Few understand: Tech CEO with $11M says he can’t afford a vacation
Tech entrepreneur Kevin Xu revealed his personal finances, showing a large net worth but minimal liquid cash. This sparked online debate about wealth, spending, and financial priorities. Xu defended his choices, stating he needs more money to trul...
In the original post, Xu listed his balances as: $9.8 million in a 401(k), $3,000.12 in checking, and $296.05 in savings. He followed it with a brief exchange:
"Wife – Let's go on vacation? Me – Can't, we're broke."
Xu is the CEO of Alpha AI and has previously worked at Stripe and YouTube. A graduate of Stanford and a participant in Y Combinator’s Summer 2013 batch, he also publicly lists his net worth—currently $11,046,283.88—in his X (formerly Twitter) bio.
Follow-up post and growing assets On October 4, he posted an update: "Still no vacation but crossed $11M today!"
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The follow-up drew fresh engagement, as users debated the balance between building long-term financial security and enjoying the present. While some praised his discipline, others questioned the logic of withholding spending on leisure, despite a growing net worth.
Online reactions: from critique to cautious agreement
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The tweet and its update triggered a wave of commentary.
One user wrote: "How low does your self-esteem have to be to constantly tell the world how much money you have in your posts and bio?"
Xu replied: "Wrong. Technically I own $3,296.17 liquid cash."
The user replied: "If it’s in a bank u don’t own it until u withdraw it. Bet u don’t own any bitcoin, which is worse."
In response to a comment questioning why he doesn’t enjoy life while he still has energy—“You could die at 50”—Xu wrote: "Hard to enjoy life with only $5M (after tax and early penalty withdrawal).
Need at least $20M to really enjoy life."
Crypto investor Nic Carter replied in agreement but added:
"I agree, but as someone in a similar situation I would recommend splurging and going to the Auberge every now and again."
