About
Mark Richard Shuttleworth is a South African and British entrepreneur, known for founding Canonical, the company behind the Ubuntu Linux operating system. In 2002, he became the first African to travel to space as a space tourist. Shuttleworth holds dual citizenship from South Africa and the United Kingdom. He is a prominent figure in the open-source software community and a successful technology investor.
Career Timeline
Founds Thawte Consulting
Founded Thawte, an internet security company, beginning his entrepreneurial journey and laying the foundation for his future success.
Sells Thawte to VeriSign
Sold Thawte to VeriSign for a significant sum, providing him with the capital to pursue other ventures.
First African in Space
Became the first African in space as a space tourist, gaining international recognition and solidifying his reputation as an innovator.
Founds Canonical Ltd.
Founded Canonical, focusing on developing and promoting the Ubuntu Linux operating system, shaping his future business endeavors.
Ubuntu's Rising Popularity
Ubuntu gains popularity among developers and businesses, increasing the value of Canonical and Shuttleworth's net worth.
Canonical Expands Services
Canonical expands its services and remains a significant player in the software industry. Shuttleworth's vision pays off.
Technology Visionary
Remains a prominent figure in the technology industry, continuing to innovate and invest in new ventures, securing his legacy and maintaining substantial wealth.
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Last updated: February 25, 2026