Vivek Ganapathy Ramaswamy is an American entrepreneur known for founding the pharmaceutical company Roivant Sciences in 2014. In a bid for the White House, he announced his candidacy for the 2024 U.S. presidential election, seeking the Republican Party's nomination. His campaign, however, was short-lived, as he suspended it in January 2024 following a fourth-place finish in the Iowa caucuses.
August 9, 1985: Birth of Vivek Ramaswamy
Vivek Ganapathy Ramaswamy was born on August 9, 1985. This event marks the beginning of his life.
2003: Vivek Ramaswamy Graduates as Valedictorian from St. Xavier High School
In 2003, Vivek Ramaswamy graduated as valedictorian from St. Xavier High School, a Catholic school in Cincinnati affiliated with the Jesuit order.
2004: Votes for Libertarian Candidate Michael Badnarik
Vivek Ramaswamy voted for Michael Badnarik, the Libertarian Party presidential nominee, in the 2004 election. This decision reflects his early engagement in politics and exploration of ideologies beyond the traditional two-party system.
2007: Vivek Ramaswamy Co-founds Campus Venture Network
In 2007, Vivek Ramaswamy, alongside Travis May, established Campus Venture Network. This company created a private social networking platform aimed at university students with entrepreneurial aspirations.
2007: Vivek Ramaswamy Graduates Summa Cum Laude from Harvard University
Vivek Ramaswamy graduated summa cum laude from Harvard University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology in 2007. During his time at Harvard, he was known for his libertarian views, participated in the Harvard Political Union, and even explored rap music under the pseudonym "Da Vek".
2007: Vivek Ramaswamy Begins Tenure at QVT Financial
Vivek Ramaswamy joined the hedge fund QVT Financial in 2007, where he eventually became a partner and co-managed the firm's biotechnology investment portfolio.
2008: Abstains from Voting in the Presidential Election
Vivek Ramaswamy chose not to participate in the 2008 presidential election, marking a period of non-participation in presidential elections. His decision reflects a deliberate choice to abstain from voting.
2009: Campus Venture Network Sold to Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation
Campus Venture Network, co-founded by Vivek Ramaswamy, was acquired by the nonprofit Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation in 2009.
2011: Vivek Ramaswamy Awarded Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship
Vivek Ramaswamy was awarded the prestigious Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans in 2011. He utilized this fellowship to pursue studies at Yale Law School.
2012: Abstains from Voting in the Presidential Election
Vivek Ramaswamy again opted out of voting in the 2012 presidential election. This continued his pattern of non-participation in presidential elections during this time.
2013: Vivek Ramaswamy Earns Juris Doctor from Yale Law School
Vivek Ramaswamy earned his Juris Doctor degree from Yale Law School in 2013, marking the culmination of his legal studies.
December 2014: Axovant Sciences Acquires Intepirdine Patent
In December 2014, Axovant Sciences, a subsidiary of Roivant Sciences, purchased the patent for intepirdine from GlaxoSmithKline for $5 million. This drug had previously failed four clinical trials at GlaxoSmithKline.
2014: Vivek Ramaswamy Founds Roivant Sciences with Unique Business Model
Vivek Ramaswamy established the biotechnology firm Roivant Sciences in 2014, incorporating it in Bermuda. The company secured substantial initial funding from various investors, including QVT Financial. Roivant's approach involved acquiring patents for underdeveloped drugs from larger pharmaceutical companies with the aim of bringing them to market.
2014: Vivek Ramaswamy Leaves QVT Financial
Vivek Ramaswamy's time at QVT Financial concluded in 2014. He had been involved in notable biotech investments during his tenure, including stakes in companies like Palatin Technologies, Concert Pharmaceuticals, Pharmasset, and Martin Shkreli's Retrophin.
2014: Vivek Ramaswamy Founds Roivant Sciences
In 2014, Vivek Ramaswamy founded Roivant Sciences, a pharmaceutical company focused on acquiring and developing promising drug candidates.
March 2015: Chairs OnCore Biopharma and Arbutus Biopharma
In March 2015, Vivek Ramaswamy took on significant leadership roles in the biotechnology industry. He served as chairman of OnCore Biopharma, a position that continued after the company merged with Tekmira Pharmaceuticals. Simultaneously, he held the position of chairman of the board at Arbutus Biopharma, a Canadian firm.
2015: Vivek Ramaswamy Raises $360 Million for Axovant, Aims to Repurpose Intepirdine for Alzheimer's
In 2015, Vivek Ramaswamy secured $360 million in funding for Axovant Sciences, aiming to develop intepirdine as an Alzheimer's treatment. This endeavor garnered attention, landing Ramaswamy on the cover of Forbes. He expressed ambitious goals for the company and the drug's potential, attracting both support and criticism for his pronouncements.
