Texas has long been a magnet for ambition and enterprise, from the oil fields of the early 20th century to the innovation hubs of today’s booming tech sector. Its pro-business environment, central location, and diverse economy have attracted and produced some of the most influential entrepreneurs in the world. These leaders have built billion-dollar companies, shaped entire industries, and left lasting marks on both the Texas economy and the global stage.
This list celebrates the most famous entrepreneurs from Texas, spanning technology, energy, hospitality, consumer brands, and philanthropy.
Technology & Innovation
Michael Dell
Michael Dell founded Dell Technologies in 1984 from his dorm room at the University of Texas with just $1,000. His direct-to-consumer sales model revolutionized the personal computer industry, and Dell Technologies has since grown into one of the world’s largest tech companies, generating over $100 billion in annual revenue. Dell is also a prominent philanthropist through the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation.
Mark Cuban
Mark Cuban made his fortune in the late 1990s by selling Broadcast.com to Yahoo for $5.7 billion. He purchased the Dallas Mavericks in 2000, transforming them into NBA champions by 2011. As a prominent investor on Shark Tank, Cuban has backed countless startups and remains one of Texas’s most recognizable business personalities.
Whitney Wolfe Herd
Whitney Wolfe Herd launched the dating app Bumble in 2014 from Austin, focusing on empowering women to make the first move. In 2021, she became the youngest self-made female billionaire at age 31 when Bumble went public. Her leadership has positioned Bumble as a major player in the tech industry and a symbol of modern entrepreneurship.
Energy & Natural Resources
T. Boone Pickens
A legendary oil tycoon, T. Boone Pickens founded Mesa Petroleum and became one of the most prominent corporate raiders of the 1980s. Later in life, he championed wind and natural gas energy initiatives. Known for his philanthropy, Pickens donated over $1 billion to various causes, including significant contributions to Oklahoma State University.
Richard Kinder
Co-founder and executive chairman of Kinder Morgan, Richard Kinder built one of North America’s largest energy infrastructure companies. With pipelines and terminals spanning the continent, Kinder has been instrumental in shaping the energy transportation industry.
Trevor Rees-Jones
Trevor Rees-Jones, founder of Chief Oil & Gas, made his fortune in the natural gas sector by capitalizing on shale development. His leadership and investments have made a significant impact on the U.S. energy landscape, and he is also known for substantial philanthropic work in Texas.
Hospitality, Food & Real Estate
Tilman Fertitta
Tilman Fertitta owns Landry’s, Inc., which operates over 600 properties including restaurants, hotels, and casinos. He also owns the NBA’s Houston Rockets and is known for his TV show Billion Dollar Buyer, where he invests in promising small businesses. Fertitta’s ventures have made him one of the most visible business figures in Texas.
Robert Rowling
Robert Rowling expanded his family’s oil business into TRT Holdings, which owns Omni Hotels & Resorts and Gold’s Gym. His diversified investments in hospitality, fitness, and energy have earned him a place among Texas’s wealthiest entrepreneurs.
Red McCombs
Red McCombs built the Red McCombs Automotive Group and invested in real estate, sports, and other ventures. He has owned NBA and NFL franchises, including the San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Vikings, and is known for generous philanthropic contributions, particularly to the University of Texas.
Ross Perot Jr.
The son of Ross Perot, Ross Perot Jr. is a real estate developer and businessman best known for creating AllianceTexas, a massive business and logistics hub near Fort Worth. His leadership of The Perot Group continues the family’s legacy of Texas entrepreneurship.
Retail & Consumer Brands
Kendra Scott
Kendra Scott started her jewelry company in Austin in 2002 with just $500. Today, Kendra Scott LLC is a globally recognized brand with hundreds of retail locations and a strong e-commerce presence. She is also known for her philanthropic initiatives, particularly in education and women’s empowerment.
John Paul DeJoria
John Paul DeJoria co-founded John Paul Mitchell Systems, a leading hair care company, and Patrón Spirits, one of the most successful premium tequila brands in the world. His rise from homelessness to billionaire entrepreneur is one of Texas’s most inspiring business stories.
Media, Art & Philanthropy
Alice Walton
Alice Walton, an heiress to the Walmart fortune, has become one of the most influential art patrons in the country. She founded the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, which houses a world-class collection. Walton is also a significant philanthropist in health and education.
Lyda Hill
Entrepreneur and philanthropist Lyda Hill has dedicated her fortune to scientific research, education, and conservation. Through her company, LH Holdings, and her charitable foundation, she has supported numerous initiatives that aim to improve quality of life in Texas and beyond.
Ross Perot
Ross Perot founded Electronic Data Systems (EDS) in 1962, pioneering data processing services for businesses. He later created Perot Systems, which was sold to Dell for $3.9 billion. Perot was also a notable political figure, running for U.S. president as an independent in 1992 and 1996.
Conclusion
From tech innovators like Michael Dell and Whitney Wolfe Herd to energy titans such as T. Boone Pickens and Richard Kinder, Texas entrepreneurs have built global brands and reshaped industries. Their ventures span from billion-dollar technology companies to iconic consumer brands and transformative real estate developments.
The state’s favorable business climate, entrepreneurial spirit, and culture of innovation have fostered these success stories — and with a new generation of business leaders on the rise, Texas’s reputation as a powerhouse of enterprise is set to continue well into the future.
For further reading, check out our article on the largest companies in Texas.
