#29 James Simons - The Forbes 400 Richest Americans 2009

Net Worth $8,500 million	Source hedge funds, Self Made
Age 71	Hometown East Setauket, New York, United States
Marital Status Divorced, remarried; 3 children	Education (MIT, Bachelor of Arts / Science), (U of Cal Berkeley, Doctorate)

Mathematician turned financier's net worth up 15% in past 12 months. His Medallion fund surged 80% last year despite market collapse; up 12% so far this year. MIT grad cracked codes for U.S. Department of Defense during Vietnam War. Founded quantitative hedge fund Renaissance Technologies 1982. Firm hires Ph.D.s instead of M.B.A.s; uses algorithms to exploit subtle mispricings in stock, bond, commodities markets. Launched RIEF fund geared toward institutional investors 2005. Also runs futures-oriented fund RIFF. Firm's total assets: $17 billion.