Vivek Ramaswamy has charted an extraordinary path by age 39, building a biotech fortune, writing a best seller, running for president, and aligning himself with Donald J. Trump. He stands as a figure of contrasts: a son of immigrants wary of progressive ideals, a billionaire with a populist edge, a Yale-trained lawyer who has captured conservative attention.
From Cincinnati to Ivy League
Born in 1985 to parents from Kerala, India, Ramaswamy grew up in Cincinnati. His father worked as an engineer, his mother as a geriatric psychiatrist. He excelled at St. Xavier High School before earning a biology degree magna cum laude from Harvard University and a law degree from Yale.
Building a Biotech Empire
In 2014, at age 29, he founded Roivant Sciences, a pharmaceutical company focused on acquiring undervalued drug patents and developing them for market. By the time he stepped down as chief executive in 2021, Roivant had launched subsidiaries and secured a $7 billion partnership with Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma. His wealth, estimated by Forbes at over $1.1 billion, reflects his success in the industry.
A Voice Against ‘Woke’ Culture
In 2021, he published Woke, Inc.: Inside Corporate America’s Social Justice Scam, critiquing corporations for embracing progressive causes like diversity and climate initiatives, arguing they undermined profit-making. The book found an audience among conservatives wary of cultural shifts. In 2022, he launched Strive Asset Management, an investment firm designed to counter environmental, social, and governance (ESG) frameworks by prioritizing shareholder value.
A Brief Presidential Run
In February 2023, Ramaswamy entered the 2024 Republican presidential race as its youngest major contender at 37. Campaigning as an outsider, he proposed dismantling the Federal Reserve, raising the voting age to 25, and cutting federal bureaucracy. His polished presence and unconventional style—including performing Eminem lyrics at an Iowa event—drew notice, but his inexperience limited his reach. After a distant finish in the Iowa caucuses in January 2024, he withdrew and endorsed Mr. Trump.
Ties to Trump
Following his campaign, Ramaswamy joined Mr. Trump on the 2024 campaign trail, appearing at rallies and supporting the president’s agenda. His endorsement and visibility solidified his standing among Trump’s base after the former president’s victory in November 2024.
A Polarizing Figure
Ramaswamy’s rise has sparked varied reactions. His admirers see him as an innovative voice—an immigrant’s son who built an empire and challenges cultural trends. His critics view him as a wealthy newcomer whose bold ideas lack grounding in governance. His defense of skilled-worker visas, aired on X in late 2024, highlighted his willingness to diverge from some conservative norms, stirring debate among Trump supporters.
A Legacy in Progress
From his roots in Cincinnati to his national prominence, Ramaswamy has transformed from a studious youth into a multifaceted figure. He now straddles the worlds of business and politics, with his biotech success and Trump ties keeping him in the public eye. Whether his influence endures depends on the path he chooses next - the race for Ohio Governor - and how America engages with his vision.