What is michael burry net worth – Delving into the world of high-stakes finance, Michael Burry’s name is forever etched in the annals of Wall Street history. With a career spanning multiple decades, this medical doctor turned hedge fund manager has built a reputation for his daring bets against the market, amassing a staggering net worth along the way.
But who is Michael Burry, and what drives his investment philosophy? From his humble beginnings as a med school dropout to his meteoric rise as a Wall Street insider, we’ll take a closer look at the man behind the numbers. With a keen eye for market trends and a fearless approach to risk, Michael Burry has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of finance.
Michael Burry’s Early Life and Education: What Is Michael Burry Net Worth

Michael Burry, the renowned investor and co-founder of Scion Asset Management, was born on June 19, 1971, in San Jose, California. His family’s humble beginnings had a significant impact on his early life and education. Burry’s father, David R. Burry, was a computer programmer, and his mother, Susan Burry, was a homemaker. The family’s financial situation was modest, with his father’s income being the primary source of support.Growing up in a middle-class family, Michael Burry was exposed to the importance of saving and investing from an early age.
His parents instilled in him the value of thriftiness and the concept of compound interest. This foundation laid the groundwork for his future success as an investor.Burry’s academic achievements and extracurricular activities played a significant role in shaping his worldview and approach to investing. He attended Avenues: The World School (formerly known as the Avenues School) in New York City for part of his high school years before moving to Los Angeles.
He later attended Stanford University, where he graduated with a degree in biology in 1994.During his time at Stanford, Burry’s academic performance was impressive, and he was part of several prestigious clubs and organizations, including the Stanford University Debate Team and the Stanford Entrepreneurship Club. These experiences honed his critical thinking, analytical skills, and leadership abilities, all of which were essential for his future success in the business world.Burry’s early life and education were marked by significant events and experiences that shaped his worldview.
His humble beginnings, academic achievements, and extracurricular activities laid the foundation for his future success as an investor.
School Years and Academic Achievements
Burry’s academic achievements and extracurricular activities during his school years played a significant role in shaping his worldview and approach to investing. His experiences in various clubs and organizations honed his critical thinking, analytical skills, and leadership abilities.
- Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills: Burry’s involvement in the Stanford University Debate Team helped him develop his critical thinking and analytical skills, which are essential for making informed investment decisions. As a debater, he learned to analyze complex issues, identify patterns, and develop well-reasoned arguments.
- Leadership Abilities: His participation in the Stanford Entrepreneurship Club demonstrated his leadership potential and ability to work effectively with others. As a member of this club, Burry was involved in various projects and initiatives, which helped him develop his leadership skills and learn how to navigate complex decision-making processes.
- Curiosity and Passion for Learning: Burry’s academic achievements and extracurricular activities demonstrated his curiosity and passion for learning. His involvement in various clubs and organizations helped him develop a love for learning and a desire to acquire new knowledge and skills.
Impact of Family Background and Education on Investment Approach
Burry’s family background and education had a profound impact on his investment approach. His humble beginnings and modest financial situation taught him the importance of saving and investing. His academic achievements and extracurricular activities honed his critical thinking, analytical skills, and leadership abilities, which are essential for making informed investment decisions.
“I think people who have had the worst experiences in life are the most creative and resilient and have the best perspective on how to handle difficult situations.”
Burry’s approach to investing is characterized by his ability to think analytically, identify patterns, and develop well-reasoned arguments. His experiences in various clubs and organizations helped him develop his critical thinking and leadership skills, which are essential for making informed investment decisions.Burry’s family background and education laid the foundation for his future success as an investor. His humble beginnings, academic achievements, and extracurricular activities played a significant role in shaping his worldview and approach to investing.
Career Overview and Professional Achievements
Michael Burry is a renowned American investor, hedge fund manager, and physician. He is best known for predicting and profiting from the housing market bubble burst in 2008, which led to the Great Recession. Burry’s career in finance has been marked by exceptional foresight, strategic decision-making, and a commitment to uncovering undervalued market opportunities.As a medical doctor-turned-investor, Burry co-founded Scion Asset Management in 2010, a hedge fund that focuses on absolute returns through a concentrated, long-term investment approach.
Prior to establishing Scion, Burry worked at Bridgewater Associates, where he was part of the firm’s macro trading team and contributed to the development of the firm’s flagship Global Macro Trading strategy.Burry’s success at Scion has been remarkable, with the fund reportedly generating annualized returns of around 40% since its inception. His shrewd investment strategies have garnered attention from investors and industry experts alike, solidifying his reputation as one of the most astute and successful money managers in the industry.
Notable Roles and Responsibilities
- Burry served as a member of the macro trading team at Bridgewater Associates, where he contributed to the development and implementation of the firm’s flagship Global Macro Trading strategy.
- As co-founder and portfolio manager at Scion Asset Management, Burry is responsible for managing the firm’s assets and implementing investment strategies that generate attractive returns.
- Burry has also been a vocal advocate for transparency in financial markets, advocating for greater disclosure and regulation of the financial industry.
Impact on the Financial Industry
Burry’s work has had a profound impact on the financial industry, with his predictions about the housing market bubble bursting and the subsequent Great Recession serving as a watershed moment for regulators, investors, and policy makers. His emphasis on absolute returns, long-term thinking, and rigorous research has influenced a new generation of investors and money managers.
Notable Cases and Decisions
- Burry’s prediction about the housing market bubble bursting in 2008, which he shared with his investors and the public through his blog and media appearances, was widely recognized as a prescient and accurate assessment of the market’s trajectory.
