Jenny Just is a self-made billionaire and cofounder of Peak6 Investments, a multibillion-dollar financial services and fintech firm she launched in 1997 with just $1.5 million in seed capital after starting her career trading options on the Chicago Board Options Exchange. A graduate of the University of Michigan, she previously worked at O’Connor and Associates, where she honed her expertise in risk management and equity derivatives. From those beginnings, she built Peak6 into a diversified financial and technology powerhouse, with holdings that include Apex Fintech Solutions, esports franchise Evil Geniuses, and investments in generative AI startups. Now headquartered in Austin, Texas, the firm reflects her vision for innovation and adaptability in a changing financial landscape.
Just’s path to success wasn’t without missteps—she has launched or turned around more than 15 companies, openly acknowledging that some early ventures failed. Those experiences shaped her investment philosophy centered on strategic risk-taking and resilience through iteration. Beyond fintech, she’s made her mark in sports ownership with stakes in AFC Bournemouth, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Austin FC, and the Minnesota Wild, seeing sports as both a cultural force and a strategic investment opportunity.
A champion for women’s advancement, Just co-founded Poker Power in 2020 with her daughter, Juliette, to teach women and girls strategic thinking, confidence, and risk intelligence through the game of poker—part of her goal to reach one million learners worldwide. She also serves on the Women and Public Policy Board at Harvard Kennedy School and was honored with an Honorary Doctorate of Business from Illinois Tech in 2024. Recently named a 2025 CNBC Changemaker, Jenny Just continues to redefine leadership at the intersection of finance, technology, and sports, blending sharp business acumen with a commitment to diversity and empowerment.
