Klaus Tschira, one of the co-founders of the software company SAP, passed away in Heidelberg, Germany at the age of 74 on Tuesday.
A physicist by training, Tschira founded SAP with four former IBM staff in 1972, helping to build the firm to become the biggest technology company in Europe, boasting revenues of £12.8bn in 2014.
He retired in 1998 whilst remaining on the supervisory board, three years after setting up the Klaus Tschira Stiftung (Foundation) to channel money to nonprofits in Germany, promoting natural sciences, maths and computer science.
He leaves behind his wife Gerda and his two sons.
In a statement SAP said: "Klaus Tschira’s passion for the sciences, in particular mathematics and computer sciences, guided him throughout his life.
"With his foundations he opened the doors for many young talents to enter the field of science. We would like to express our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed."
