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Herbert 'Herbie' Wertheim is an under-the-radar billionaire who has made his fortune by buying stocks, specifically those of Apple and Microsoft at their initial public offerings (IPOs). He bought Apple in 1980 and Microsoft in 1986 and held onto them for decades.

Wertheim's strategy was to invest in companies with valuable intellectual property. He spent hours studying patents and technical documents, using his engineering and scientific background to recognize important technology before Wall Street fully appreciated it.

One of his most significant investments was in a company called Heico, which he bought shares in during the 1970s. Heico went on to become a powerhouse supplier of FAA-approved aircraft replacement parts and electronics, compounding at extraordinary rates by 2019, with Wertheim's position estimated to be worth over $800 million.

Wertheim has also had his share of losses, including a $50 million margin call in 1982 and a loss on a BlackBerry comeback bet. However, his Apple, Microsoft, and Heico winners more than compensated for these mistakes.