John Tu's Biography

John Tu is a renowned American entrepreneur recognized as the co-founder of Kingston Technology, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of memory products. Born on February 12, 1941, in China and later immigrating to the United States, Tu’s journey epitomizes the American dream. With a strong educational background from Technische Hochschule Darmstadt in Germany, John Tu launched his career by co-founding Camintonn, which he sold for a profit, before starting Kingston Technology in 1987 alongside business partner David Sun. Kingston’s breakthrough came during the 1988 memory chip shortage, when Tu and Sun innovated by creating a new memory module that rapidly captured market demand. Today, Kingston is a global powerhouse in the tech industry, making John Tu one of the world’s wealthiest self-made billionaires. Known for his humility, philanthropy, and passion for drumming, Tu is admired for his commitment to giving back, particularly in education and community initiatives. His story is a testament to persistence, innovation, and the transformative power of entrepreneurship. As of 2024, his net worth is estimated at $8.3 billion, solidifying his place among the top business leaders globally.