Overview

Mark Howard Gorton, born on November 7, 1966, is an American entrepreneur renowned for his contributions to technology, finance, and urban planning advocacy. He was raised in Oradell, New Jersey, and developed an interest in technology from a young age, leading him to study Electrical Engineering at Yale University, followed by a Master’s degree at Stanford and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Gorton began his career as an electrical engineer at Martin Marietta and later transitioned to finance at Credit Suisse First Boston. In 1998, he founded Tower Research Capital LLC, a high-frequency trading firm. In 2000, he created LimeWire, a peer-to-peer file-sharing client. Beyond his business ventures, Gorton founded OpenPlans in 1999, a non-profit promoting open-source software and sustainable transportation. He was named one of “50 visionaries who are changing your world” by Utne Reader in 2009. Gorton has also been a supporter of Transportation Alternatives, advocating for safer streets and public transit in New York City.

Tower Research Capital

Founder and Chairman

What Is Mark Gorton’s Net Worth?

Mark Gorton, an American entrepreneur best known as the creator of LimeWire and the founder of Tower Research Capital LLC, has an estimated net worth of $10 million. This figure primarily reflects his success in the tech and financial sectors, although the specific details of his asset allocation are not publicly available.

Early Life and Education

Born on November 7, 1966, Mark Gorton’s early life provided a strong foundation for his later achievements. He pursued higher education with significant dedication, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Yale University. Continuing his academic pursuits, he obtained a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University, further solidifying his technical expertise. Gorton completed his formal education with an MBA from Harvard University, equipping him with the business acumen necessary for his entrepreneurial ventures.

Career and Business Ventures

Gorton’s career began as an electrical engineer at a division of Lockheed Martin. He later transitioned into fixed-income trading at Credit Suisse First Boston before venturing out on his own. In 1998, he founded Tower Research Capital LLC, a financial services firm that has grown to employ over 900 people across 30 separate trading teams globally. Tower Research Capital’s estimated annual revenue is currently $390.6 million per year. Tower Research Capital’s most recent portfolio value is calculated to be $5,039,185,221 USD as of December 31, 2024. In 2019, the company made a $168,921 contribution to its employee 401(k) plan.

LimeWire, a peer-to-peer file-sharing program, was one of Gorton’s most recognized ventures. Although LimeWire faced legal challenges related to copyright infringement, it significantly impacted the digital landscape during its operation. He is also the founder of OpenPlans, a non-profit organization established in 1999 that advocates for sustainable transportation and urban planning. OpenPlans has received funding from various organizations, including Google, the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy, the Knight Foundation, the SURDNA Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation, and the World Bank. In 2023, OpenPlans had a revenue of $4.94 million and expenses of $2.82 million.

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