Net Worth: $2.0 B

LAST YEAR: 1.9

CHANGE: 4%

AGE: 74

RESIDENCE: Brentwood

SOURCE OF WEALTH: Technology



THE MONEY: Chernick launched software firm Candle Corp., his first venture, in 1976. IBM acquired Candle in 2004 for $641 million. Chernick started El Segundo-based cybersecurity firm NC4 Inc. in 2002 and sold the company to Everbridge Inc. in 2019 for about $83 million in cash and stock in Everbridge. In 2004, Chernick helped create the conservative Pajamas Media company, now known as PJ Media.



THE BUZZ: Chernick runs Celerium Inc., a cybersecurity company based in El Segundo that he founded in 2019. Celerium is focused on cyber-defense solutions for franchise organizations and county governments. The company recently completed a pilot program with the National Association of Counties and acquired a cybersecurity company called Dark Cubed last September. Chernick is the founder of the Candle Foundation, which donates to charities working in medical and social causes. He is the founder of NextGen Crowdfunding, which has helped entrepreneurs raise capital through equity crowdfunding.