SAP SE began in 1972 when Dietmar Hopp and four IBM colleagues established the firm to transform enterprise software development. Growing up in the Baden-Württemberg village of Hoffenheim, Hopp later leveraged his corporate success to become the primary financial benefactor behind TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, guiding the small-tier club into the top ranks of German football.
Early Career and Software Development
Born in Heidelberg in 1940, Hopp completed his education at TH Karlsruhe, graduating in 1966 with a focus on telecommunications engineering. His initial professional years were spent as a software developer and consultant at IBM. This experience served as the foundation for his 1972 collaboration with Hans Werner Hector, Klaus Tschira, Claus Wellenreuther, and Hasso Plattner to create SAP SE. He served as the organization's CEO from 1988 until 1998, subsequently transitioning to the role of chairman of the supervisory board until 2003, and maintaining a board seat until 2005.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Investment in Professional Football
Hopp maintains a significant role in the German sporting landscape as the chief backer of TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. After a loss in 1990, he began providing financial assistance to the club, which was then competing in the Kreisliga. Under his backing, the team achieved consecutive promotions, reaching the Bundesliga in 2008. His contributions include a 30,000-seat stadium, the Rhein-Neckar-Arena, built near Sinsheim at a cost of €100 million. Total personal investment into the club is estimated to exceed €350 million.
Philanthropy and Personal Holdings
Beyond his corporate and sporting interests, Hopp established the Dietmar-Hopp-Stiftung. This foundation focuses on medical and educational initiatives within the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region, distributing hundreds of millions of Euros. His family remains involved in various enterprises; his son Daniel manages the SAP Arena in Mannheim and the Adler Mannheim ice hockey team, while his son Oliver oversees the Domaine de Terre Blanche golf resort in France. Hopp and his wife, Anneliese Zeuner, reside in Walldorf.
Fast facts
- Born: 1940, Heidelberg
- Net Worth: US$8.3 billion (Forbes 2021 estimate)
- Corporate Role: Co-founder of SAP SE
- Education: TH Karlsruhe
- Sporting Interest: TSG 1899 Hoffenheim
- Foundation: Dietmar-Hopp-Stiftung
- Awards: Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit (2010)
- Residence: Walldorf, Germany
Questions readers ask
What is Dietmar Hopp's primary contribution to business?
He co-founded the software company SAP SE in 1972 and served in executive and board leadership roles there until 2005.
How much has Hopp invested in TSG 1899 Hoffenheim?
Estimates suggest he has provided more than €350 million to the club, including the construction of the Rhein-Neckar-Arena.
Achievements
- Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany — 2010
- Order of Merit of Baden-Württemberg — 1999
- Global Economy Prize — 2008
- Holdings: SAP Arena, SAP and Domaine de Terre Blanche
- Educated at TH Karlsruhe
