As a business strategist, I’ve always been fascinated by the individuals who shape our global economy through their innovative ideas, strategic decisions, and sheer business acumen. The list of the world’s wealthiest people in 2024 offers a compelling snapshot of the current state of wealth distribution and the industries driving economic growth. It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about understanding the strategies, market forces, and technological advancements that have propelled these individuals to the pinnacle of financial success.
This year’s list of the top 10 richest people based on data from the Real-Time Billionaires List showcases some familiar faces alongside a few surprises, reflecting the dynamic nature of global markets and the rapid pace of technological innovation. From tech moguls to luxury goods tycoons, each person on this list has a unique story of entrepreneurship, risk-taking, and vision that has led them to amass fortunes that most of us can barely comprehend.
1. Elon Musk – $264.7 billion
Elon Musk, the enigmatic entrepreneur and visionary, currently holds the title of the world’s richest person with a staggering net worth of $264.7 billion. Born in Pretoria, South Africa, in 1971, Musk demonstrated an early aptitude for technology and business. He co-founded PayPal, which revolutionized online payments, before setting his sights on more ambitious ventures.
Musk’s wealth primarily stems from his leadership roles in Tesla and SpaceX. As CEO of Tesla, he has spearheaded the electric vehicle revolution, transforming the automotive industry and pushing for sustainable energy solutions. SpaceX, his private space exploration company, has achieved numerous milestones, including reusable rocket technology and commercial space flights. Musk’s other ventures, such as Neuralink and The Boring Company, further showcase his diverse interests in cutting-edge technologies.
2. Jeff Bezos – $216.5 billion
According to the Real-Time Billionaires List, Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, holds the second position on the list of the world’s wealthiest individuals with a net worth of $216.5 billion. Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1964, Bezos displayed entrepreneurial spirit from a young age. He founded Amazon in 1994 as an online bookstore, which has since grown into the world’s largest e-commerce platform and a leader in cloud computing services.
Bezos’s wealth is primarily tied to his Amazon shares, although he has diversified his portfolio over the years. He stepped down as CEO of Amazon in 2021 but remains executive chairman. Beyond Amazon, Bezos owns The Washington Post and Blue Origin, his space exploration company. His vision extends beyond Earth, as he aims to make space travel more accessible and affordable. Bezos’s journey from a garage startup to one of the world’s most influential business leaders exemplifies the potential of innovation and perseverance.
3. Larry Ellison – $209.1 billion
Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle Corporation, secures the third spot among the world’s richest individuals with a net worth of $209.1 billion. Born in New York City in 1944, Ellison’s path to success was unconventional. He dropped out of college twice before finding his calling in computer programming and database design.
In 1977, Ellison co-founded Software Development Laboratories, which later became Oracle Corporation. Under his leadership, Oracle grew into one of the largest and most influential software companies globally, specializing in database management systems. Ellison stepped down as CEO in 2014 but continues to serve as executive chairman and chief technology officer. His wealth is largely derived from his substantial stake in Oracle, which has seen significant growth, particularly in cloud computing and artificial intelligence technologies. Ellison’s strategic investments, including his acquisition of the Hawaiian island of Lanai, have further diversified his portfolio and cemented his status as a tech industry titan.
4. Mark Zuckerberg – $198 billion
Mark Zuckerberg, the co-founder and CEO of Meta (formerly Facebook), has amassed a staggering net worth of $198 billion, solidifying his position as one of the world’s wealthiest individuals. Born on May 14, 1984, in White Plains, New York, Zuckerberg showed an early aptitude for computer programming. He launched Facebook from his Harvard dorm room in 2004, which has since grown into a global social media powerhouse.
Under Zuckerberg’s leadership, Meta has expanded its portfolio to include Instagram, WhatsApp, and Oculus VR, among other tech ventures. His wealth primarily stems from his significant stake in Meta, which has seen substantial growth despite facing various challenges, including privacy concerns and regulatory scrutiny. Zuckerberg’s focus on the “metaverse” concept has led to substantial investments in virtual and augmented reality technologies, shaping the company’s future direction.
5. Bernard Arnault & family – $168 billion
Bernard Arnault, the French business magnate and art collector, heads the luxury goods conglomerate LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy) and boasts a net worth of $168 billion. Born on March 5, 1949, in Roubaix, France, Arnault has built an empire encompassing over 70 prestigious brands across various sectors, including fashion, cosmetics, and fine spirits.
