As a business professor, I’ve always been fascinated by the individuals who have managed to accumulate extraordinary wealth through their entrepreneurial ventures and investments. The list of the world’s richest people is not just a ranking of net worth; it’s a testament to innovation, business acumen, and the ever-evolving landscape of global commerce.
In 2024, we see a familiar cast of characters at the top of the wealth pyramid, but with some notable shifts in their positions and net worth. These titans of industry continue to shape our world through their companies, philanthropic efforts, and influence on global markets.
What’s particularly intriguing about this year’s list is the concentration of wealth in the technology sector. From social media platforms to electric vehicles, space exploration to e-commerce, the top billionaires are overwhelmingly associated with cutting-edge tech companies. This trend reflects the growing importance of digital innovation in our economy and daily lives.
As we delve into the stories behind these astronomical figures, we’ll explore not just the numbers, but the journeys, strategies, and pivotal decisions that have led these individuals to the pinnacle of global wealth. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, a seasoned investor, or simply curious about the world of high finance, there’s much to learn from the paths these billionaires have taken.
Based on data from the
Real-Time Billionaires List, let’s take a closer look at the top 10 richest people in the world as of 2024, examining their net worth, the sources of their wealth, and the impact they’ve had on the business world and beyond.
1. Elon Musk – $269.8 billion
According to the
Real-Time Billionaires List, Elon Musk is the wealthiest person in the world with an estimated net worth of $269.8 billion. Born in Pretoria, South Africa in 1971, Musk showed entrepreneurial spirit from a young age, creating and selling a video game at just 12 years old.
After moving to the United States, Musk co-founded PayPal and went on to found SpaceX in 2002 and become CEO of Tesla in 2008. His ventures in electric vehicles, space exploration, and clean energy have driven his massive wealth accumulation.
In addition to Tesla and SpaceX, Musk acquired Twitter (now X) for $44 billion in 2022. He also co-founded Neuralink and The Boring Company. Known for his ambitious goals, Musk aims to revolutionize transportation on Earth and enable human colonization of Mars.
2. Larry Ellison – $206.2 billion
Larry Ellison is the co-founder, executive chairman and CTO of software giant Oracle. With a net worth of $206.2 billion, he is currently the second richest person in the world.
Born in New York City in 1944, Ellison founded Software Development Laboratories in 1977, which later became Oracle Corporation. Under his leadership, Oracle grew to become the largest supplier of database software and the second-largest supplier of business applications globally.
Ellison stepped down as Oracle’s CEO in 2014 but remains chairman of the board and chief technology officer. He is also a major investor in Tesla and served on its board until 2022. Ellison owns 98% of the Hawaiian island of Lanai, where he now resides full-time.
3. Jeff Bezos – $205.8 billion
Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, has a net worth of $205.8 billion, making him the third richest person in the world. Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1964, Bezos founded Amazon as an online bookstore in 1994.
Under Bezos’ leadership, Amazon grew from a startup in his garage to the world’s largest e-commerce company. He stepped down as CEO in 2021 to become executive chairman, allowing him to focus on other ventures.
In addition to Amazon, Bezos owns The Washington Post and founded space exploration company Blue Origin. He has pledged billions to fight climate change and has donated to various philanthropic causes. Bezos’ wealth is largely tied to his Amazon shares, which have seen tremendous growth over the years.
4. Bernard Arnault & family – $199.5 billion
Bernard Arnault is the chairman and CEO of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world’s largest luxury goods company. Born in Roubaix, France in 1949, Arnault began his career at his father’s construction company before entering the luxury goods industry.
Arnault’s business acumen led him to acquire and transform LVMH into a global powerhouse, encompassing brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Hennessy. His net worth has seen significant fluctuations, reaching as high as $231 billion in March 2024 before dropping to $199.5 billion by September.
Known for his strategic acquisitions and brand management, Arnault has expanded LVMH’s portfolio to include over 70 brands across various luxury sectors. He’s also an art collector and has invested in tech companies like Netflix.
