Eric Yuan Wiki, Bio, Family, Salary & Net Worth in 2024

Eric Yuan has been a significant and influential figure in the tech industry. Born in China, Yuan moved to Silicon Valley in 1997. His journey to success began with a clear vision to break down communication barriers and make video communication accessible to all, which ended with the launch of Zoom.

Yuan’s vision extended beyond creating a digital conference room. He aimed to develop a user-centric platform that prioritized simplicity and ease of use. 

Despite the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, Yuan and his team were able to adapt and meet the increased demand for their services. His story serves as an inspiration to entrepreneurs worldwide, demonstrating that with a clear vision, hard work, and a people-first approach, one can overcome adversity and achieve remarkable success.

Quick Facts About Eric Yuan

Eric Yuan Biography 

Eric Yuan was born on the 20th of February, 1970. Her parents were both geological engineers. He spent his childhood in Tai’an, located in China’s Shandong Province. Even as a fourth-grader, Yuan showed resourcefulness by collecting and recycling construction waste to earn some money from the copper it contained.

In 1987, during his first year at university, Yuan was motivated to create a videotelephony software. This inspiration came from his long, 10-hour train journeys to see his girlfriend, which made him wish for a simpler way to “visit” her. 

His academic journey led him to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics, with a minor in Computer Applications, from the Shandong University of Science and Technology. He further pursued a Master’s degree in Geological Engineering from the China University of Mining and Technology in Beijing. 

In 2006, Yuan added another feather to his cap by completing an executive program at Stanford University.

Eric Yuan Career Journey & Timeline

After his master’s degree, Yuan moved to Beijing and spent four months in a training program in Japan. A speech by Bill Gates in Japan in 1995 sparked his interest, leading him to move to Silicon Valley in 1997 to be part of the technological revolution. At that time, Yuan had limited proficiency in English and had to apply nine times before he was granted a U.S. visa.

Upon his arrival in the U.S., Yuan became one of the first 20 employees at WebEx, a startup specializing in web conferencing. When Cisco Systems acquired the company in 2007, Yuan was appointed as the vice president of engineering. In 2011, he proposed a new concept for a smartphone-compatible video conferencing system to Cisco’s management. However, when his idea was turned down, Yuan decided to leave Cisco and founded his own company, Zoom Video Communications.

In 2019, Zoom went public through an initial public offering, turning Yuan into a billionaire. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a surge in Yuan’s wealth as Zoom became a crucial tool for remote work and online education. In March 2021, Yuan transferred Zoom shares worth $6 billion to a grantor-retained annuity trust, where he serves as a trustee.

Current Positions of Eric Yuan

Awards & Achievements

• 2020 Time Businessperson of the Year
• Time 100 Most Influential People of 2020

Eric Yuan’s Wife and Kids

Yuan married his girlfriend Sherry while pursuing his master’s degree at the China University of Mining and Technology in Beijing. The couple is blessed with three children. 

One of their children, Roy Yuan, is a member of the Stanford basketball team and runs a YouTube channel that boasts over 20,000 subscribers. Eric Yuan’s house in Santa Clara, California is worth a million dollars. In the year 2007, Yuan earned American citizenship.

Eric Yuan’s Salary in 2025

As of 2025, it’s estimated that the Yuan earns a staggering $2 billion per year. Despite fluctuations in his net worth, Yuan’s salary remains impressive, reflecting the success of Zoom under his stewardship. His journey from being a student in China to becoming a billionaire in the United States is truly inspiring. 

Eric Yuan’s Net Worth in 2024

As of 2024, his net worth is estimated to be around $16.4 billion. However, there are varying reports about his wealth, with some sources suggesting it could be between $15 to $25 billion. It’s worth noting that his net worth is closely tied to Zoom’s stock performance and his investments. He is one of the weathiest and highest paid CEOs in the world. 

Eric Yuan Current Holdings

Astounding Facts About Eric Yuan

• Eric Yuan was born in China and moved to Silicon Valley in 1997 after eight failed attempts to obtain a visa.
• He was one of the first software engineers at a young company called WebEx.
• Yuan played a significant role in the early days of WebEx, a pioneer in web conferencing solutions.
• He left WebEx in 2011 to start his own competitor business.
• Yuan is the founder of Zoom Video Communications, which has become a household name in the world of technology.
• Zoom experienced an unprecedented surge in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Yuan once walked over 10 miles to meet with a potential investor when he couldn’t find a taxi.
• He is an avid basketball fan and attends his children’s games.
• Yuan became a naturalized United States citizen in 2007.
• Despite the success of Zoom, Yuan continues to prioritize customer satisfaction, environmental sustainability, and employee well-being.

Eric Yuan Quotes 

“Coronavirus has completely changed how people think about where or how you should work.”

“We really don’t look at our competitors. The market is big. If you focus too much on competitors, you can lose focus on the customer. If we make our customers happier, we are going to win.”

“You can work hard and be smart, but you need to think about when you’re going to be part of a startup and build it. You only have so much energy, whether you want to admit it or not.”

“The harshest criticism may be the best words you ever hear.”

“I told our employees several times, ‘Let’s focus on the end user, let’s focus on committing to society, and focus on the crisis and doing the right thing, show our corporate social responsibility.’ Don’t focus on marketing and sales. That’s horrible culture.”

FAQs

Who is the Real Owner of Zoom?

Eric Yuan, the founder of Zoom Video Communications, is the real owner of Zoom.

When did Eric Yuan Create Zoom?

Eric Yuan founded Zoom in 2011 and launched its software in 2013.

Who is the New CEO of Zoom?

Eric Yuan continues to serve as the CEO of Zoom.

Is Zoom Owned by Google?

No, Google does not own Zoom. It’s an independent company founded by Eric Yuan.

Why did Eric Yuan Create Zoom?

Eric Yuan created Zoom to provide a user-friendly, video-first conferencing platform for businesses.