and expand his investment portfolio.

In 2015, Eduardo Saverin co-founded B Capital Group, a global venture capital firm. The firm focuses on investing in innovative companies across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, and financial services. B Capital Group has quickly become a prominent player in the venture capital space, leveraging Saverin's extensive network and expertise.

Eduardo Saverin has also been active in philanthropy, contributing to various causes and initiatives. His philanthropic efforts are aimed at making a positive impact on society, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare. Saverin believes that the best companies and entrepreneurs come out of periods of downturn and volatility.

Saverin's post-Facebook journey highlights his ability to adapt and thrive in different environments, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to making a difference.

Personal Life

Marriage and Family

Eduardo Saverin immigrated to Singapore in 2009.

Saverin and Elaine Andriejanssen, an Indonesian national of Chinese descent, became engaged on March 27, 2014, and were married on June 25, 2015.

They met while they were both studying at their respective universities in the U.S. state of Massachusetts, Saverin at Harvard and Andriejanssen at Tufts.

Andriejanssen, who works in the finance industry, comes from a wealthy family that runs several businesses in Indonesia.

Lifestyle

Saverin leads a relatively private life in Singapore. He is known to enjoy the luxuries that come with his wealth, including high-end dining and exclusive events. Despite his wealth, Saverin is often described as down-to-earth by those who know him personally.

Public Image

Saverin's move to Singapore has been a topic of much discussion, often cited as a guide to citizenship by exception featuring case studies of notable individuals like Eduardo Saverin and Pierre Omidyar, highlighting economic and social contributions through strategic migration.

His decision to renounce his U.S. citizenship has sparked debates on tax avoidance and global citizenship. Nonetheless, Saverin maintains a low profile and rarely makes public appearances.

Real Estate Holdings

Properties in Singapore

Eduardo Saverin has made significant real estate investments in Singapore. In 2017, he purchased a 957-sq.m. duplex penthouse in a condominium called Sculptura Ardmore for $60 million. In 2019, Saverin bought a home on two acres in Singapore for $167 million.

This two-story house is located on a tree-lined street in one of Singapore's most expensive neighborhoods and is accessed via a gated driveway. The property features a pool, a tennis court, and a large yard. Additionally, Saverin owns a luxury penthouse suite in Singapore's tallest residential building.

Investments in the U.S.

While most of Eduardo Saverin's real estate investments are concentrated in Singapore, he has also shown interest in the U.S. property market. However, specific details about his investments in the U.S. remain largely undisclosed.

Luxury Assets

Saverin's real estate portfolio is not limited to residential properties. He is known to invest in luxury assets that offer both comfort and exclusivity. These investments reflect his status and lifestyle, making him a prominent figure in the real estate market.

Eduardo Saverin's real estate holdings are a testament to his wealth and strategic investment choices, particularly in Singapore.

Conclusion

Eduardo Saverin's journey from a Harvard student to a billionaire venture capitalist is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and strategic investments. Co-founding Facebook not only marked the beginning of his immense wealth but also positioned him as a significant figure in the tech industry.

Despite the early challenges and legal battles, Saverin's initial investment in Facebook has grown exponentially, contributing to his current net worth of approximately $10 billion. Today, Saverin continues to expand his financial empire through various ventures, including his venture fund B Capital. His story is a compelling example of how early risk-taking and strategic decisions can lead to extraordinary financial success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Eduardo Saverin's net worth?

Eduardo Saverin's net worth is estimated to be around $10 billion. Most of his wealth comes from his 2% stake in Facebook and his venture capital investments.

How did Eduardo Saverin make his money?

Eduardo Saverin made his money primarily through his early investment in Facebook. He also has various other investments and is a co-founder of B Capital Group, a venture capital firm.

What was Eduardo Saverin's role in founding Facebook?

Eduardo Saverin was one of the co-founders of Facebook. He provided the initial investment of $15,000, which helped to cover the startup costs for the company. He also played a role in business development during the early stages.

Why did Eduardo Saverin move to Singapore?

Eduardo Saverin moved to Singapore in 2009. While the specific reasons are not publicly confirmed, it is widely believed that the move was motivated by favorable tax laws and a growing business environment in Asia.

What is B Capital Group?

B Capital Group is a venture capital firm co-founded by Eduardo Saverin. The firm focuses on investing in technology startups and has a portfolio that spans various industries, including healthcare, finance, and consumer services.

Is Eduardo Saverin involved in philanthropy?

Yes, Eduardo Saverin is involved in philanthropy. He has made several charitable donations and is known to support various causes, although specific details are not extensively publicized.