Jakob Fugger the Elder

Jakob Fugger the Elder (1398–1469) was an Augsburg merchant, master weaver and town councillor who founded a branch of the Fugger trading family. His father Hans had moved to Augsburg in 1367 and built a fortune in weaving and textiles.

After Hans died in 1408, his mother Elisabeth continued the business, assisted by her sons. The family prospered in the following decades.

He separated from the family business in 1454 and by 1461 ranked among Augsburg's twelve richest citizens. His son Jakob the Rich later expanded the firm across Europe.