Warren Buffett is an American business magnate, investor, and philanthropist. He began investing at age 11 and formed his own investment partnership in 1956, turning $105,000 into $26 million in 9 years. In 1962 he purchased Berkshire Hathaway, which he transformed into a holding company making numerous acquisitions. With a net worth of over $50 billion, Buffett prioritizes value investing and looks for companies with strong brands, understandable businesses within areas of expertise, and sound management that can increase profitability and returns over the long run.