Len Blavatnik

Early life

Len Blavatnik was born on June 14, 1957, in Odesa, Ukraine, then part of the Soviet Union. He was raised by Jewish parents.

Len and his family later moved to Yaroslavl, Russia. He studied at Moscow State University of Railway Engineering, but could not complete his courses because his family needed immigration visas. 

In 1978, Blavatnik and his parents moved to America. After arriving in the country, Len focused on finishing his education. In 1981, he graduated with a master’s degree in computer science from Columbia University’s School of Engineering and Applied Science. He received an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1989. 

Career

Blavatnik started his business career in America. In 1986, he founded Access Industries in New York. The firm became his primary investment vehicle. It eventually expanded into several industries.

Blavatnik’s first major fortune came from investments in Russia after the Soviet Union collapsed. Through Access Industries, he acquired interests in aluminum production and other natural resource firms. He later founded AAR (Alfa, Access, Renova) with Viktor Vekselberg and Mikhail Fridman. The firm became heavily involved in the Russian oil industry.

AAR acquired 40% of Tymunem Oil (TNK). The company later became part of TNK-BP after BP acquired a major interest. In 2013, Rosneft acquired AAR’s 50% stake in TNK-BP for $28 billion. This transaction was one of the largest deals in Blavatnik’s business career.

Blavatnik also started investing in the petrochemical industry. In 2005, Access Industries acquired Basell Polyolefins for $5.7 billion. Basell later acquired Lyondell Chemical Company. The company was then renamed LyondellBasell Industries. Access helped provide financing when LyondellBasell entered bankruptcy protection in 2009. The company emerged from Chapter 11 in 2010.

Entertainment became another big investment focus. In 2011, Access Industries acquired Warner Music Group for $3.3 billion. Blavatnik became one of the most influential owners in the global music business. Warner Music later went public in 2020. The initial public offering valued the company at $13.3 billion.

Access also invested in digital music. In 2012, the company invested €100 million in Deezer. In 2014, it acquired Perform Group. The business later started working with DAZN, a global sports streaming platform.

Blavatnik launched Access Entertainment in 2016. The division grew his interests in film, television, and theatre. Access Entertainment acquired a stake in RatPac Entertainment and invested in production firm Bad Wolf. Blavatnik also formed a partnership with the Theatre Royal Haymarket in London.

Sports media became another big part of his portfolio. Access Industries increased its stake in Perform Group and developed DAZN into a global sports streaming service. DAZN secured major broadcasting rights for football, boxing, and other sports. In 2022, Blavatnik consented to a $4.3 billion recapitalization of the company. In 2025, DAZN acquired Foxtel in Australia in a deal worth approximately AU$3.4 billion.

Blavatnik also has investments in telecommunications and technology. Access acquired Acision, a mobile technology company, in 2007. The company also invested in Ice Group, a telecommunications firm in Norway.

Access Industries now operates as a diversified investment company with a global portfolio spanning tech, real estate, and film production among other industries.

Blavatnik has also contributed much of his resources to charity. He established the Blavatnik Family Foundation to support education, science, culture, and other charitable causes. His donations have supported Harvard, Yale, Oxford, and several other premier institutions.

In 2005, he founded the Blavatnik Archive. The company preserves historical materials related to Jewish and world history. He also donated more than ￡50 million to the Tate Modern in London. The gallery later named its new extension the Blavatnik Building.

His support for science has included funding for research and young scientists. The Blavatnik Awards recognize high-achieving researchers and scientists. His charitable work has made education, scientific research, and culture major parts of his public profile.

Net Worth

According to Forbes, Len Blavatnik’s net worth is approximately $35 billion, as of September 2026.

Achievement

Len Blavatnik has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. Here are some of his most notable achievements and recognitions:

Founded Access Industries in 1986 and built it into a global investment firm.

Acquired Warner Music Group for $3.3 billion in 2011.

Helped establish DAZN as a famous sports streaming platform.

Major investor in LyondellBasell Industries.

Founded the Blavatnik Family Foundation to support education, science, and culture.

Founded the Blavatnik Archive in 2005.

Named a Chevalier of the French Legion of Honour in 2013.

Received knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II in 2017 for his charitable work.

Recipient of the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy in 2017.

Supported major global educational and cultural institutions.