Dietrich Mateschitz Net Worth: $15 Billion
Category: Richest Business › Richest Billionaires
Birthdate: May 20, 1944 – October 22, 2022 (78 years old)
Birthplace: Sankt Marein im Mürztal, Austria
Gender: Male
Profession: Businessperson, Entrepreneur
Nationality: Austria
Dietrich Mateschitz was an Austrian entrepreneur best known for co-founding Red Bull GmbH, one of the most successful energy drink companies in the world. At the time of his death, Mateschitz owned 49% of Red Bull, making him the richest person in Austria and one of the 100 richest people globally. Red Bull generates around $9 billion in revenue annually by selling over 10 billion cans of its drinks.
Early Life and Education
Dietrich Mateschitz was born on May 20, 1944, in Sankt Marein im Murztal, Styria, Nazi Germany (present-day Austria). Raised in a family with Austrian and Slovenian heritage, his parents were both elementary school teachers. They separated when he was young, and he was raised by his mother. Mateschitz attended the Vienna University of Economics and Business, where he spent ten years before graduating with a degree in marketing in 1972.
Career Beginnings
After graduating, Mateschitz worked as a marketing professional for companies like Unilever and Blendax, promoting products such as detergents and toothpaste. During a trip to Thailand, he discovered the energy drink Krating Daeng, which helped him with his jet lag. In 1984, Mateschitz partnered with the drink’s inventor, Chaleo Yoovidhya, to launch Red Bull GmbH in 1987.
Red Bull
As a marketing expert, Mateschitz was instrumental in branding Red Bull with the famous slogan “Red Bull gives you wings.” The brand became synonymous with various extreme sports and high-performance events. Red Bull expanded into sponsoring eSports in the 2010s, reinforcing its image as a drink that enhances mental and physical performance.
Racing Teams and Sports Investments
Mateschitz was heavily involved in motorsports, owning the Red Bull Racing and Scuderia Toro Rosso (now Scuderia AlphaTauri) Formula One teams. Red Bull Racing won its first Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships in 2010 with Sebastian Vettel and continued to dominate the sport for the next three years.
He also purchased the A1-Ring circuit in Austria, renamed it the Red Bull Ring, and it now hosts the Austrian Grand Prix. Beyond motorsports, Mateschitz invested in soccer teams, acquiring Austria’s SV Austria Salzburg (renamed Red Bull Salzburg), the American team MetroStars (renamed New York Red Bulls), and Germany’s RB Leipzig.
Real Estate and Private Island
Mateschitz owned a private island, Laucala, in the South Pacific near Fiji, which he purchased for $13 million from Malcolm Forbes in 2006. He turned it into an exclusive resort featuring volcanic mountains, rainforests, white beaches, and coral reefs. Activities on the island include horseback riding, cooking classes, golf, massages, and rides on a $1.5 million submarine called the DeepFlight Super Falcon.
He also acquired numerous properties in the Austrian Alps, including castles and villas, which he renovated and preserved, earning praise for his contributions to historical restoration.
Red Bull Ownership Details
At the time of his death, Mateschitz owned 49% of Red Bull. He personally invested $500,000 at the company’s inception. In 2020, Red Bull generated $9 billion in revenue and paid out 550 million euros to its founders. The company’s significant growth was recorded in markets like India, Brazil, and Africa.
Legacy
Dietrich Mateschitz left a lasting impact on the beverage industry and sports sponsorship. Through his innovative marketing strategies and investments in sports, Red Bull became a globally recognized brand. Mateschitz’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to excellence continue to inspire future generations. Dietrich Mateschitz Net Worth
