At 49 years old, Andrew Yang may not be one of the wealthiest figures in American politics, but his estimated net worth of $600,000 reflects a life focused more on ideas and service than personal wealth. Known for his bold Universal Basic Income (UBI) platform, his 2020 presidential campaign, and his unshakable faith in technology and humanity, Yang has carved out a unique space in the political and entrepreneurial landscape. But how did he get here? And what really powers the mind behind “The Yang Gang”?
Let’s take a closer look at the journey of this unconventional political figure.
What Was Andrew Yang’s Childhood Like?
Andrew Yang was born on January 13, 1975, in Schenectady, New York, to parents who had immigrated from Taiwan in the 1960s. Raised in Westchester County, he was one of the only Asian American kids in his town—a fact that made him a target for bullying.
Despite those challenges, Yang stood out early as a gifted student. He scored 1220 on the SAT at age 12, earning a spot in Johns Hopkins’ prestigious Center for Talented Youth summer program, which he attended for five consecutive years.
His academic path later took him to Phillips Exeter Academy, where he honed his skills in debate and became a member of the U.S. National Debate Team in 1992. From there, Yang earned his bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from Brown University, followed by a J.D. from Columbia Law School in 1999.
Why Did Andrew Yang Leave Corporate Law?
Yang began his professional career at a high-profile law firm in Manhattan, but he only lasted five months before deciding that the work lacked purpose and creativity. He transitioned into the startup world, launching Stargiving, a celebrity-focused charitable platform. Unfortunately, the company was short-lived, a casualty of the early 2000s dot-com bust.
That didn’t slow him down. Over the next decade, Yang climbed the startup ladder, eventually landing at Manhattan Prep, a test prep company, where he became CEO. Under his leadership, the company expanded dramatically—from five to 69 locations—before being acquired by Kaplan in 2009. That deal gave Yang his first financial cushion and a chance to chase something more mission-driven.
What Is Venture for America, and Why Did Yang Start It?
In 2011, Yang founded Venture for America (VFA), a nonprofit aimed at solving a critical issue: the brain drain of talented graduates into corporate jobs. Instead, VFA places them in startups across underserved cities, empowering them to become entrepreneurs and create local jobs.
Starting with a modest $200,000, Yang launched the first class of fellows in 2012, placing them in cities like Detroit, Cincinnati, and Baltimore. By 2017, VFA was in nearly 20 cities and had trained hundreds of young professionals.
The program’s success helped Yang build credibility as someone who could think outside the box on economic issues—setting the stage for a political leap.
How Did Andrew Yang Become a National Political Figure?
Yang stunned many when he announced his bid for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination—as a total outsider. But what he lacked in political background, he made up for with fresh ideas and a loyal, internet-savvy following.
His centerpiece proposal? The Freedom Dividend, a form of Universal Basic Income (UBI) that would give every American adult $1,000 per month. Yang framed it as a solution to the disruption caused by automation and AI—a message that resonated in a tech-anxious age.
Though he didn’t win the nomination, he left a mark. His online movement, dubbed “The Yang Gang,” became a viral force. His slogans—“Humanity First” and “Not Left, Not Right, Forward”—still circulate today.
Yang’s campaign received support from high-profile figures like Elon Musk, Donald Glover, Dave Chappelle, and Ken Jeong, and donations from celebs like Nicolas Cage and Jack Dorsey.
What Has Yang Done Since the 2020 Election?
After ending his presidential campaign, Yang briefly threw his hat in the ring for New York City mayor in 2021, finishing fourth in the Democratic primary. While it wasn’t the result he hoped for, Yang continued to build his political voice.
He also launched the Forward Party, a centrist political movement aimed at breaking through America’s polarized two-party system. The idea: focus on problem-solving over partisan ideology.
Meanwhile, Yang has kept up with his writing. He’s published two books—“Smart People Should Build Things” and “The War on Normal People”—which lay out his ideas for reshaping the economy and preparing America for a post-automation future.
What’s Andrew Yang’s Personal Life Like?
Yang married Evelyn Lu in 2011, and the couple has two sons, one of whom is on the autism spectrum. Yang has spoken publicly about parenting a neurodivergent child, which has informed his broader advocacy for inclusive education and healthcare reform.
He describes himself as spiritual, rather than religious, and attends the Reformed Church of New Paltz. A fan of U.S. history, Yang has named Theodore Roosevelt as his favorite president and is even the godfather of Roosevelt’s great-granddaughter.
What Contributes to Andrew Yang’s Net Worth?
Despite his visibility, Andrew Yang’s net worth sits at around $600,000—modest by political standards. Most of his wealth has come from:
- The sale of Manhattan Prep
- Book deals
- Speaking engagements and consulting
- Limited earnings from his nonprofit and campaigns
He’s not driven by money, and his finances reflect a focus on impact over income.
What’s Next for Andrew Yang?
Andrew Yang isn’t going anywhere. Whether through the Forward Party, media appearances, or writing, he remains a fresh voice on the national stage—one that dares to question the status quo and push for solutions that reach beyond the headlines.
From law school dropout to nonprofit founder, tech thinker, and presidential candidate, Yang’s journey is about reimagining what leadership can look like in the 21st century.