2015: Marries Apoorva Tewari, a Laryngologist and Surgeon, After Meeting at Yale University
Vivek Ramaswamy married Apoorva Tewari, a laryngologist and surgeon, in 2015. They first met while studying at Yale University, where he pursued law and she pursued medicine.
2016: Abstains from Voting in the Presidential Election
Vivek Ramaswamy continued his pattern of not voting in presidential elections in 2016. His decision reflects a consistent approach to political engagement during those specific election cycles.
2016: Donates to Dena Grayson's Congressional Campaign
In 2016, Vivek Ramaswamy donated $2,700 to the congressional campaign of Dena Grayson, a Florida Democrat. This contribution demonstrates his willingness to support candidates from both major parties, reflecting a potentially nuanced political perspective.
2016: Resides in Manhattan
As of 2016, Ramaswamy resided in Manhattan, indicating his choice of living in a major metropolitan area.
September 2017: Axovant's Intepirdine Fails Clinical Trial, Leading to Significant Losses
In September 2017, Axovant Sciences experienced a major setback when its Alzheimer's drug, intepirdine, failed a large clinical trial. This failure resulted in a steep decline in the company's value, with a 75% drop in a single day. Investors, including pension funds, suffered losses, while Ramaswamy was somewhat shielded due to his ownership structure. The company eventually abandoned intepirdine and attempted to transition into gene therapy but ultimately dissolved in 2023.
2017: Roivant Sciences Forms Partnership and Secures Investment
Roivant Sciences engaged in two significant ventures in 2017. They partnered with the private equity branch of the Chinese state-owned CITIC Group, leading to the establishment of Sinovant. Additionally, they secured a $1.1 billion investment from SoftBank, spearheaded by Masayoshi Son.
2017: No Public Position on Trump Tax Cuts
Vivek Ramaswamy did not take a public stance on the 2017 Trump tax cuts, leaving his position on this significant economic policy unclear. His silence on the issue suggests a strategic decision to avoid aligning himself definitively on this potentially divisive topic.
2018: Vivek Ramaswamy Expresses No Regrets Over Intepirdine Handling
In 2018, Vivek Ramaswamy stated that he harbored no regrets regarding the company's management of the intepirdine drug, despite its failure in clinical trials.
2018: Roivant Foundation Established
The Roivant Foundation, the precursor to Roivant Social Ventures, was created in 2018.
2019: Roivant Sells Stakes in Subsidiaries to Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma
In 2019, Roivant Sciences divested its ownership in five of its subsidiaries to Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma. This deal resulted in substantial capital gains for Ramaswamy, amounting to $175 million. As part of the agreement, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma also acquired a 10% stake in Roivant.
2020: Begins Donations to the Ohio Republican Party
Starting in 2020, Vivek Ramaswamy began making donations to the Ohio Republican Party. This marked the beginning of a period of financial contributions to the party, signaling his growing support for the Republican Party.
2020: Promotes Election Misinformation and Conspiracy Theories During Campaign
Throughout his 2020 campaign, Vivek Ramaswamy repeatedly made claims about the 2020 election being stolen and promoted unfounded conspiracy theories, including the "Great Replacement" theory. These actions drew significant criticism and controversy.
2020: Roivant Sciences Establishes Roivant Social Ventures
With support from then-CEO Vivek Ramaswamy, Roivant Sciences established Roivant Social Ventures (RSV) in 2020 as a non-profit arm focused on social impact. This initiative, evolving from the Roivant Foundation created in 2018, aimed to support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) principles within the biopharma and biotech industries.
2020: Nearly 9% of Voters Were Under 25
In the 2020 general election, almost 9% of the voters were under the age of 25. This demographic represents a significant portion of the electorate, highlighting the potential impact of policies aimed at younger voters.
2020: Publicly Expresses Views on Vegetarianism and Animal Welfare
In 2020, Ramaswamy articulated his stance on vegetarianism, emphasizing his belief in animal welfare. He stated, "I believe it is wrong to kill sentient animals for culinary pleasure," aligning his dietary choices with his ethical beliefs.
2020: Supports Donald Trump in the Presidential Election
Breaking his previous pattern of abstaining from voting in presidential elections, Vivek Ramaswamy supported Donald Trump in the 2020 election. This decision marked a shift in his political engagement, actively participating in the election and aligning himself with a specific candidate.
2020: Co-Founds Chapter Medicare and Serves on Ohio COVID-19 Response Team
In 2020, Vivek Ramaswamy co-founded Chapter Medicare, a platform designed to help people navigate the complexities of the Medicare system. The same year, he also served on the Ohio COVID-19 Response Team, contributing to the state's efforts to address the pandemic.
