Early Life, Education, and Medical Career
Michael Burry was born in 1971 in San Jose, California. He earned a B.S. in Economics from Vanderbilt University in 1994 and later graduated from the University of California Los Angeles School of Medicine with an M.D. in 2000. He practiced as a diagnostic radiologist before transitioning fully to investing.
Burry founded Scion Capital in 2000 using proceeds from his medical practice and early investments. The hedge fund operated from a small office in Santa Monica, California, and became known for its deep value and contrarian approach. He managed the fund personally until its closure in 2008.
Investment Strategy, Short Trades, and Scion Capital
Burry is best known for identifying and shorting the U.S. subprime mortgage market before the 2008 financial crisis. His fund profited from credit default swaps tied to mortgage-backed securities, a strategy later documented in Michael Lewis's book "The Big Short" and the subsequent film adaptation.
His investment process focuses on deep fundamental analysis, asymmetric risk-reward setups, and concentrated positions. He often targets mispriced assets in small-cap stocks, distressed debt, and special situations. Burry has publicly criticized market bubbles, including the growth stock valuations of the late 2010s and the meme stock phenomenon.
Current Portfolio, Net Worth, and Recent Holdings
Burry's current net worth is estimated in the hundreds of millions, based on his disclosed positions and past fund performance. He now manages a personal portfolio and has taken large stakes in companies such as Tesla, where he became one of the largest individual shareholders. He has also invested in digital assets and technology companies.
Burry continues to trade actively and discloses his positions through SEC filings. His recent portfolio includes significant holdings in healthcare, technology, and consumer stocks. He remains a vocal commentator on market trends, inflation, and central bank policy, often sharing his views on social media platforms.