JOE C. WEN
FOUNDER/CEO
FORMOSA LTD.
WHY: Born in Taiwan, immigrated to U.S. with family, who sacrificed to provide better opportunities. Launched first venture, Sakura Paper, in 2003, specializing in fine paper products like event invitations. Company has expanded into a variety of operations, including private equity investments and real estate.
IN THE NEWS: In April bought a two-building office campus at 5000 Birch St. in Newport Beach for $32.8M, or $106 per square feet.
NOTABLE: Has donated $70M to UCI, which elevated the existing program into the Joe C. Wen School of Population and Public Health, becoming the first school of public health in OC and the first UC school to be named after a Taiwanese American. Name is also on Joe C. Wen & Family Center for Advanced Care, the outpatient facility at new UCI Health’s new medical complex in Irvine.