January 6, 2021: Condemns Capitol Attack, Raises First Amendment Concerns Over Trump's Social Media Bans
On January 6, 2021, following the attack on the Capitol, Vivek Ramaswamy condemned the attack while also arguing that banning then-President Trump from social media platforms raised First Amendment concerns.
January 2021: Vivek Ramaswamy Transitions from CEO to Executive Chairman of Roivant Sciences
Vivek Ramaswamy stepped down from his position as CEO of Roivant Sciences in January 2021, transitioning to the role of executive chairman.
November 2021: Registers to Vote as Unaffiliated in Ohio
In November 2021, Vivek Ramaswamy registered to vote in Franklin County, Ohio, identifying as "unaffiliated." Despite not aligning with a specific party, he publicly declared himself as a Republican, signaling his political leanings.
2021: Owns Property in Butler County, Ohio
By 2021, Ramaswamy's real estate holdings included a house in Butler County, Ohio, suggesting a connection to the state.
September 2022: Publishes "Nation of Victims: Identity Politics, the Death of Merit, and the Path Back to Excellence"
In September 2022, a few months before announcing his presidential campaign, Vivek Ramaswamy published his second book, "Nation of Victims: Identity Politics, the Death of Merit, and the Path Back to Excellence." This book, following his critique of ESG investing in "Woke, Inc.," further solidified his public stance against what he views as excessive focus on social justice in corporate America and its impact on American society.
October 2022: Pitches Strive to South Carolina Lawmakers
In October 2022, Vivek Ramaswamy engaged in closed-door meetings with South Carolina lawmakers. Orchestrated by state treasurer Curtis Loftis, these meetings served as a platform for Ramaswamy to promote Strive Asset Management as a potential manager for South Carolina's pension funds.
2022: Co-Founds Strive Asset Management with Anson Frericks
Vivek Ramaswamy, along with his high school friend Anson Frericks, co-founded Strive Asset Management in 2022. The Columbus, Ohio-based firm distinguishes itself by openly challenging ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles in its investment strategies. It quickly attracted significant investments, raising about $20 million from prominent figures like Peter Thiel, J. D. Vance, and Bill Ackman.
2022: Considers Running for U.S. Senate in Ohio
Vivek Ramaswamy contemplated entering the political arena in 2022 by considering a run for the U.S. Senate in Ohio. Although he ultimately decided against running, this exploration reflects his growing interest in actively participating in politics.
2022: Launches Strive's Flagship Fund, DRLL
In 2022, Strive Asset Management launched its flagship exchange-traded fund (ETF), DRLL, focused on the energy sector. This fund embodies the firm's "anti-woke" approach, as Ramaswamy emphasized Strive's intent to push energy companies towards increased oil drilling and natural gas fracking, prioritizing long-term financial success over what he considers politically motivated agendas.
2022: Challenges Chevron on Climate Policies Despite Company Stake
Despite owning a small stake in Chevron, Ramaswamy challenged the company in 2022, urging them to increase oil production and criticizing their support for a carbon tax. His stance highlighted his position on climate change and energy policy, even when it meant contradicting a company he had a financial interest in.
February 2023: Vivek Ramaswamy Announces Presidential Candidacy
On February 2023, Vivek Ramaswamy declared his candidacy for the Republican Party nomination in the 2024 United States presidential election.
February 2023: Vivek Ramaswamy Resigns as Chair of Roivant Sciences
Vivek Ramaswamy resigned from his position as chair of Roivant Sciences in February 2023 to concentrate on his presidential campaign.
February 2023: Resigns from Strive to Focus on Presidential Campaign
Vivek Ramaswamy stepped down from his position as executive chairman of Strive Asset Management in February 2023 to dedicate his full attention to his presidential campaign. This move marked a significant shift in his career, transitioning from a prominent role in finance to actively seeking the highest office in the United States.
February 21, 2023: Announces Candidacy for President on Tucker Carlson Tonight
On February 21, 2023, Vivek Ramaswamy made a significant public announcement on Tucker Carlson Tonight: his candidacy for the Republican nomination for president of the United States in the 2024 election. This declaration marked his official entry into the race, setting the stage for his campaign and policy positions.
May 2023: Campaign Admits to Paying for Wikipedia Edits
In May 2023, Vivek Ramaswamy's presidential campaign confirmed that they had hired an editor to make changes to his Wikipedia biography before he officially announced his candidacy. The campaign, however, denied that the payments for these edits were driven by political motivations.
June 2023: Closed-door meetings in South Carolina draw criticism
In June 2023, the closed-door meetings held in October 2022, where Vivek Ramaswamy pitched Strive Asset Management to South Carolina lawmakers, came under scrutiny. Following a report by The Post and Courier, these meetings faced criticism for potentially constituting unregistered lobbying. Ramaswamy's campaign manager refuted these claims, denying any inappropriate actions.
