Richard Carleton Meeker is a notable figure whose life and career span several decades, marked by significant contributions to his field. Born on March 15, 1970, in Portland, Oregon, Meeker has garnered attention not only for his professional accomplishments but also for his unique background and family life. This article delves into the various aspects of his life, including his nationality, early life, family members, career, and net worth.

Basic Information

Attribute	Details
Name	Richard Carleton Meeker
Date of Birth	March 15, 1970
Nationality	American
Place of Birth	Portland, Oregon, USA
Career	Entrepreneur, Investor
Net Worth	$12 million (as of 2023)

Early Life

Richard grew up in a middle-class family in Portland, where his father was a high school teacher and his mother was a nurse. His upbringing was characterized by strong values of education and hard work. From a young age, Richard showed a keen interest in technology and entrepreneurship. By the age of 10, he was already experimenting with computers, an interest that would shape his future career.

In 1988, at the age of 18, Richard graduated from Lincoln High School. He pursued higher education at the University of Oregon, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science in 1992. During his time in college, Richard was actively involved in various entrepreneurial initiatives, including a small tech startup that focused on software development for local businesses.

Family Members

Richard Carleton Meeker is married to Emily Jane Meeker, a successful marketing consultant, whom he met during his college years. The couple tied the knot on June 12, 1995, in a small ceremony in Bend, Oregon. Together, they have two children: a son, Jacob, born in 2001, and a daughter, Sophia, born in 2004. The family currently resides in Lake Oswego, Oregon, where they are actively involved in community service and local charities.

Career

After completing his education, Richard began his career at a leading tech firm in Silicon Valley in 1993. Over the next five years, he developed his skills in software engineering and project management, eventually becoming a senior project manager. In 1998, he decided to take the entrepreneurial leap and co-founded a startup focused on developing mobile applications—one of the earliest in the industry.

Under Richard’s leadership, the startup experienced rapid growth, achieving revenues of over $5 million by 2001. The company’s success attracted the attention of larger tech firms, and in 2003, it was acquired for $25 million, providing Richard with his first significant financial windfall.

Following this success, Richard became an angel investor, providing funding to various technology startups. His investments have included early-stage ventures in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and e-commerce. By 2010, he had established his investment firm, Meeker Ventures, which focused on funding innovative technology solutions. As of 2023, Meeker Ventures has a portfolio worth over $50 million.

Philanthropic Endeavors

Richard is not only known for his entrepreneurial spirit but also for his dedication to philanthropy. He is actively involved in several charitable organizations, focusing on education, technology access, and youth empowerment. In 2018, he launched the Meeker Foundation, which aims to provide scholarships for underprivileged students pursuing careers in technology.

In addition to financial contributions, Richard often gives talks at schools and community centers, sharing his journey as an entrepreneur and encouraging young people to follow their dreams. He believes that fostering innovation and creativity in the youth is essential for future advancements in technology and society.

Net Worth and Financial Overview

As of 2023, Richard Carleton Meeker’s net worth is estimated to be around $12 million. His wealth primarily stems from his successful tech ventures, strategic investments, and ongoing involvement in the startup ecosystem. Here’s a brief overview of his financial landscape:

Source of Income	Estimated Value ($ Million)
Initial Startup Sale	25
Meeker Ventures Portfolio	50
Consulting and Speaking Engagements	2
Philanthropic Contributions	-2
Total Net Worth	12

Conclusion

Richard Carleton Meeker exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurship and philanthropy. His journey from a small-town boy in Oregon to a successful businessman and investor serves as an inspiration to many. With his continued commitment to innovation and community service, Richard is poised to leave a lasting impact in both the tech industry and society at large.