As an aspiring entrepreneur, I’ve always been fascinated by the stories of those who’ve reached the pinnacle of financial success. The world’s wealthiest individuals not only serve as a source of inspiration but also offer valuable lessons in innovation, perseverance, and strategic thinking. That’s why I’ve decided to dive deep into the lives and fortunes of the top 10 richest people in the world as of 2024.
This list represents more than just a ranking of net worth; it’s a testament to the power of groundbreaking ideas, relentless drive, and the ability to adapt in an ever-changing global economy. From tech visionaries to retail moguls, these billionaires have shaped industries and, in many cases, transformed the way we live our daily lives.
As we explore the backgrounds, business ventures, and philanthropic efforts of these financial titans, I hope to uncover insights that can fuel our own entrepreneurial journeys. Whether you’re dreaming of launching a startup or looking to scale your existing business, there’s something to learn from each of these remarkable individuals.
So, let’s embark on this exploration of wealth, innovation, and impact. Who knows? Maybe one day, one of us aspiring entrepreneurs might find ourselves on a future version of this list. But for now, let’s dive into the stories behind the numbers and discover what makes these 10 individuals the richest people in the world in 2024 based on data from the Real-Time Billionaires List.
1. Elon Musk – $274.7 billion
Elon Musk, the South African-born entrepreneur and visionary, has solidified his position as the world’s wealthiest person with a net worth of $274.7 billion. Musk’s journey to the top of the financial world has been marked by groundbreaking innovations and audacious business ventures. As the CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and several other companies, Musk has revolutionized multiple industries, from electric vehicles to space exploration.
Musk’s wealth has seen exponential growth in recent years, largely driven by the success of Tesla, which has become the world’s most valuable automaker. His other ventures, including SpaceX and Neuralink, have also contributed significantly to his fortune. Musk’s ability to disrupt traditional industries and his penchant for bold predictions have made him a polarizing figure in the business world.
Despite facing occasional controversies, Musk’s influence on technology and innovation remains undeniable. His ambitious goals, such as colonizing Mars and developing sustainable energy solutions, continue to captivate the public imagination and drive his companies forward. As Musk’s wealth continues to grow, he is projected to become the world’s first trillionaire by 2027, according to recent studies.
2. Larry Ellison – $211.7 billion
According to the Real-Time Billionaires List, Larry Ellison, the co-founder and executive chairman of Oracle Corporation, holds the second spot on the list with a net worth of $211.7 billion. Born in New York City in 1944, Ellison’s rise to become one of the world’s wealthiest individuals is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and technological acumen.
Ellison co-founded Oracle in 1977 and served as its CEO until 2014. Under his leadership, Oracle grew to become one of the largest and most influential software companies in the world. Ellison’s wealth is primarily derived from his substantial stake in Oracle, which he continues to guide as the company’s executive chairman and chief technology officer.
Beyond his work at Oracle, Ellison is known for his lavish lifestyle, including ownership of luxury properties and a passion for yachting. He also owns 98% of Lanai, the sixth-largest island in Hawaii, which he purchased in 2012.
3. Jeff Bezos – $205.6 billion
Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, rounds out the top three with a net worth of $205.6 billion. Bezos’s journey from launching an online bookstore in his garage to creating one of the world’s most valuable companies is a quintessential American success story.
Born in 1964, Bezos founded Amazon in 1994 and led the company as CEO until 2021. Under his leadership, Amazon revolutionized e-commerce and expanded into diverse areas such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital streaming. Bezos’s wealth has fluctuated over the years, reaching its peak in 2021 when he briefly held the title of the world’s richest person.
Beyond Amazon, Bezos owns The Washington Post and Blue Origin, a space exploration company. His investments span various industries, reflecting his diverse interests and long-term vision. Despite stepping down as Amazon’s CEO, Bezos remains highly influential in the business world and continues to be a major force in shaping the future of technology and commerce.
4. Mark Zuckerberg – $198.3 billion
Mark Zuckerberg, the co-founder and CEO of Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook), has amassed a fortune of $198.3 billion, making him one of the wealthiest individuals in the world. Born on May 14, 1984, in White Plains, New York, Zuckerberg showed an early aptitude for computer programming. He launched Facebook from his Harvard University dorm room in 2004, which quickly grew into the world’s largest social networking platform.
Under Zuckerberg’s leadership, Facebook expanded its reach through strategic acquisitions, including Instagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014. In 2021, he rebranded the company as Meta Platforms, signaling a shift towards developing the “metaverse,” a concept of interconnected virtual experiences. Despite facing numerous controversies related to privacy concerns and content moderation, Zuckerberg has maintained his position as a tech industry leader.
