The Central Florida Foundation in Orlando has announced a $70 million contribution from Luminar Technologies founder and CEO Austin Russell to create a charitable fund.

A former recipient of a $100,000 Thiel Fellowship, Russell channeled his passion for physics into the development of LiDAR technology and software, then took his company public in December 2020, becoming the world’s youngest self-made billionaire at age 25. The fund at CFF will focus on supporting high-impact efforts for local- and system-level improvements in Florida, as well as on making bolder bets on a broader scale on underinvested opportunities.

“I established Luminar’s HQ in Orlando after seeing its incredible yet underrated potential, specialized talent, community, and opportunity to become a premier global technology center,” said Russell. “I’m glad to be playing a role in realizing that vision — with Luminar for the local economy, and now with Central Florida Foundation in helping the local community and beyond.”

“This contribution will have an incredible positive impact on our community, and we’re honored to work with a passionate and visionary individual like Austin to build a transformative and inspiring partnership.”

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