In 2002, Mark Shuttleworth became the first African in space, as a participant aboard the Russian Soyuz TM-34 mission, paying approximately $20 million (USD). Besides his interest in space, Mark is actively involved with the development of open source software and other internet technologies, including ownership of Canonical, the commerical sponsor of Ubuntu, a free Linux-based operating system. He founded Thwate in 1995, which specialized in digital certificates and internet security. He then sold it to Verisign in 1999 for about $575 million (USD).In 2000, Mark started HBD Venture Capital, a fund to invest in startups and entrepreneurs in South Africa. With a $150 million (USD) sized fund, HBD has about 11 portfolio companies, in the media, telecom, internet and retail industries. HBD is one of very few venture capital firms in South Africa. He also created the Shuttleworth Foundation with the aim of driving social innovation in education.
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