Charles Liang
Charles Liang | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1956 or 1957 Chiayi, Taiwan |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, electrical engineer |
| Known for | Co-founder, chairman, president, and CEO of Supermicro |
| Spouse | Sara Liu |
| Children | 5 |
Charles Liang (; born 1956 or 1957) is a Taiwanese entrepreneur and electrical engineer with billionaire status. He co-established Supermicro alongside his wife, Sara Liu, and currently serves as the company's chairman, president, and CEO. Supermicro is an information technology firm based in San Jose, California.
Early life and education
Originating from Chiayi, Taiwan, Liang completed his undergraduate studies in electrical engineering at the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology. He then pursued a master's degree in the same field at the University of Texas at Arlington. At the outset of his professional journey, he concentrated on creating computerized diagnostic systems for healthcare applications.
Career
Following his academic achievements, Liang briefly returned to teach at his former university before departing in the 1980s to explore other ventures. He designed an "AI Processor" chip for a medical technology firm that utilized artificial intelligence. Between July 1991 and August 1993, he held the positions of president and chief design engineer at Micro Center Computer, a company specializing in motherboard design and production. Additionally, Liang contributed as an engineer and project leader at Chips and Technologies and Suntek Information International Group.
In 1993, Liang and his wife Chiu-Chu Liu (Sara), who also functions as company treasurer, launched Supermicro. Initially a small team of five under Liang's leadership, the company experienced significant growth. By 1996, they had founded Ablecom, a manufacturing subsidiary located in Taiwan, which is administered by Liang’s brothers Steve and Bill. Ownership of Ablecom is divided with Charles and Sara holding roughly 31%, while Steve and other relatives possess close to half.
As of January 2024, Liang’s shares in Supermicro are estimated to be worth around $3.3 billion. He is also credited with multiple patents related to server technology innovations.
Green Earth Foundation
Liang established the Green Earth Foundation, a charitable organization committed to global reforestation projects. In 2022, the foundation acquired nearly 200 acres in Milpitas, California, previously known as Rancho Higuera. The organization also promotes planting drought-tolerant tree species within the Sahara Desert as part of the broader Great Green Wall environmental initiative.
Personal life
Liang is married to Sara Liu, and together they have five children.