Have you ever wondered how someone could turn bar mitzvah money into millions? That’s exactly what Timothy Sykes did. His journey began with just $12,415—a gift he received as a teenager.
He didn’t buy a car or invest in real estate. Instead, he jumped into the risky world of penny stock trading, often skipping classes at Tulane University to sharpen his edge in the market.
From those early trades, he claimed to make over $1 million—a bold start that would define his career.
This early success wasn’t just luck; it was built on his day trading strategy and intense market focus. He then launched Cilantro Fund Management, a hedge fund known for its short bias strategy.
While that fund eventually saw a 36% loss and shut down, it played a pivotal role in shaping his future as an educator and platform founder.
Timothy Sykes Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Timothy Sykes |
| Popular Name | Timothy Sykes |
| Birth Date | 1981 |
| Age | 43 (as of 03/29/2025) |
| Birthplace | Orange, Connecticut, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Jewish |
| Education | Tulane University, Amity Regional High School |
| Marital Status | N/A |
| Spouse | N/A |
| Children | N/A |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | N/A |
| Parents | Joel Sykes, Jo-Ann Sykes |
| Height (meters) | N/A |
| Net Worth | Estimated $15 million |
| Source of Wealth | Trading, Profit.ly, Education Platforms, Books, Philanthropy |
What is the Net Worth Of Timothy Sykes in 2025?
As of 2025, Timothy Sykes’ net worth is estimated at $15 million. This figure, according to Celebrity Net Worth, stems largely from his early trading success and ongoing educational business ventures like Profit.ly and Investimonials.
Although not among the ultra-wealthy, his journey remains remarkable. He’s proven that building wealth is possible even in the unpredictable world of penny stocks. Unlike many who vanished after initial success, he leveraged his story to create lasting financial influence.
Compared to others in similar spaces, Sykes’ influence is clear. Here are several figures and companies connected to his journey:
- Profit.ly
- Karmagawa
- Investimonials
- Pencils of Promise
- Justin Bieber
- Shaquille O’Neal
- Tim Grittani
- Jack Kellogg
- Cilantro Fund Management
- Tulane University
For readers curious about other financially successful figures, check out our feature on those who made fortunes from unique paths.
Timothy Sykes Wealth, Salary and Financial Overview
How did he build his wealth from early trading success?
His wealth story is unusual but compelling. By investing his $12,415 bar mitzvah gift into penny stocks, he made over $1 million while attending Tulane University. Skipping classes for trades, he operated with relentless focus. This formative phase laid the foundation for what followed—founding Cilantro Fund, a short-bias hedge fund, which gained brief recognition but eventually lost 36% and was closed.
This pivotal decision—Timothy Sykes founded Cilantro Fund, yet saw it falter—highlighted his resilience. Afterward, he recreated his trading journey in 2008, starting again with the same $12,415. Within two years, he multiplied it into $90,000, reinforcing his expertise and credibility. That effort was a turning point in transitioning toward education and entrepreneurship.
What are his income sources today?
Timothy Sykes has evolved from trader to teacher. His main income today comes from subscription-based platforms, especially Profit.ly, which he co-founded. It’s a hub for traders seeking education and transparency. Reports from Forbes suggest that in 2015 alone, his platform brought in as much as $20 million in subscription revenue.
He also created Investimonials.com, which helps users review financial tools and services. Alongside that, his self-published book, An American Hedge Fund, continues to add to his income while cementing his authority.
How much does he earn from his financial platforms?
The exact salary is not public, but the earnings from Profit.ly alone suggest significant annual revenue. As mentioned earlier, Forbes estimated $20 million in revenue in 2015. Given the consistent demand for trading education and the growing community on his platforms, it’s safe to assume this remains a key part of his wealth.
What financial decisions shaped his career trajectory?
From starting Cilantro Fund to its closure, every step taught him something. The decision to shut it down after a 36% loss reflects a mature move, knowing when to pivot. This led him to focus more on financial education, where he found longer-term value. By authoring a book, launching multiple platforms, and embracing transparency, he redefined his career path.
Moreover, he took a strong stance against unethical financial promotion. Using his platform, he exposed pump-and-dump schemes involving celebrities like Justin Bieber and Shaquille O’Neal, demonstrating his advocacy for financial ethics.
How does he allocate his money for philanthropy?
While some may flaunt wealth, Sykes channels a significant portion toward philanthropy. Through his foundation—now known as Karmagawa—he has helped build over 100 schools worldwide, partnered with groups like Pencils of Promise, and pledged $1 million to relief efforts in Yemen. His giving reflects his values and the belief in leveraging wealth for impact.
What financial lessons can be learned from his story?
From gains to losses, Timothy Sykes’ story is filled with lessons. First, transparency matters—he built Profit.ly to show real-time trade results. Second, resilience pays off—after shutting down Cilantro, he rebooted and recreated his trading success. Third, giving back can be a core part of wealth—his support for causes around the world reflects that.
His influence extends beyond finances. Two of his students—Tim Grittani and Jack Kellogg—became millionaires by learning under him. So, Timothy Sykes – influenced – successful traders becomes not just a statement, but a reality others can emulate.
Conclusion
Like him or not, his financial journey is one worth studying.
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