5. Mark Zuckerberg – $196.3 billion
Mark Zuckerberg is the co-founder, chairman, and CEO of Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook). Born in White Plains, New York in 1984, Zuckerberg launched Facebook from his Harvard dorm room in 2004.
Under Zuckerberg’s leadership, Facebook has grown into a global social media giant with billions of users. Meta Platforms now includes Instagram, WhatsApp, and Oculus VR. Zuckerberg’s net worth is closely tied to Meta’s stock performance, which has seen significant growth in 2024, increasing his wealth by $55.6 billion year-to-date.
Zuckerberg owns about 13% of Meta Platforms, which accounts for the majority of his fortune. He’s known for his philanthropic efforts, pledging to give away 99% of his Meta shares over his lifetime.
6. Warren Buffett – $143.9 billion
Warren Buffett, often called the “Oracle of Omaha,” is one of the most successful investors in history. Born in Omaha, Nebraska in 1930, Buffett is the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, a conglomerate that owns a diverse portfolio of businesses.
Buffett’s investing prowess has led to consistent returns over decades, with Berkshire Hathaway delivering a 19.8% compounded annual gain in market value since 1965. His net worth is primarily derived from his stake in Berkshire Hathaway, which owns companies like Geico and Dairy Queen, and has significant holdings in firms like Coca-Cola and American Express.
Known for his frugal lifestyle despite his immense wealth, Buffett still lives in the same Omaha home he bought in 1958 for $31,500. He’s also a notable philanthropist, pledging to give away the majority of his fortune to charitable causes.
7. Bill Gates – $138.6 billion
Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, has a net worth of $138.6 billion. Born in Seattle, Washington in 1955, Gates founded Microsoft with Paul Allen in 1975, revolutionizing personal computing with the Windows operating system.
After stepping down from his full-time role at Microsoft in 2008, Gates has focused on philanthropy through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The foundation has provided $71.4 billion in grants, primarily targeting poverty reduction and healthcare improvement in developing countries.
Gates is also a prolific author and investor, with significant holdings in various companies and the largest private ownership of farmland in the United States.
8. Larry Page – $136.4 billion
Larry Page, co-founder of Google, has a net worth of $136.4 billion. Born in East Lansing, Michigan in 1973, Page co-founded Google with Sergey Brin in 1998 while pursuing his Ph.D. at Stanford University.
Page served as Google’s CEO from 2011 to 2015 and as CEO of Alphabet Inc. (Google’s parent company) from 2015 to 2019. Although he stepped down from executive roles, Page remains a board member and controlling shareholder of Alphabet.
Known for his innovative approach to technology, Page has been involved in various projects beyond Google, including flying car companies and AI research.
9. Amancio Ortega – $133.4 billion
Amancio Ortega, founder of Inditex fashion group, has a net worth of $133.4 billion. Born in Busdongo de Arbás, Spain in 1936, Ortega co-founded Zara with his ex-wife Rosalía Mera in 1975.
Under Ortega’s leadership, Inditex grew to become one of the world’s largest fashion retailers, with over 7,500 stores in more than 90 markets worldwide. The group includes brands like Zara, Pull&Bear, and Massimo Dutti.
Despite his immense wealth, Ortega is known for his modest lifestyle and rarely gives interviews. He stepped down from active management of Inditex in 2011 but remains a significant shareholder.
10. Sergey Brin – $130.6 billion
Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google, has a net worth of $130.6 billion. Born in Moscow, Soviet Union in 1973, Brin immigrated to the United States at the age of six.
Brin met Larry Page at Stanford University, where they developed the PageRank algorithm that became the foundation of Google’s search engine. They launched Google in 1998, which has since grown into one of the world’s most valuable companies.
Brin served as president of Alphabet Inc. until December 2019 but remains a controlling shareholder and board member. Beyond Google, Brin has invested in space exploration and other innovative technologies.
