Early Life and Education
Philippe Laffont was born in Belgium and grew up in France before moving to the United States. He graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Computer Science in 1991. This technical background provided a strong foundation for his future career in technology-focused investments.
Rise to Success
After completing his education, Laffont worked as a management consultant at McKinsey & Company in Madrid. In 1996, he joined Tiger Management as a research analyst, focusing on telecommunications and technology investments. In 1999, Laffont founded Coatue Management, named after a beach on Nantucket Island. Coatue launched its first hedge fund with $45 million in capital, quickly growing into a major player in the tech investment landscape. Coatue has since invested in numerous successful tech companies, including Snap, Spotify, and ByteDance.
Key Business Strategies
Laffont's investment strategy focuses on long-term, tech-focused investments. His approach is characterized by rigorous research, data-driven decisions, and a deep understanding of market dynamics. Coatue Management invests in both public and private markets, emphasizing technology, media, and telecommunications sectors. The firm employs a global approach, with offices in New York City, Menlo Park, London, Shanghai, and Hong Kong.
Philanthropy
Laffont is actively involved in philanthropic endeavors, serving as a trustee for NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and supporting initiatives through the Robin Hood Foundation. He and his wife, Ana Luisa Diez De Rivera, also have the Philippe and Ana Laffont Family Foundation, which focuses on general charitable purposes.