Austin Russell is the founder and CEO of Luminar Technologies, a company specializing in lidar and machine perception technologies for autonomous vehicles. At the age of 25, he became the world's youngest self-made billionaire following Luminar's public offering in December 2020. Russell's visionary leadership and commitment to innovation have positioned Luminar as a significant player in the automotive industry, with over 50 commercial partnerships, including many of the world's largest automakers.
Who is the CEO of Luminar?
Austin Russell, born in Newport Beach, California, is an American entrepreneur who founded Luminar Technologies at the age of 17 while studying physics at Stanford University. He later dropped out of college after receiving a $100,000 Thiel Fellowship in 2013 to focus on Luminar full-time. The company specializes in lidar and machine perception technologies for autonomous vehicles and competes with other laser lidar makers like Velodyne and Aeva.
Luminar went public in a SPAC merger in December 2020, making Russell the world's youngest self-made billionaire at age 25. As the CEO of Luminar, Russell has been recognized for his contributions to automotive safety and technology, as well as his philanthropic efforts. He has received numerous accolades, including being named an "Innovator Under 35" by MIT Technology Review and inclusion in Forbes' "30 Under 30" list.
Work History
- Luminar Technologies: Founder & CEO (2012 - present)
Education History
Austin Russell's educational background includes studying Applied Physics at the prestigious Stanford University. Although he did not complete his degree, his time at Stanford provided him with a strong foundation in the field, which later contributed to his success as the founder and CEO of Luminar Technologies. Russell's passion for physics and technology ultimately led him to leave Stanford and pursue his entrepreneurial ambitions with the support of a Thiel Fellowship.
When did Austin Russell join Luminar?
Austin Russell founded Luminar Technologies in 2012 while still in high school and has been serving as its CEO since the company's inception. As of December 2020, when Luminar went public, Russell had been leading the company for at least eight years. His dedication and vision have been instrumental in the growth and success of Luminar Technologies, making it a significant player in the automotive sensor industry for self-driving vehicles.