Steve Jobs Became Billionaire Through Pixar Hollywood Deal

Steve Jobs, best known as the cofounder and CEO of Apple, actually became a billionaire through his involvement with Pixar rather than Apple. After being forced out of Apple in 1985, Jobs purchased Lucasfilm's computer graphics division for $10 million, which was renamed Pixar. Despite initial struggles and personal financial risks, Pixar's fortunes changed dramatically in 1995 with the release of its first major film, Toy Story, featuring Tom Hanks and Tim Allen. That same week, Pixar went public with an IPO that significantly increased the value of Jobs' 80% stake, instantly making him a billionaire. Pixar's success was seen as a pivotal moment that not only transformed the animation industry but also secured Jobs' financial legacy before the launch of Apple's iconic products like the iMac. This story highlights how Jobs' Hollywood investment was a critical and somewhat unexpected chapter in his entrepreneurial career.