January 28

Born in 1855, William Seward Burroughs I developed an early interest in mechanics and computation. He founded the Burroughs Adding Machine Company in 1886 to market his patented calculating device. His machines improved the speed and accuracy of financial and accounting operations. Under his leadership, the company grew rapidly, pioneering the mechanical computation industry. Burroughs's innovations laid the groundwork for later developments in business machines and computing. He also held multiple patents in precision engineering and automation. Burroughs passed away in 1898, leaving a legacy in the evolution of office technology.

Born in 1864, Charles W. Nash started as a bicycle shop worker and later joined Buick as a bookkeeper. He rose to become the general manager of General Motors in 1912. In 1916, he founded Nash Motors, aiming to produce high-quality, affordable cars. Under his leadership, Nash Motors innovated in design and manufacturing techniques. The company merged with Kelvinator in 1937 to form Nash-Kelvinator Corporation. His business acumen and leadership left a lasting mark on the U.S. automobile industry. Nash passed away in 1948, remembered as a pioneering industrialist.

Carlos Slim built a sprawling conglomerate, Grupo Carso, from investments in telecommunications, retail, and finance, dominating markets across Latin America. He gained global prominence after acquiring Telmex and América Móvil, which transformed communications infrastructure in Mexico. Slim's strategic vision extended into mining, real estate, and media, making him a leading figure in global business. Through the Carlos Slim Foundation, he has donated billions toward education, healthcare, and cultural preservation. Recognized as the richest person in the world multiple times in the early 21st century, he leverages his wealth to support social initiatives. Slim remains an influential voice in economic and philanthropic circles.

Rosalía Mera (1944–2013) was a Spanish entrepreneur and philanthropist best known as the co-founder of Inditex and Zara, one of the world's largest fashion retailers. Starting from a small workshop in Galicia, Mera helped revolutionize fast-fashion by emphasizing speed, affordability, and design. Under her leadership, Zara expanded into hundreds of stores worldwide, shaping modern retail trends. Beyond her business achievements, she was committed to social causes, supporting education and healthcare initiatives in Spain and abroad. Mera was recognized as one of the world's richest self-made women and used her wealth to fund various charitable projects. Her legacy lives on through Inditex's continued global influence and her impactful philanthropy.

Vinod Khosla is an Indian-American businessman and venture capitalist, best known for co-founding Sun Microsystems in 1982, a company that played a pivotal role in developing Java and network computing. After leaving Sun, he founded Khosla Ventures, a leading venture capital firm investing in technology and clean energy startups. Khosla has been recognized for his bold investments in silicon technology, sustainable energy, and biotech innovations. A graduate of IIT Delhi and Stanford University, he is a vocal advocate for technological solutions to global challenges such as climate change. His insights and investments have influenced Silicon Valley’s development and the broader tech industry.