Apple Co‑Founder Ronald Wayne Walked Away for $800, 10% Stake Now Worth $300 Billion

Apple Co‑Founder Ronald Wayne Walked Away for $800, 10% Stake Now Worth $300 Billion

Ronald Wayne, one of the little-known co-founders of Apple Computer, remains a central figure in one of the most striking “what if” stories in business history. In 1976, Wayne joined Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak to help launch the company that would later redefine global technology.

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Wayne played a critical early role, drafting Apple’s original partnership agreement and holding a 10 percent ownership stake. However, just 12 days after the company was formed, he chose to withdraw. At the time, Wayne was concerned about personal financial risk, as he owned assets that could be seized if the young company accumulated debt.

To protect himself, he sold his entire stake back to Jobs and Wozniak for $800. Apple would go on to become one of the most valuable companies in the world. Today, that same 10 percent stake would be worth an estimated $300 billion.

Wayne’s decision is often cited as one of the most famous missed fortunes in modern business history. Despite the staggering figures, he has consistently said he does not regret his choice, explaining that peace of mind and financial stability mattered more to him than the possibility of immense wealth.

The story continues to serve as a powerful reminder of how entrepreneurship often demands uncomfortable risks, and how the outcomes of early decisions can echo for generations.

Apple Co‑Founder Ronald Wayne Walked Away for $800, 10% Stake Now Worth $300 Billion