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Dagmar Dolby & family
Rank #838
UNITED STATEStechnologyDolby Laboratories

Dagmar Dolby & family

Net Worth
$4.859B
-0.27% (24h)
Dagmar Dolby is an American philanthropist and a prominent figure in the technology and philanthropic sectors. As the widow of Ray Dolby, the founder of Dolby Laboratories, she inherited a significant portion of the company, making her a billionaire. Born in Germany in 1941, she met Ray Dolby in Cambridge, England. Dagmar is actively involved in philanthropy through the Ray and Dagmar Dolby Family Fund, focusing on areas such as Alzheimer's research, reproductive rights, and support for women and girls. She is a signatory of The Giving Pledge and was appointed an Honorary Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2024 for her contributions to philanthropy and British higher education. Dagmar Dolby currently resides in San Francisco, California.

The Full Dossier

Early Life and Education

Dagmar Bäumert was born in Germany in 1941 and grew up in Frankfurt. In 1962, she met Ray Dolby in Cambridge, England, where he was studying physics. She later graduated from Heidelberg University.

Rise to Success

Dagmar Dolby's wealth stems from Dolby Laboratories, founded by her late husband, Ray Dolby, in 1965. After Ray's passing in 2013, Dagmar inherited a substantial portion of the company. Dolby Laboratories is a pioneer in audio technology, known for its noise reduction and surround sound innovations. The company moved its headquarters to San Francisco in 1976.

Key Business Strategies

Dagmar's involvement is primarily through her ownership and the management of the family's assets. Dolby Laboratories focuses on licensing its audio and video technologies to electronic manufacturers and content providers. The company continues to innovate and expand its product offerings, including Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, to maintain its market leadership.

Philanthropy

Dagmar Dolby is deeply committed to philanthropy through the Ray and Dagmar Dolby Family Fund. The fund supports several causes, including:

  • Alzheimer's research and advocacy.
  • Reproductive rights.
  • Stem cell research.
  • Support for women and girls, including educational opportunities.

Dagmar has made significant contributions to various institutions, including Cambridge University and the University of California, San Francisco.

Career Timeline

2024

Appointed Honorary Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire

Recognized for services to philanthropy and British higher education.

2017

Joined The Giving Pledge

Committed to donating the majority of her estate to charitable causes.

2013

Inherited Dolby Laboratories shares

Assumed ownership of a significant portion of Dolby Laboratories after Ray Dolby's death.

1976

Moved to San Francisco

Relocated to San Francisco with her family.

1966

Married Ray Dolby

Married Ray Dolby, founder of Dolby Laboratories.

Philanthropic Impact

Education & Research$160M+

University of Cambridge

Donations to support physics research, including the Ray and Dagmar Dolby Court and the Ray Dolby Centre at the Cavendish Laboratory.

Health & Research$20M

University of California, San Francisco

Contribution to establish the Dolby Family Center for Mood Disorders.

Health & Research$21M

California Pacific Medical Center

Donation to support medical research.

Wealth Trajectory