From College Rapper “Da Vek” to Billionaire: The Surprising Past of Vivek Ramaswamy (3 of 4)

Becoming the CEO of “Anti-Woke”

In 2021, Ramaswamy moved further into public commentary with the release of Woke, Inc., a book criticizing what he viewed as corporations’ increasing use of social and environmental messaging. His central argument was that some companies were adopting political language and public-interest branding while avoiding closer scrutiny of other business practices.

The following year, he co-founded Strive Asset Management, an investment firm that encourages companies to prioritize shareholder returns over environmental, social, and governance goals. The approach drew attention in business and political circles and attracted early backing from prominent investors, including Peter Thiel and JD Vance, whom Ramaswamy knew from Yale. By the time he entered national politics, he had developed a reputation for promoting sharply conservative, attention-grabbing proposals.

The Presidential Candidacy Era

Ramaswamy entered the national political arena in February 2023, launching a presidential campaign despite being a relatively new figure to many voters. While he had not previously held elected office, he quickly drew attention for his energetic debate style, media presence, and willingness to challenge both rivals and established political norms.

His campaign positioned him as an outsider candidate with a bold, confrontational approach to public policy and party politics. Although he did not break through as a leading contender, he became a recognizable figure in the Republican primary field.

Ramaswamy ended his campaign after placing fourth in the January 2024 Iowa caucuses with just under 8% of the vote. Shortly afterward, he endorsed Donald Trump, aligning himself with the former president’s campaign.