Doug Burgum, the 67-year-old Governor of North Dakota, is not only known for his political career but also for his substantial fortune, which has generated significant attention, especially as his name surfaces in discussions about potential Republican vice presidential candidates.
Burgum’s career has been shaped by both his political work and his earlier success in the business world.
He made a substantial portion of his wealth from his involvement in the tech industry, particularly when his company, Great Plains Software, was sold to Microsoft in 2001 for $1.1 billion.
Burgum became a senior vice president at Microsoft after the acquisition and received over 1.7 million Microsoft shares, which were valued at around $100 million at the time.
Though Burgum has sold much of his stock over the years, his remaining shares are still worth up to $1 million today.
In addition to his earnings from Microsoft, Burgum has expanded into real estate and venture capital. He has invested in various business ventures over the years, further bolstering his wealth.
According to Forbes, Doug Burgum’s estimated net worth exceeds $100 million, though it could be much higher due to assets potentially held in trusts for his children.
Burgum’s political career, which began in 2016 when he became the governor of North Dakota, has also enhanced his public profile.
While he ran for president briefly, his decision to support Donald Trump’s campaign boosted his visibility, with political commentators speculating that Burgum could be a potential vice-presidential pick for Trump in the 2024 election.
This has only added to the intrigue surrounding his finances, which are largely bolstered by his business ventures and strategic investments.
