Steve Wozniak Reflects on Apple’s Founding and His True Motivations
Steve Wozniak Says He Cofounded Apple After 5 Rejections From HP — Not To Get Rich, But To Hear One Word: 'Whoa'

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Steve Wozniak, cofounder of Apple Inc., revealed that his motivation for starting the company was not wealth but the desire for recognition from fellow engineers. After facing five rejections from Hewlett-Packard, he joined Steve Jobs and Ronald Wayne to create Apple in 1976, prioritizing personal values over financial gain.
- 01Wozniak's primary motivation was to earn admiration from peers, not to create a tech empire.
- 02He pitched his computer idea to Hewlett-Packard five times before cofounding Apple.
- 03Despite holding a 45% stake in Apple, Wozniak sold much of his stock in the 1980s.
- 04He completed his degree at the University of California, Berkeley, under the alias 'Rocky Raccoon Clark.'
- 05Wozniak encourages graduates to embrace unconventional paths and prioritize joy in their careers.
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Steve Wozniak, cofounder of Apple Inc., shared insights into his motivations during a commencement address at Grand Valley State University. He emphasized that his drive for starting Apple in 1976 was not financial gain but rather the desire to impress fellow engineers with his designs. After facing five rejections from Hewlett-Packard, Wozniak teamed up with Steve Jobs and Ronald Wayne to launch Apple. Although he initially held a 45% stake in the company, he gradually sold off much of his stock in the 1980s, reflecting his preference for personal values over wealth accumulation. Wozniak also completed his education at the University of California, Berkeley, under the alias 'Rocky Raccoon Clark.' He encouraged graduates to pursue unconventional paths and find joy in their work, highlighting the importance of creativity and curiosity. His experiences serve as a reminder that innovation often requires perseverance and the courage to follow one's unique interests.
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