What Happened to Henry Samueli?
Henry Samueli is a prominent American businessman, engineer, and philanthropist, best known as the co-founder of Broadcom Corporation, a global leader in semiconductor solutions. He is also the owner of the NHL's Anaheim Ducks and the driving force behind the multi-billion dollar OCVibe mixed-use development in Anaheim. Samueli remains actively involved in technology as a Director at Broadcom Inc. and continues his extensive philanthropic efforts, with total giving exceeding $1 billion as of 2026.
Quick Answer
Henry Samueli, co-founder of Broadcom, continues to be a significant figure in technology, sports, and philanthropy. As of August 2026, he serves as a Director on the board of Broadcom Inc., having stepped down as Chairman in June 2026. He remains the owner of the NHL's Anaheim Ducks and is actively leading the $4 billion OCVibe development around the Honda Center. Samueli was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in February 2026 and, with his wife Susan, has committed over $1 billion to various philanthropic causes, including a recent $50 million gift in April 2026 to an integrative cancer institute in Israel.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline16 events
Born in Buffalo, New York
Henry Samueli was born in Buffalo, New York, to Polish Holocaust survivors who immigrated to the U.S. in 1950.
Earned Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from UCLA
Samueli completed his B.S. (1975), M.S. (1976), and Ph.D. (1980) in Electrical Engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
Co-founded Broadcom Corporation
Henry Samueli co-founded Broadcom Corporation with Henry Nicholas in a Redondo Beach, California condominium, aiming to develop high-performance communication circuits.
Established the Samueli Foundation
Henry and Susan Samueli established the Samueli Foundation, a philanthropic organization primarily supporting academic institutions and STEM education.
UCLA and UC Irvine Engineering Schools Named After Him
Following significant gifts from the Samueli Foundation, the engineering schools at UCLA and UC Irvine were named the Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science.
Acquired Anaheim Ducks NHL Franchise
Henry and Susan Samueli purchased the Anaheim Ducks National Hockey League (NHL) franchise from The Walt Disney Company for $70 million.
Anaheim Ducks Win Stanley Cup
Under Samueli's ownership, the Anaheim Ducks became the first California team to win the Stanley Cup championship.
Broadcom Acquired by Avago Technologies
Broadcom Corporation was acquired by Avago Technologies Ltd. for $37 billion, and the combined company was renamed Broadcom Inc.
Stepped Down as Broadcom CTO, Became Chairman
Henry Samueli retired as Chief Technology Officer of Broadcom Inc. and assumed the role of Chairman of the Board.
Announced OCVibe Mega-Development
The Samuelis announced their endeavor to create OCVibe, a $4 billion privately funded, 100-acre immersive district surrounding the Honda Center in Anaheim.
Pledged Broadcom Shares for OCVibe Loans
Samueli pledged 16.2 million shares of Broadcom common stock, valued at approximately $2.7 billion at the time, to secure loans for the OCVibe development.
Announced Honda Center Encore Transformation
The Samuelis announced Honda Center Encore, a $1 billion privately funded transformation to reimagine the guest experience at the arena.
Elected to National Inventors Hall of Fame
Henry Samueli was selected for induction into the 2026 class of the National Inventors Hall of Fame for his advancements in broadband communications.
Donated $50 Million to Beilinson Medical Center
Henry and Susan Samueli made a $50 million commitment to Clalit's Beilinson Medical Center in Israel, pushing their total philanthropic giving past $1 billion.
Stepped Down as Broadcom Inc. Chairman
Samueli stepped down as Chairman of the Board of Broadcom Inc. but continues to serve as a Director.
Samueli Foundation Awarded $15 Million to OC Nonprofits
The Samueli Foundation awarded $15 million to 89 Orange County-based nonprofits through its Breakaway and Build OC funds.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Henry Samueli's journey began with a strong foundation in electrical engineering, earning his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. from UCLA. His academic and early professional work at TRW focused on high-speed digital communications, laying the groundwork for his future innovations. In 1991, Samueli co-founded Broadcom Corporation with Henry Nicholas, a pivotal moment that would transform the semiconductor industry. Broadcom quickly grew into a global powerhouse, developing crucial technologies for broadband communications that enabled affordable, high-speed digital data transmission to homes and businesses.
A significant turning point for Broadcom came in 2016 when it was acquired by Avago Technologies Ltd. for $37 billion, with the combined entity adopting the Broadcom Inc. name. Samueli continued to play a key role, serving as Chief Technical Officer until 2018, when he transitioned to Chairman of the Board. In June 2026, he stepped down from the Chairman role but remains a Director, continuing his influence within the company, which reached a $2 trillion valuation in May 2026 due to its focus on AI chips.
Beyond technology, Samueli diversified his interests into sports and real estate. In 2005, he and his wife, Susan, purchased the NHL's Anaheim Ducks for $70 million, leading the team to a Stanley Cup victory in 2007. The franchise is now valued at over $1 billion. Since 2018, the Samuelis have been self-funding the ambitious $4 billion OCVibe mega-development, a 100-acre entertainment-anchored, mixed-use hub surrounding the Honda Center in Anaheim. This project, which saw its first phase open in October 2025 and includes a $1 billion transformation of the Honda Center announced in April 2025, is planned to be ready for the 2028 Summer Olympics. To secure loans for OCVibe, Samueli pledged 16.2 million shares of Broadcom common stock, valued at approximately $2.7 billion, in November 2024.
Philanthropy has been a cornerstone of Samueli's life. Through the Samueli Foundation, established in 1999, he and Susan have committed to the Giving Pledge, promising to donate most of their wealth. Their generosity has profoundly impacted education, with engineering schools at UCLA and UC Irvine bearing their name following substantial gifts. As of 2026, their total philanthropic giving has surpassed $1 billion. Recent contributions include a $50 million gift in April 2026 to Clalit's Beilinson Medical Center in Israel to advance integrative cancer care, and $15 million awarded to 89 Orange County nonprofits in July 2026. In recognition of his pioneering work in broadband communications, Samueli was elected to the 2026 class of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, with formal induction in May 2026.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Henry Samueli made different choices?