July 2023: Campaign Reports $9 Million Cash on Hand
By July 2023, Vivek Ramaswamy's presidential campaign reported having approximately $9 million in cash on hand. This financial standing reflects the campaign's fundraising efforts and its capacity to support its operations and outreach initiatives.
October 7, 2023: Expresses Support for Israel's Right to Defend Itself, Proposes Conditional US Aid After Hamas Attack
In the aftermath of the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, Ramaswamy expressed his support for Israel's right to self-defense and decision-making autonomy. He suggested the US provide a "diplomatic Iron Dome" but also advocated for US aid to be contingent on Israel's strategies for addressing Hamas and its actions in Gaza.
November 2023: Condemns Azerbaijan's Actions in Nagorno-Karabakh, Calls for US Action
In November 2023, Ramaswamy took a strong stance against Azerbaijan's military operation in Nagorno-Karabakh, condemning their actions against the Armenian population. He urged the United States to take action by blocking military aid to Azerbaijan.
2023: Vivek Ramaswamy Shares Perspectives on Martin Shkreli
In 2023, Vivek Ramaswamy, speaking publicly and in his book "Woke Inc.", offered his opinions on Martin Shkreli, known for significantly raising the price of a life-saving drug. He acknowledged Shkreli's intellect while labeling him a habitual liar and criticized the U.S. Department of Justice for pursuing charges against him, characterizing Shkreli's actions as a victimless offense.
2023: Continues Donations to the Ohio Republican Party
Vivek Ramaswamy continued his financial support for the Ohio Republican Party into 2023. This sustained contribution suggests ongoing alignment with the party's platform and candidates.
2023: Vivek Ramaswamy Reveals Early Wealth and Discusses Yale Law School Experience
In 2023, Vivek Ramaswamy disclosed that he was already affluent before attending Yale Law School, attributing his wealth to his involvement in finance, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. He estimated his net worth around $15 million before graduating and mentioned his participation in the Jewish intellectual society Shabtai during his time at Yale.
2023: Campaign Advisor and Forbes Report Estimated Net Worth Exceeding $950 Million
In 2023, Ramaswamy's campaign advisor placed his net worth at over $1 billion. Forbes estimated his wealth at more than $950 million. These figures highlighted his significant financial standing.
2023: Rallies Behind Trump After Federal Indictment
Following Donald Trump's indictment on federal criminal charges in 2023, Vivek Ramaswamy immediately expressed his support. This unwavering backing during a controversial time reflects his steadfast loyalty to Trump.
2023: Axovant Sciences Dissolves
Axovant Sciences, after attempts to reinvent itself as a gene therapy company, ceased operations in 2023.
January 2024: Forbes Estimates Vivek Ramaswamy's Net Worth at Over $960 Million
In January 2024, Forbes estimated Vivek Ramaswamy's net worth to be over $960 million, primarily stemming from his ventures in the biotechnology and financial sectors.
January 2024: Vivek Ramaswamy Suspends Presidential Campaign
Vivek Ramaswamy suspended his campaign for the Republican Party nomination in January 2024 after a fourth-place finish in the Iowa caucuses.
May 2024: Acquires Stake in BuzzFeed and Proposes Strategic Shift
By May 2024, Vivek Ramaswamy had become the second-largest Class A shareholder in BuzzFeed after acquiring a 7.7% stake in the company, which later increased to 8.4%. He advocated for a significant change in BuzzFeed's content strategy, suggesting the hiring of conservative voices like Candace Owens, Tucker Carlson, and Bill Maher. He also proposed bringing on three new directors with experience in new media, signaling a potential shift in the company's editorial direction.
2024: Voices Support for Donald Trump
Despite running against him for the 2024 Republican nomination, Vivek Ramaswamy remained a vocal supporter of Donald Trump. His support highlights the complexities of the primary race and his personal alignment with Trump's policies and positions.
2024: Ends Campaign and Endorses Donald Trump
Following the 2024 Iowa caucuses, Vivek Ramaswamy made the decision to end his presidential campaign. In a show of support, he endorsed Donald Trump, signaling his preferred candidate for the Republican nomination.
2024: Seeks the Republican Nomination for President
Vivek Ramaswamy actively campaigned for the Republican nomination for president of the United States in 2024. His campaign, launched with the goal of securing the nomination, positioned him as a contender for the highest office in the country.
2028: Outlines Foreign Policy Vision: Aims for Semiconductor Independence to Reshape US-Taiwan-China Relations
By 2028, Ramaswamy aimed to achieve "semiconductor independence" for the US. This achievement, according to him, would allow the US to alter its stance on defending Taiwan against a potential Chinese attack. He suggested this independence would allow the US to prioritize its own interests and potentially reduce military support for Taiwan.