Ronald Stephen Baron (born 1943) (also known as Ron Baron) is the founder of Baron Capital Group, an investment management firm. The New York City based firm, markets the Baron Funds. As of 2006, the funds had 700,000 investors and a market value of $16 billion. He founded Baron Capital Management in 1982.
Baron Capital is well known for its long-term strategy and investment outlook. The firm will typically hold a stock for 4-5 years, sometimes as many as 10-15 years. The firm prefers to invest in mega-trends driven by broad societal and demographic trends, including baby boomer demands for healthcare - trends where demand is expected to remain steady for years, or even decades. The firm seeks to invest in companies that have strong management teams, investing in people not assets. They look for companies that have strong growth opportunities, are appropriately financed, have competitive advantages, and are a leader in their space.
Baron Capital places a unique focus on the strength of the management teams of the companies they invest in, looking for credible, dependable, trustworthy leadership. In 2011, Baron Capital had approximately $19.5 billion in assets under management. In an effort to thank investors, Baron hosts an annual shareholder meeting which typically features rock acts such as Elton John, the Beach Boys, and Lionel Richie.