You’ve probably seen the name Tom Krause popping up in headlines lately, and usually, it's tied to some massive corporate shakeup or a high-stakes government role. People get curious. They want to know the number. What is the Tom Krause net worth exactly?
Money in the upper echelons of Silicon Valley and private equity isn't just about a paycheck. It’s a mix of stock options, massive bonuses, and the kind of equity deals that make your head spin. Krause isn't a celebrity in the "paparazzi at the airport" sense, but in the world of enterprise software, he’s a titan.
Breaking Down the Tom Krause Net Worth Estimates
Let’s get straight to the point. Most reliable financial trackers and SEC filing aggregators pin the Tom Krause net worth at a minimum of $125 million to $245 million as of early 2026.
Now, why such a wide range?
Publicly available data only shows us the tip of the iceberg. We can see his shares in public companies like Broadcom (AVGO), where he previously served as CFO and President of the Software Group. However, his current role as CEO of Cloud Software Group (CSG)—the parent company of Citrix and TIBCO—is a different beast. CSG is private. That means we don't know the exact value of his carry, his private equity stakes, or the performance incentives tucked away in his contract with Vista Equity Partners and Evergreen Coast Capital.
The Broadcom Goldmine
A huge chunk of his wealth originated during his tenure at Broadcom. Krause was a key architect in their aggressive acquisition strategy, including the $61 billion VMware deal.
If you look at his 2021 compensation alone, he pulled in over $21.8 million. Most of that wasn't cash sitting in a bank account. It was roughly $20.1 million in equity. When you hold onto stock in a company like Broadcom, which has seen its share price skyrocket over the last few years, those initial grants turn into a fortune. SEC filings from late 2025 indicated he still held hundreds of thousands of shares, valued well north of $120 million based on market fluctuations.
🔗 Read more: Income with tax calculator: Why your paycheck doesn't match your math
Why Tom Krause is Called the Hatchet Man
You don't get to a nine-figure net worth in software by being everyone's best friend. Krause has earned a reputation as a "hatchet man," a nickname that followed him from Broadcom to his current leadership roles.
He’s known for a very specific playbook:
- Acquire a legacy software company.
- Cut the "fat" (which often means significant layoffs).
- Shift the focus strictly to the most profitable enterprise customers.
- Maximize cash flow.
It’s a ruthless strategy, but from a purely financial perspective, it’s incredibly effective. This "efficiency" is likely why he was tapped for a high-profile, albeit brief, stint in early 2025 working with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and the U.S. Treasury.
The Conflict of Interest Stir
Interestingly, his net worth became a topic of public record and scrutiny during his time as Fiscal Assistant Secretary of the Treasury in 2025. Because he maintained his role as CEO of Cloud Software Group while advising the government, ethics experts went into a frenzy.
Financial disclosures revealed he held massive stakes in companies that do direct business with the Treasury. While some saw this as a savvy businessman bringing private-sector grit to a bloated government, others saw a walking conflict of interest. This period of his career didn't just add to his resume; it put a spotlight on the sheer scale of his personal portfolio.
A Career Built on Big Moves
Krause didn't just wake up with a massive net worth. It was a slow burn followed by a vertical climb.
He started as an investment banking analyst at Robertson Stephens. That’s where you learn how the pipes of the financial world work. Then came a stint at Technology Crossover Ventures (TCV) and eventually his own advisory firm.
The real magic happened when he joined Avago Technologies (which later became Broadcom) in 2012. He was there for the merger of a lifetime. By the time he left Broadcom in 2022 to take the helm at the newly formed Cloud Software Group, he wasn't just an executive; he was a power player.
The Private Equity Factor
Working for private equity firms like Vista Equity Partners is where the real "wealth "acceleration" happens. Unlike public CEOs who have to answer to thousands of retail shareholders every quarter, Krause is focused on the long-term "exit" for his private backers.
📖 Related: Signs of an Entitled Employee: Why Your Best Hires Sometimes Turn Into Your Biggest Headaches
When Citrix and TIBCO eventually go public again or are sold off in pieces, Krause's "carried interest"—essentially his slice of the profits—could potentially double or triple his current estimated net worth. Honestly, the $200 million range might actually be a conservative guess when you factor in these private deals.
How to Think About These Numbers
If you're looking at the Tom Krause net worth and wondering how it applies to you, look at the strategy, not just the dollar signs. Krause is a master of "value realization." He finds assets that are undervalued or inefficiently managed and strips them down to their most profitable core.
- Diversification: He didn't just stay in one lane; he moved from banking to VC to corporate leadership.
- Equity over Salary: He understands that real wealth is built through ownership (stock), not just a high salary.
- Specialization: He became the go-to guy for a very specific, high-value skill: integrating massive software mergers.
What’s Next for Krause?
As of 2026, Krause remains at the intersection of big tech and big government. Whether he returns to a more permanent public role or continues to streamline the operations of global software giants, his financial trajectory is firmly pointed upward.
If you want to track his wealth moving forward, keep an eye on Broadcom's stock price and any news regarding an IPO or sale for Cloud Software Group. Those will be the two biggest "tells" for where his net worth lands in the coming years.
✨ Don't miss: Malaysia Dollar to Indian Rupees: What Most People Get Wrong About the Exchange Rate
Your Practical Next Steps:
To better understand the mechanics of executive wealth like Krause's, you should look into how SEC Form 4 filings work. These are the documents insiders must file when they buy or sell stock. By tracking these for executives in the tech space, you can see in real-time how the leaders of the companies you use are managing their own wealth. It’s a much more accurate way to see where the money is moving than just reading a "rich list" article.