Dietmar Hopp is a German entrepreneur, the self-made billionaire co-founder of SAP SE (XETRA: SAP), the world's largest enterprise resource planning (ERP) software company. Born in Heidelberg, Germany, in 1940, his family lived in the nearby village of Hoffenheim, where he was exposed to deprivation after World War II, earning money as a boy by collecting scrap iron.

Hopp excelled in science and technology, graduating with a degree in engineering from Karlsruhe University. He joined IBM as a systems consultant, where he met his co-founders, including Hasso Plattner. His philosophical commitment, fueled by his love for soccer, was to use technology to advance business efficiency and later, to support social causes in his home region.

Dietmar Hopp and his four co-founders left IBM in 1972 to found SAP (Systemanalyse und Programmentwicklung). Hopp's role as CEO (1988–1997) was instrumental in guiding the company's product development, distribution, and management, transforming it from a small German startup into a global enterprise software giant. The company executed its successful IPO in 1988.

Hopp's later career focused on philanthropy and sports. He established the Dietmar Hopp Stiftung (Foundation) in 1995, transferring around 70 percent of his net wealth to the foundation in 2006, making it one of Europe's largest private charitable foundations. He is most famous for his sponsorship and investment in his local football club, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, ensuring its ascent from the 5th division to the 'First Bundesliga'. He also funded the construction of the Rhein-Neckar-Arena, cementing his legacy as a massive sports and social benefactor.

Dietmar Hopp's philanthropy is massive, structural, and regionally focused. His foundation is one of Europe's largest private charitable foundations, supporting medical research, social causes, and youth projects in the Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region.

His structural contribution is the successful SAP model, which revolutionized enterprise software globally. His investment in TSG 1899 Hoffenheim is a profound cultural contribution, transforming a district league club into a major Bundesliga team and building a new 30,000-seater stadium for the region.

Dietmar Hopp maintains the professional, pragmatic style of a German industrialist and executive. His attire is consistently formal and high-quality, favoring tailored business suits. His aesthetic reflects the stability and professionalism of the technology and engineering sectors.

Residing in Heidelberg, Germany, his luxury is the immense security and autonomy derived from his multi-billion dollar fortune. His life is defined by his commitment to science, sports, and his profound, structural philanthropy in his home region.