As of March 2013, Jonathan Nelson has an estimated net worth of $1.5 billion that he earned from leveraged buyout. According to Forbes.com, he is #974 in World Billionaires List (#854 in 2012), #328 in the United States, and #285 in Forbes 400 List. He is also the richest person in Rhode Island. He holds a degree in Economics that he earned from Brown University as well as an MBA from Harvard University.

Nelson joined Narragansett Capital in 1983. It was a private equity firm and served as a managing director. He also specialized in the sectors of broadcasting, cable television and publishing. In 1989, he founded Provide Equity Partners, a pioneering sector-based private equity firm, which now manages $27 billion. In October 2012, it opened an office in Beijing and he plans to invest at least 25% of its assets in emerging markets. It also sold its 10% stake in online video site, Hulu, for a reportedly $300 million price.

Jonathan Nelson currently sits on the board of the Newport Festivals Foundation, a group that manages the jazz and folk music festivals in Newport. He also serves as a Fellow of Brown University and has donated $20 million to fund the construction of a new fitness center as well as to back professorship. He is a Republican supporter and has backed presidential candidate Mitt Romney. He has signed the Giving Pledge, a campaign led by Warren Buffett and Bill Gates, in September 2012. He has promised to donate at least half his wealth to charity.