Early Life and Education
Eric Paul Lefkofsky was born on September 2, 1969, in Southfield, Michigan. He grew up in a Jewish family and graduated from Southfield-Lathrup High School in 1987. He then attended the University of Michigan, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Michigan Law School.
Rise to Success
Lefkofsky's entrepreneurial journey began in 1993 when he co-founded Brandon Apparel, a clothing company. He later co-founded Starbelly in 1999, an internet company specializing in promotional products. Starbelly was sold to Halo Industries in 2000. In 2001, he co-founded InnerWorkings, a print procurement services firm, which went public in 2006. In 2005, he co-founded Echo Global Logistics, a freight logistics company, which also went public. His most notable success came in 2008, when he co-founded Groupon, a daily deals website, with Andrew Mason and Brad Keywell. In 2015, Lefkofsky founded Tempus AI, a healthcare technology company focused on precision medicine, which went public in 2024.
Key Business Strategies
Lefkofsky is known for identifying opportunities to disrupt traditional industries using technology and data-driven approaches. His strategy involves leveraging big data, artificial intelligence, and innovative business models to transform sectors like e-commerce, logistics, and healthcare. He focuses on building companies that can scale rapidly and generate significant value.
Philanthropy
Lefkofsky and his wife, Elizabeth, established The Lefkofsky Family Foundation in 2006. The foundation supports initiatives that enhance the quality of life in communities, with a focus on education, health, and the arts. They have also committed to The Giving Pledge.