Koch Industries is an American multinational corporation based in Wichita, Kansas. It is the second-largest privately held company in the United States and is involved in a variety of industries, including oil and gas. Founded by Fred C. Koch in 1940, the company has grown to become one of the largest oil and gas giants in the world. The company is owned and operated by the Koch family, with Charles and David Koch serving as co-owners and co-CEOs.