David Bonderman (November 27, 1942 – December 11, 2024) was an American billionaire investor, businessman, lawyer, and philanthropist renowned for his pioneering role in the private equity industry. Born in Los Angeles, California, to a Jewish family, he graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Washington in 1963 with a degree in Russian studies and earned a magna cum laude J.D. from Harvard Law School in 1966, where he served on the Harvard Law Review and received a Sheldon Fellowship. His early career included teaching as an assistant professor at Tulane University Law School (1967-1968), serving as a special assistant to the U.S. Attorney General (1968-1969), and becoming a partner at Arnold & Porter in 1971, specializing in corporate, securities, bankruptcy, and antitrust litigation. In 1983, he joined the Robert M. Bass Group, setting the stage for his entry into high-stakes investments.

In 1992, Bonderman co-founded Texas Pacific Group (later TPG Inc.) with James Coulter and William S. Price III, transforming it into a global alternative asset management firm that grew to manage over $239 billion in assets, revolutionizing private equity through innovative deals in distressed assets, technology, healthcare, airlines, and banking. Notable investments included Continental Airlines, Caesars Entertainment, Lenovo, and Uber. He also co-founded Newbridge Capital, TPG's Asian affiliate, and held minority ownership in the NBA's Boston Celtics while serving as co-founder and co-majority owner of the NHL's Seattle Kraken alongside Jerry Bruckheimer in 2018. Known as 'Bondo' to friends, he was celebrated by peers like Stephen Schwarzman and Henry Kravis as a private equity legend.

A major Democratic donor, Bonderman was known for his passions in music, sports, adventure, and conservation, hosting lavish events like Rolling Stones and Paul McCartney performances for his birthdays. He was a philanthropist supporting education and conservation, including major donations to the University of Washington and initiatives like Emily's List. Married to Mary Bonderman, he was a devoted father of five and grandfather of three. At his death, Forbes estimated his net worth at $7.4 billion, ranking him 400th richest globally. He left a legacy as a deal-making legend and transformative figure in finance.