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The Simons Foundation
Jim and Marilyn Simons created the foundation in 1994. Its charter centers on advancing research in mathematics and the basic sciences. Marilyn Hawrys Simons...
The Simons Foundation
Jim and Marilyn Simons created the foundation in 1994. Its charter centers on advancing research in mathematics and the basic sciences. Marilyn Hawrys Simons serves as board chair and David Spergel serves as president. The foundation allocates across private equity, venture commitments, and direct holdings through Euclidean Capital. Confirmed positions include Alector, PMV Pharmaceuticals, and RAPT Therapeutics. It also maintains exposure to early-stage biotechnology and robotics companies such as Codagenix and GrayMatter Robotics. Geographic reach centers on the United States with additional international grant activity. The organization employs 529 people. It operates the Flatiron Institute for computational science and leases expansion space at 162 Fifth Avenue. A $100 million pledge supports the New York Climate Exchange on Governors Island. In 2023 the foundation committed $500 million to Stony Brook University. Euclidean Capital functions as the dedicated investment advisor and executes the foundation’s public and private market positions. This separation keeps grant-making decisions distinct from the family’s other vehicles including Sea Change Foundation and Heising-Simons Foundation.
General information
Firm type
Endowment / Foundation
Year founded
1994
Location
Region
North America
Country
United States
City
New York
Corporate office
160 Fifth Avenue 7th Floor, New York, NY 10010, United States
Principals
David Spergel
President
Altss tracks 1 additional named team member for this firm — including direct investment leads, IR, and operating principals not listed on the public website.
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Frequently asked questions
Who runs investment decisions at the Simons Foundation?
Euclidean Capital serves as the dedicated investment advisor and executes public and private market positions. Ashvin Chhabra is the listed primary contact.
Does the Simons Foundation participate in fund commitments or only direct deals?
The foundation holds both fund commitments and direct positions. Holdings include venture and private equity exposure through Euclidean Capital.
Where does the underlying wealth come from?
Jim Simons founded Renaissance Technologies. The fortune originated in quantitative hedge fund management.
How is the Simons Foundation related to other family philanthropic vehicles?
Nathaniel Simons established Sea Change Foundation. Elizabeth Simons and Mark Heising established Heising-Simons Foundation. Each operates independently.
What investment stages does the foundation target through its advisors?
Exposure spans early-stage venture through expansion and buyout strategies. Positions include seed, startup, and late-stage holdings.
Does the foundation maintain philanthropic structures separate from investment activity?
Grant-making and in-house research operate separately from Euclidean Capital and Medley Partners. The foundation reports its own grant totals each year.
Which sectors receive the largest share of foundation support?
Mathematical and physical sciences, life sciences, and autism and neuroscience research receive the primary allocations.
Profile maintained by Altss using OSINT (open-source intelligence), regulatory filings, licensed data partners, and verified direct submissions. Read the methodology. Last updated: . Continuous refresh with full update cycles at least every 30 days.
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