Ross Perot, the founder of Dell Computers and two-time presidential candidate, was legendary for his investment philosophy. Key tenets included believing in America’s future, having a stake in companies you believe in, and playing the long game. Perot applied this philosophy to build an empire and amass $4.1 billion by 2008. His family continues this legacy today through their investment firm, Perot Investments.
Ross Perot Believed Deeply In America and Invested Accordingly
As demonstrated through Perot Systems and Dell Computers, Ross Perot invested heavily in American companies that would shape the future of technology and society. He had an intrinsic belief that America represented limitless potential. This belief drove him to take an early chance on a young Michael Dell and fueled ambitious political runs where Perot promised to restore America’s greatness.
Perot Invested in Companies He Truly Believed In
Perot’s investment strategy focused on companies whose products and missions aligned with his values. For example, he invested in Genentech in its early days because he believed in the potential of biotechnology to improve lives. Similarly, he saw the promise of personal computing through Dell. More so than making money, Perot wanted to enable innovations he believed would change the world.
Taking a Long-Term View Was Critical to Perot’s Strategy
Unlike activist investors trying to make a quick buck, Ross Perot invested for the long haul and sticked through volatile times. This allowed companies like Dell to survive macroeconomic challenges and enabled Perot to realize multibagger returns over decades. Similarly, Perot did not cash out after his initial success, but continued nurturing new ventures like Perot Systems well after his wealth was assured.
Ross Perot’s patient, optimistic, and values-driven investment strategy built an empire and lasting legacy carried on by Perot Investments today. He opportunistically backed American innovations he believed in, taking a long view to allow disruptive companies time to blossom.