Early Life and Humble Beginnings
Larry grew up on a small farm in rural Osceola County, Michigan, about an hour south of Traverse City. The youngest of four children, he was raised by a single mother. His early education began with attending a one-room schoolhouse from kindergarten through eighth grade. Even at a young age, he was fascinated to learn about the universe, science, history, and the world around him. This curiosity inspired his interest in science in college and throughout his life.
Growing up with limited means, Larry began work at age 12 delivering newspapers and helping out at the town bakery. This work ethic continued throughout college as he worked multiple jobs to finance his education. He graduated from Michigan State University with a BS degree in physical sciences.
Finding Opportunity in the World of Software
Deferring his admission to medical school due to financial constraints, Larry accepted a position at IBM in Detroit as a systems engineer. Realizing that software had the potential to transform both business and society, he struck out on his own and founded his first software company at age 28. He led Advanced Computer Management as President and chief software architect for over eight years, providing large scale application software solutions and computer facilities management for businesses.
In his next business venture, Larry applied the transformative power of software to benefit the public good and founded New World Systems. The company developed and provided enterprise resource planning software for city and county governments, with a primary focus on public safety software. Its Aegis platform delivered solutions for 911 dispatch centers, law enforcement, fire departments, paramedics, and corrections officers. Larry led New World as President and CEO for over 30 years, growing the company to over 450 employees with more than 2,000 customers in 48 states and internationally.
Career Success and Sharing the Rewards
Larry completed his software career with the sale and merger of New World with Tyler Technologies, the nation’s largest software company focused on providing public sector solutions. Tyler’s growth has continued post-merger, including becoming a member of the S&P 500. Larry is particularly proud that he shared ownership of New World with its employees, and that when the sale to Tyler occurred, over 45 employees became millionaires overnight.
A New Mission Emerges
After a successful career as a software entrepreneur, Larry founded the Leinweber Foundation in 2015. With an evolving focus on high impact investments, the foundation’s mission is to support scientific research, education, and Michigan communities. Larry is particularly proud of the network of Leinweber Institutes and Forums for Theoretical Physics that launched in 2025 - a collaborative network of eight of the nation’s top physics research centers. With over $150M invested to support the brightest scientific minds, it seeks to accelerate breakthrough discoveries that will provide exceptional long range benefits for future generations.
Larry continues to be passionate about the building blocks of the universe and the Leinweber Foundation’s work, bringing his hands-on, entrepreneurial spirit to his philanthropic work. Ever forward thinking, his curiosity continues to drive a vigilant search for new opportunities that promise meaningful, high impact benefits to society. He hopes to impart that passion to his five children and nine grandchildren.
