6 Ultra-Rich People Who Invested in Survival Bunkers
As the world becomes increasingly fraught with uncertainties — think natural disasters, geopolitical tensions, or the fear of another global pandemic — some of the world’s elite aren’t taking any chances. One solution? Investing in state-of-the-art survival bunkers. But these bunkers aren’t the rat-infested underground shelters that you’re picturing in apocalyptic films; they’re high-tech fortresses equipped with everything from cinemas to indoor farms.
With price tags in the hundreds of millions, here are six ultra-wealthy individuals who invested in or built bunkers across the world in hopes of riding out the chaos in safety, comfort, and, most importantly, luxury.
1. Mark Zuckerberg
Bunker Name: Koolau Ranch
Location: Kauai, Hawaii, U.S.
Estimated Cost: $100 million
Zuckerberg’s Hawaiian estate reportedly includes a 5,000-square-foot underground bunker designed to protect his family in the event of an emergency — like, say, an artificial intelligence takeover (wouldn’t that be ironic?). On top of cutting-edge features like water filtration systems and renewable energy solutions, the compound is also designed to mimic the island’s natural landscape — a focus of Zuckerberg’s sustainability goals.
2. Peter Thiel
Bunker Name: New Zealand Retreat
Location: Wanaka, New Zealand
Estimated Cost: $13.5 million
In 2015, the PayPal co-founder purchased a sprawling property on New Zealand’s idyllic South Island in hopes of building a fully-quipped “doomsday” shelter. Known for his belief in New Zealand as the ultimate safe haven, the bunker was reportedly designed to handle anything from pandemics to total societal collapse (gulp). But in 2022, the government of New Zealand struck down Thiel’s construction plans due to “sufficient adverse landscape and visual effects on the environment.” Time will tell if he’s able to build a bunker in another location.
3. Steve Huffman
Bunker Name: Undisclosed
Location: Somewhere in the U.S.
Estimated Cost: Undisclosed
Reddit’s co-founder reportedly invested heavily in a bunker that features amenities like a fully stocked armory, medical supplies, and an off-grid food reserve that can last for years. Huffman has openly discussed the importance of being prepared for any global crisis. The shelter also includes secure communication systems to stay connected with the outside world during crises.
4. Larry Hall
Bunker Name: Survival Condos
Location: Kansas, U.S.
Estimated Cost: Units start at $3 million
Larry Hall, an engineer-turned-property-developer, transformed decommissioned missile silos into luxury condos capable of withstanding natural disasters and even nuclear attacks. With units boasting features like self-sustaining energy, hydroponic food production, air filtration systems, and luxury amenities like swimming pools and libraries, it’s no surprise the price tag is sky-high. The project is so comprehensive that it can sustain up to five years of fully off-grid living, according to Hall.
5. Robert Vicino
Bunker Name: Vivos x Point
Location: South Dakota, U.S.
Cost: Units start at $35,000 (luxury upgrades not included)
As the founder of Vivos Group, which specializes in the construction of high-end bunkers, Vicino has developed a formidable community of bunkers capable of housing thousands of residents in South Dakota. Marketed as “the backup plan for humanity” (not unnerving at all), units are built on a “completely off-grid former military complex,” with upgrades including private theaters, spas, and even luxury pet accommodations. Finally, a relatively affordable option for the masses!
6. Bill Gates
Bunker Name: Undisclosed
Location: Multiple
Estimated Cost: Undisclosed
Robert Vicino, the founder of Vivos (a company that specializes in high-end bunkers), told the Hollywood Reporter that Gates reportedly also owns a network of underground bunkers beneath his homes in Rancho Santa Fe and Washington. Though the high-tech bunkers are said to feature expansive living quarters, long-term food storage, and advanced biosecurity systems, the Microsoft founder has not publicly confirmed these claims.