Whitney Tilson is an American investor, former hedge fund manager, newsletter publisher, author, and philanthropist with an estimated net worth of $50 million as of 2024.
Over the years, Tilson has built his fortune through a combination of smart investing, running a hedge fund, and publishing financial newsletters.
He is particularly known for founding and managing Kase Capital, a hedge fund he ran from 1999 to 2017, and for his current role running Empire Financial Research, a financial research and newsletter business.
Early Life
Whitney Tilson was born on November 1, 1966, in New Haven, Connecticut, making him 56 years old as of 2023. He spent much of his childhood abroad in countries like Tanzania and Nicaragua.
His parents were both teachers who met and married while serving in the Peace Corps. They have since retired in Kenya. Interestingly, his great-grandfather, John Q. Tilson, was a prominent Republican representative from Connecticut who served as House Majority Leader.
Tilson attended prestigious institutions such as Eaglebrook School and Northfield Mt. Hermon School before graduating magna cum laude from Harvard College with a bachelor’s degree in Government in 1989.
Afterward, he helped Wendy Kopp launch Teach for America and worked as a consultant for The Boston Consulting Group.
He later earned an MBA with High Distinction from Harvard Business School in 1994, where he was named a Baker Scholar, placing him in the top 5% of his class.
Career Overview
Whitney Tilson’s career spans multiple industries, from education reform to investment management:
Hedge Fund Management
Tilson founded the hedge fund Kase Capital (formerly T2 Partners) in 1999. He ran the fund successfully for many years, though it eventually closed in 2017 after underperforming relative to the broader market for several years.
Value Investing Congress
In 2004, Tilson co-founded the Value Investing Congress, which is one of the leading investment conferences in the U.S.
Over the years, some of the world’s most renowned investors, including David Einhorn and William Ackman, have presented at this event.
Empire Financial Research
After the closure of Kase Capital, Tilson transitioned to publishing financial newsletters through his company, Empire Financial Research, which he launched in 2019.
The newsletter focuses on providing investment advice and stock recommendations.
TaaS 2.0 Webinar
In 2021, Tilson hosted the TaaS 2.0 webinar, which centered around the concept of “Transportation as a Service” (TaaS).
This sector, driven by advancements in self-driving technology, has gained considerable attention as a promising investment opportunity.
Philanthropy
Whitney Tilson is heavily involved in philanthropy, particularly in the fields of education and Africa. He has received numerous accolades for his charitable work, including the John C. Whitehead Social Enterprise Award in 2008.
He has also served as the Chairman of the Young Presidents’ Organization’s Manhattan chapter and is on the board of Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) charter schools in New York City.
Tilson is one of the co-founders of Democrats for Education Reform, advocating for school reform.
Additionally, in 2010, he was featured in the education reform documentary A Right Denied: The Critical Need for Education Reform, where he discussed the achievement gap between different socioeconomic groups in the U.S.
Media Presence
Whitney Tilson has established a strong media presence throughout his career. He has been a CNBC contributor and was featured in an Emmy Award-winning segment of 60 Minutes about the housing crisis in 2008.
He’s also appeared on Bloomberg TV, Fox Business Network, and in numerous publications, including The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Forbes, and The Financial Times.
In addition, Tilson co-founded the Value Investor Insight newsletter and has contributed to other investment publications like Kiplinger’s and The Motley Fool.
Net Worth
Whitney Tilson’s net worth is estimated at $50 million as of 2024. A significant portion of his wealth was built during his time managing Kase Capital, though his current endeavors with Empire Financial Research continue to generate substantial income.
Tilson’s annual salary is believed to be around $1.5 million, primarily derived from his investment activities, publications, and financial services.
