Early Life
Dan Gertler was born in Tel Aviv, Israel, on December 23, 1973. He is the grandson of Moshe Schnitzer, the founder of the Israel Diamond Exchange. Growing up in a family involved in the diamond trade, he learned the business from his father and grandfather. At the age of 22, after completing his mandatory service in the Israeli Defense Forces, Gertler started his own diamond business.
Rise to Success
Gertler's business ventures expanded to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in 1997. He saw opportunities in the DRC's mining sector, investing in diamonds, copper, cobalt, and oil. He established the Dan Gertler International (DGI) group of companies, becoming a key player in the country's natural resources sector. His close relationships with DRC officials, including former President Joseph Kabila, facilitated lucrative mining deals.
Key Business Strategies
Gertler's success is attributed to several key strategies. His early entry into the DRC market provided a significant advantage. He built strong relationships with political figures, which helped secure favorable deals. Furthermore, he invested in a diverse portfolio of resources, including diamonds, copper, cobalt, and oil.
Philanthropy
Dan Gertler established the Gertler Family Foundation in 2004. The foundation has invested millions of dollars in health, education, infrastructure, and other projects in the DRC. Despite facing sanctions that have hindered his foundation's activities, he remains committed to supporting charitable causes, particularly in the DRC.