NET WORTH: $1.29 billion, up 28 percent

LAST YEAR: $1.01 billion

AGE: 66

RESIDENCE: Los Angeles

SOURCE OF WEALTH: Software

THE MONEY: Definition of low-profile, has no disclosed holdings outside of El Segundo software firm National Center for Crisis and Continuity Coordination, or NC4. Other holdings, built mostly on sale of a company to IBM, likely grew with broader markets.

BUZZ: Built fortune in software, starting Candle Corp. in 1976 in Marina del Rey apartment. Told Business Journal he founded company after fortune cookie told him his wishes would come true. Sold business in 2004 to IBM for $641 million. Later founded NC4, maker of situational awareness and threat-detection software used by military and law enforcement agencies. Industry performed very well in past year. He and wife, Joyce, keep low profile, but have been contributors to conservative causes, Israeli charities and education-focused nonprofits. Matched donations to alma mater Stanford University last year on #GivingTuesday. Says he’s now focused on giving back to next generation of entrepreneurs.