Arnault’s business acumen and strategic acquisitions have transformed LVMH into the world’s leading luxury group. His family plays a significant role in the company, with his children holding key positions across different brands. Despite recent market fluctuations affecting the luxury sector, Arnault’s wealth remains substantial, reflecting the enduring appeal and resilience of high-end consumer goods. His philanthropic efforts, particularly in the arts, have further cemented his status as a influential figure in both business and culture.
6. Larry Page – $141 billion
Larry Page, co-founder of Google and former CEO of its parent company Alphabet, commands a net worth of $141 billion. Born on March 26, 1973, in East Lansing, Michigan, Page’s journey to tech stardom began at Stanford University, where he met Sergey Brin. Together, they developed the PageRank algorithm, which became the foundation for Google’s search engine.
Page’s wealth primarily derives from his significant stake in Alphabet, which has diversified beyond search into areas such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and autonomous vehicles. Although he stepped down as CEO of Alphabet in 2019, Page remains a board member and controlling shareholder. His visionary approach to technology and innovation continues to influence the company’s direction. Page is also known for his investments in flying car startups and sustainable energy projects, reflecting his interest in futuristic technologies and environmental sustainability.
7. Warren Buffett – $139.8 billion
Warren Buffett, often referred to as the “Oracle of Omaha,” is one of the most successful investors in history, with a net worth of $139.8 billion. Born in 1930 in Omaha, Nebraska, Buffett showed an aptitude for business and investing from a young age. He is the CEO and chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, a conglomerate that owns a diverse portfolio of businesses and investments.
Buffett’s investment philosophy, centered on value investing, has been the cornerstone of his success. He is known for his frugal lifestyle despite his immense wealth, still living in the same house he bought in 1958 for $31,500. Buffett has pledged to give away 99% of his wealth to philanthropic causes, primarily through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. His annual salary from Berkshire Hathaway is a modest $100,000, unchanged for the past 40 years, demonstrating his commitment to long-term value creation rather than personal gain.
8. Sergey Brin – $135 billion
Sergey Brin, with a net worth of $135 billion, is the co-founder of Google and one of the most influential figures in the tech industry. Born in Moscow in 1973, Brin immigrated to the United States at the age of six. He met Larry Page at Stanford University, where they developed the PageRank algorithm that became the foundation for Google’s search engine.
Brin served as the president of Google’s parent company, Alphabet Inc., until stepping down in 2019. He remains a controlling shareholder and board member. Despite his enormous wealth, Brin is known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in medical research. He has invested in various ventures beyond Google, including airships and space tourism, showcasing his interest in futuristic technologies. Brin’s journey from an immigrant to a Silicon Valley icon exemplifies the transformative power of innovation and entrepreneurship in the digital age.
9. Amancio Ortega – $128.5 billion
Amancio Ortega, with a net worth of $128.5 billion, is the founder and former chairman of Inditex fashion group, best known for its Zara clothing and accessories retail chain. Born in 1936 in Spain, Ortega’s rise to become one of the world’s wealthiest individuals is a testament to his business acumen and innovation in the fast fashion industry.
Ortega’s success stems from his pioneering approach to fast fashion, which revolutionized the clothing retail sector. Despite his immense wealth, he is known for maintaining a low profile and living a relatively modest lifestyle. Ortega stepped down as chairman of Inditex in 2011 but remains a major shareholder. His wealth is not limited to fashion; he has diversified into real estate, owning prime properties in major cities worldwide through his investment company Pontegadea. Ortega’s story is one of entrepreneurial spirit and relentless pursuit of efficiency in business operations.
10. Steve Ballmer – $122.1 billion
Steve Ballmer, with a net worth of $122.1 billion, is the former CEO of Microsoft and current owner of the Los Angeles Clippers NBA team. Born in 1956, Ballmer joined Microsoft in 1980 as employee number 30 and eventually succeeded Bill Gates as CEO in 2000.
Under Ballmer’s leadership, Microsoft’s annual revenue surged from $25 billion to $70 billion. His wealth primarily comes from his significant stake in Microsoft, which he has largely retained since leaving the company in 2014. Ballmer’s purchase of the LA Clippers for $2 billion in 2014 marked his entry into sports ownership. Known for his energetic and boisterous personality, Ballmer has also ventured into philanthropy through the Ballmer Group, focusing on improving economic mobility for children and families in the United States. His journey from a Harvard dormmate of Bill Gates to one of the world’s wealthiest individuals showcases the potential for wealth creation in the tech industry, even for non-founders.