Warren Buffett, the Chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, has epitomized the concept of ‘value investing’. Born in 1930 in Omaha, Nebraska, Buffett exhibited an early proclivity for finance and investment. He bought his first shares at the age of 11, marking the beginning of a legendary journey in the world of finance.

Buffett met Benjamin Graham, the father of value investing, while studying at Columbia Business School. Graham’s philosophy of investing in undervalued companies with strong intrinsic value became the cornerstone of Buffett’s investment strategy. After graduation, he worked at Graham’s firm, acquiring essential skills and knowledge.

In 1956, with initial capital of $100,000, Buffett established Buffett Partnership Ltd. He combined Graham’s approach with his instinct to invest in companies with potent future potential. This partnership marked his first big success, after he took control of the textile firm, Berkshire Hathaway, in 1965.

Though a textile company, Berkshire Hathaway became the primary investment vehicle for Buffett. Under his leadership, it diversified into insurance, utilities, and non-insurance businesses, transforming into a conglomerate holding company.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Buffett made some of his most notable investments, including The Washington Post, Geico, and Coca-Cola. His uncanny ability to identify under-valued businesses and the patience to wait for his investments to flourish, earned him the moniker ‘Oracle of Omaha’.

The 2008 financial crisis showcased Buffett’s belief in America’s long-term economic potential when he invested billions into Goldman Sachs and General Electric, proving lucrative in the long run.

Buffett’s investing style is often summarized as ‘buy and hold’. He invests in businesses he understands and believes in, demonstrating patience and long-term vision. Despite market volatilities, he adheres to his philosophy, buying during downturns and reaping benefits when markets recover.

Today, with a net worth over $100 billion, Buffett’s journey stands as a testament to the power of compound interest and the success of value investing. His simplistic, disciplined, and pragmatic approach continues to inspire investors worldwide.