{
  "id": 6579516,
  "title": "Geld: Der Millionenerbe, der die Millionen nicht will",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/geld-der-millionenerbe-der-die-millionen-nicht-will",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-10T11:33:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Handelsblatt",
    "slug": "handelsblatt",
    "url": "https://www.handelsblatt.com/finanzen/steuern-recht/vermoegen-darum-schlaegt-dieser-millionenerbe-seine-millionen-aus/100204748.html"
  },
  "original_language": "de",
  "account": "Kai Viehof, a self-made millionaire with a modest appearance, is not your typical billionaire stereotype. Standing at a height that belies his wealth, he is often seen in black shirts and shirts, wearing subtle jewelry. In a recent ARD talk show, Viehof was notably reticent compared to his more flamboyant counterparts. His grandfather founded the Allkauf chain, which was sold to Metro AG in 1998 for around one billion marks. When his turn came to inherit, Viehof declined his share. Currently 44 years old, Viehof is a new face among millionaires who prefer to distribute their wealth rather than amass more. Other members include Sebastian Klein, the author of \"Toxisch reich\", and Marlene Engelhorn, who comes from the BASF family. Over half of private wealth in Germany comes from inheritance or gifts, according to the German Institute for Economic Research. Only the USA and China have more super-rich, defined as those with over 100 million dollars in assets. Despite his reticent demeanor, Viehof has decided to publicly address the issue of wealth distribution. He wants to reject the notion that questions about equitable distribution are mere \"envy debates\", insisting it is a \"central debate\" that those who have gained through the system must address. This includes himself. Viehof plans to donate or invest seven-eighths of the modest sum he already inherited into socially beneficial ventures. He currently earns his living outside the financial sector and is focused on spending money meaningfully, as much as possible. His reasons for giving away so much wealth are complex, and he grapples with the contradiction of having the power to influence others' lives. He acknowledges that wealth can create luxury problems, but feels it is ethically and legally bound to pass on resources to future generations. His decision stems from the concern that his family might suffer from hunger, a fear shared by many in their dynasty. He recognizes the burden of inheriting wealth, feeling it would make him a perpetual obligation to his family. Thus, he chose to donate his substantial inheritance to a charitable foundation, while retaining a small, safe portion for himself and his children. He remains committed to focusing his donation on promoting democracy, believing it to be a critical aspect of societal progress.",
  "summary": "Kai Viehof hat den Großteil seines Erbes ausgeschlagen, auch vom Rest will der Enkel des Allkauf-Gründers das meiste weggeben. Über einen Mann, dessen Beruf es ist, sinnvoll Geld loszuwerden.",
  "key_points": [
    "Kai Viehof, self-made millionaire, declines inheritance",
    "Donates 87.5% of inheritance to charitable foundation",
    "Focuses on promoting democracy through wealth distribution"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Handelsblatt",
        "title": "Money: The millionaire heir who doesn't want the millions",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/11/geld-der-millionenerbe-der-die-millionen-nicht-will",
        "published": "2026-09-11T12:55:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Der Standard Wirtschaft",
        "title": "Benko complained about employees: Money doesn't flow out of the socket",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/11/benko-beschwerte-sich-uber-mitarbeiter-geld-flie-t-nicht-aus-der",
        "published": "2026-09-11T14:18:59.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}