Ronald Wayne: The Forgotten Founder of Apple at 91

Ronald Gerald Wayne co-founded Apple Computer in April 1976 alongside Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. He handled the partnership documents and drew Apple’s first logo. Despite a 10% stake, he left the company just 12 days later to limit his financial risk. Born May 17, 1934 in Cleveland, Ohio, Wayne studied technical drafting before moving to California in 1956. He launched a slot-machine business in 1971 but closed it within a year, an experience that made him cautious about partnerships. At Atari, he met Jobs and Wozniak and wrote Apple’s original agreement. He also authored the Apple I manual. Fearing personal liability for new debts, he withdrew from Apple and later sold his claims for a total of $2,300. Wayne lives in Nevada and has shared his story in documentaries and two memoirs. Today, he works as an investor and technologist with a net worth of around $400,000.

Use The App To Win ₦1m

Stories are shared by community members. This article does not represent the official view of NaijaWorld — the author is solely responsible for its content.