Archive · 24 Jan 2026
Apple Co-Founder Ronald Wayne Sold 10% Stake for $800
Ronald Wayne was one of the three co-founders of Apple, along with Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak.
He initially owned 10% of the company but sold his stake for just $800 just 12 days after Apple was founded.
Wayne made this decision because he was worried about the financial risks and didn't want to jeopardize his career.
He thought that staying with Apple would mean he would end up doing paperwork for years.
Today, his 10% stake would be worth nearly $400 billion.
Wayne later received an additional $1,500 to formally leave the company, making his total compensation $2,300.
He is now 91 years old and reflects on his decision with a mix of caution and foresight.
Ronald Wayne was a co-founder of Apple alongside Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak.
He sold his 10% stake in Apple for $800 just 12 days after the company was founded.
Wayne's decision was driven by financial caution and career concerns.
Today, his former 10% stake would be worth nearly $400 billion.
He received an additional $1,500 to formally leave the company, totaling $2,300.
- Who
- Ronald Wayne, Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak
- What
- Ronald Wayne sold his 10% stake in Apple for $800
- When
- 12 days after Apple was founded in 1976
- Where
- Apple was founded in California
- Why
- Wayne sold his stake due to financial caution and career concerns
- Co-Founder
- Ronald Wayne
- Initial Ownership
- 10%
- Sale Price
- $800
- Current Value of Stake
- Nearly $400 billion
- Age at Sale
- Early 40s
- Additional Compensation
- $1,500
- Total Compensation
- $2,300
- Current Age
- 91