How Josh Kushner's Net Worth Backs US$12.5bn Lakers Deal

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - American businessman and venture capitalist Josh Kushner has quietly carved out one of the most remarkable investment tracks in modern finance. Rather than relying on his family’s real estate empire, the 41-year-old Harvard graduate built his wealth by making early investments on technology startups. Today, that capital base is driving one of the largest team transactions in professional sports history.

How Much Is Josh Kushner's Net Worth?

According to Forbes, Josh Kushner's net worth stands at an estimated US$5.2 billion as of August 2026. This fortune ranks him #806 among the world's wealthiest individuals. His success in venture capital has made him the wealthiest member of the Kushner family, surpassing the fortunes of both his father, real estate developer Charles Kushner, who was appointed U.S. ambassador to France in May 2025, and his older brother, Jared Kushner, a former White House adviser.

Despite his family’s high-profile ties to politics and real estate, Kushner has kept his focus on technology and investment ventures. In 2018, he married supermodel and entrepreneur Karlie Kloss. The New York-based couple has three children.

How Did Josh Kushner Build His Fortune?

Kushner built his wealth through Thrive Capital, the venture firm he founded in 2010 while completing his MBA at Harvard Business School.

Key milestones in his wealth-building journey include:

Thrive Capital Ownership: Kushner owns an estimated 66% stake in Thrive Capital. The firm was valued at US$5.3 billion during a funding round in January 2023, and now manages roughly US$25 billion in assets following a US$5 billion fundraise for its ninth fund in August 2024.

Early Tech Bets: Thrive built its reputation and returns by backing define-the-decade companies early on, including Instagram, Spotify, Stripe, and OpenAI.

Elite Financial Backing: Thrive’s investor base includes prominent institutional and individual backers, such as Bob Iger, Henry Kravis, Mukesh Ambani, Jorge Paulo Lemann, and Xavier Niel.

Healthcare Venture: Kushner also co-founded Oscar Health, a technology-focused health insurance company launched around the Affordable Care Act.

Expanding into Professional Sports

Kushner's fortune has enabled him to expand into sports ownership. Before his move for the Lakers, he held a minority stake in the Memphis Grizzlies and an investment in the Miami Heat.

His move for the Lakers alongside Bob Iger came together in just days. As reported by the New York Post, the US$12.5 billion transaction stands as the most expensive sports franchise deal in history.

Calling the purchase an "extraordinary" opportunity, Iger noted: "Our intention is to build this great franchise from a position of strength in many respects as an organization." The transaction currently awaits approval from the NBA's Board of Governors.

Read: Billionaire Josh Kushner Joins Bob Iger in US$12.5 Billion Lakers Purchase

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