Theodore Joseph Forstmann (1940-2011) was a prominent American financier, investor, philanthropist, and co-founder of Forstmann Little & Co., one of the pioneering private equity firms in the United States. Born in Englewood, New Jersey, Forstmann graduated from Colgate University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1962 and earned his Juris Doctor from Columbia Law School in 1966. He began his career as a lawyer before entering leveraged buyouts and private equity. In 1978, alongside his brother Nicholas Forstmann and William Little, he established Forstmann Little & Co., which grew into a powerhouse managing billions in assets and executing high-profile acquisitions such as Gulfstream Aerospace and Ziff-Davis Publishing. Forstmann was known for his aggressive investment style and criticism of debt-heavy leveraged buyouts, positioning himself as a more conservative alternative in the industry. He also served as chairman and CEO of IMG, the global sports and entertainment marketing company, from 2000 until his death. A billionaire with a net worth estimated in the billions at its peak, Forstmann was a vocal Republican and advocate for free-market principles. His philanthropy focused heavily on education reform initiatives, particularly supporting school choice and funding scholarships for underprivileged children through organizations like the Elected Education Foundation, which he founded. He was critical of public education systems and invested in programs to promote private and charter schools. Forstmann also engaged in humanitarian efforts, leading a 1993 tour of refugee camps in the former Yugoslavia to raise awareness. Despite his success, he faced health challenges, ultimately succumbing to brain cancer in 2011 at age 71. His legacy endures through his contributions to private equity and his commitment to educational equity.