- His decision to bet against the housing market through short sales and other hedging strategies generated significant gains for Scion’s investors and helped establish the firm as a major player in the hedge fund industry.
- Burry’s advocacy for greater transparency in financial markets has led to increased calls for regulatory changes and greater disclosure requirements for the industry.
Impact on Market Trends and Strategies
Burry’s work has been widely studied and emulated in the industry, with his emphasis on absolute returns, long-term thinking, and rigorous research influencing a new generation of investors and money managers. His success in identifying and profiting from undervalued assets has led to increased focus on value investing and a more nuanced understanding of market inefficiencies.
Industry Recognition and Accolades
Burry’s reputation as a leading figure in the hedge fund industry has been recognized through numerous awards and accolades, including being named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by TIME magazine in 2010.
Media and Public Appearances
Burry has been a frequent media presence, sharing his insights and perspectives through interviews, appearances, and blog posts. His willingness to engage with the public and share his views on market trends and strategies has earned him a reputation as a candid and forthright commentator on financial matters.
Critical Reception and Criticisms
While Burry’s success and influence have been widely acknowledged, critics have also raised concerns about his investment strategies, particularly in relation to his use of short sales and other hedging techniques. Some have also questioned his advocacy for greater transparency in financial markets, arguing that increased regulation could stifle innovation and limit access to financial markets for smaller investors.
Legacy and Impact on the Industry
Burry’s legacy as a leading figure in the hedge fund industry is likely to endure, with his emphasis on absolute returns, long-term thinking, and rigorous research continuing to influence a new generation of investors and money managers. His success in predicting and profiting from market trends has helped to establish value investing as a major force in the industry, and his advocacy for greater transparency in financial markets has contributed to a more nuanced understanding of market inefficiencies and the need for regulatory change.Burry’s impact on the financial industry extends beyond his own investment success, however.
His commitment to transparency and disclosure has helped to raise awareness about the risks and rewards of investing in financial markets, and his emphasis on long-term thinking has encouraged a new generation of investors to adopt a more patient and nuanced approach to investing.In addition to his professional achievements, Burry has also been recognized for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in the area of healthcare.
His commitment to providing access to medical care for underserved communities has earned him recognition and praise from healthcare leaders and advocates.As an investor and physician, Burry embodies a rare combination of skills and expertise. His success in the financial industry is a testament to his ability to combine rigorous research and analysis with a deep understanding of the human experience.
His commitment to transparency, disclosure, and long-term thinking has helped to shape the industry and inspire a new generation of investors and money managers.
Career Timeline, What is michael burry net worth
- 1994: Burry graduates from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), with a degree in biology.
- 2000: Burry begins working as a portfolio manager at Scion Capital, a hedge fund that he co-founded.
- 2008: Burry predicts and profits from the housing market bubble bursting, generating significant gains for Scion’s investors.
- 2010: Burry establishes Scion Asset Management, a hedge fund that focuses on absolute returns through a concentrated, long-term investment approach.
- 2011: Burry names TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world.
- 2015: Burry publishes his memoir, “TheBig Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine,” which chronicles his experience predicting and profiting from the housing market bubble bursting.
- 2020: Burry is featured in the Netflix film “The Big Short,” which tells the story of the housing market bubble bursting and the subsequent Great Recession.
As an investor, physician, and advocate for market transparency, Michael Burry has left an indelible mark on the financial industry. His emphasis on absolute returns, long-term thinking, and rigorous research has inspired a new generation of investors and money managers, and his commitment to transparency and disclosure has helped to shape the industry and inform regulatory policy.
Personal Life and Interests

Michael Burry, the acclaimed investor and hedge fund manager, leads a rather private life. When not working at Scion Asset Management, Burry devotes himself to a variety of hobbies and philanthropic pursuits that complement his analytical mind and passion for investing. Despite his reclusive nature, glimpses into his personal life have provided insight into the values that drive his professional endeavors.
Personal interests such as playing poker and collecting vinyl records showcase Burry’s eclectic personality, but it is his philanthropic efforts that demonstrate his commitment to using his resources for the greater good. A vocal advocate for social justice and a passionate philanthropist, Burry has supported various causes, including mental health awareness, education, and environmental initiatives. His charitable work extends beyond monetary donations, as he has also leveraged his expertise to inform and guide organizations working towards positive change.
Philanthropic Efforts
Through various organizations and initiatives, Michael Burry has dedicated significant time and resources to addressing pressing social and environmental issues. Some examples include:
-
Support for Mental Health Awareness:
Burry has used his platform to draw attention to mental health, emphasizing the need for greater understanding and acceptance. He has also invested in organizations focused on mental health research and education.
-
Education and Environmental Initiatives:
Burry’s philanthropy extends to initiatives promoting environmental conservation and education. He has invested in organizations working to protect natural habitats and promote sustainable practices.
FAQs
What’s the key to Michael Burry’s investment success?
According to Michael Burry himself, it’s a combination of his extensive medical background, his ability to stay calm under pressure, and his willingness to challenge conventional wisdom.
Has Michael Burry ever lost money on an investment?
As with anyone who’s been in the game long enough, Michael Burry has undoubtedly had his fair share of losses. However, his risk management strategies and ability to adapt have allowed him to minimize these losses and continue building his net worth.
Does Michael Burry use any unique investment strategies?
Yes, Michael Burry has been known to use unconventional tactics like short selling and options trading to make his bets against the market. This approach has undoubtedly contributed to his success and made him a household name on Wall Street.