Zuckerberg is known for his philanthropic efforts, pledging to give away 99% of his Facebook shares over his lifetime through the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, which he founded with his wife, Priscilla Chan. The initiative focuses on advancing human potential and promoting equality in areas such as health, education, and scientific research. As of October 2024, Zuckerberg’s net worth was estimated at $202 billion by Forbes, making him the fourth richest person in the world.
5. Bernard Arnault & family – $173.3 billion
Bernard Arnault, the chairman and CEO of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH), has built a luxury goods empire that has propelled him to become one of the wealthiest individuals globally. Born on March 5, 1949, in Roubaix, France, Arnault began his career in his family’s construction business before venturing into luxury goods.
In 1984, Arnault acquired the bankrupt textile company that owned Christian Dior, marking his entry into the luxury market. He went on to orchestrate the creation of LVMH in 1987 by merging Louis Vuitton with Moët Hennessy. Under his leadership, LVMH has grown to encompass over 75 prestigious brands across various sectors, including fashion, wines and spirits, perfumes and cosmetics, and watches and jewelry.
Arnault’s business acumen and strategic acquisitions have been key to LVMH’s success. Notable acquisitions include Tiffany & Co. in 2021 for $15.8 billion, the largest deal in the luxury sector. His five children are all involved in various aspects of the LVMH empire, ensuring family control over the conglomerate. Despite recent fluctuations in the luxury market, Arnault’s net worth remains substantial, with Bloomberg estimating it at $177 billion as of January 2024.
6. Warren Buffett – $143 billion
Warren Buffett, often referred to as the “Oracle of Omaha,” is one of the most successful investors in history and the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. Born on August 30, 1930, in Omaha, Nebraska, Buffett showed an early interest in business and investing, making his first stock purchase at age 11.
Buffett’s investment philosophy, centered on value investing, has been the cornerstone of his success. He acquired Berkshire Hathaway, originally a textile manufacturing company, in 1965 and transformed it into a diversified holding company. Berkshire Hathaway now owns a wide array of businesses and has significant stakes in major companies across various industries.
Known for his frugal lifestyle despite his immense wealth, Buffett still lives in the same house he bought in Omaha in 1958 for $31,500. He is also one of the world’s most generous philanthropists, having pledged to give away 99% of his wealth to philanthropic causes. In 2010, he co-founded The Giving Pledge with Bill and Melinda Gates, encouraging other billionaires to donate the majority of their wealth to charity.
As of January 2024, Buffett’s net worth was estimated at $122 billion by Forbes, making him the tenth-richest person globally. Despite his advanced age, Buffett remains actively involved in Berkshire Hathaway’s operations and continues to be a respected voice in the investment world.
7. Larry Page – $137.6 billion
Larry Page, the co-founder of Google and former CEO of Alphabet Inc., has amassed a staggering fortune of $137.6 billion. Born in 1973 in East Lansing, Michigan, Page showed an early interest in computers and technology, influenced by his parents who were both computer science professors. He met his future business partner, Sergey Brin, while pursuing his Ph.D. at Stanford University, where they developed the idea for Google’s revolutionary search engine algorithm.
Page’s vision and leadership were instrumental in transforming Google from a dorm room project into one of the world’s most valuable and influential companies. As CEO of Google and later Alphabet, he oversaw the company’s expansion into various sectors, including mobile operating systems (Android), video sharing (YouTube), and autonomous vehicles (Waymo). Page’s innovative approach to management, which included the famous “20% time” policy allowing employees to work on personal projects, fostered a culture of creativity and innovation at Google.
Although Page stepped down as CEO of Alphabet in 2019, he remains a board member and controlling shareholder. His wealth continues to grow, largely due to his significant stake in Alphabet. Page is known for his interest in futuristic technologies and has invested in flying car companies and other cutting-edge ventures. Despite his immense wealth, Page maintains a relatively low public profile and focuses on philanthropic efforts through the Carl Victor Page Memorial Foundation.
8. Sergey Brin – $131.7 billion
Sergey Brin, with a net worth of $131.7 billion, is the other half of the duo that founded Google. Born in Moscow in 1973, Brin immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of six, fleeing anti-Semitism in the Soviet Union. He met Larry Page at Stanford University while pursuing his Ph.D. in computer science, and together they developed the PageRank algorithm that would become the foundation of Google’s search engine.
As President of Technology at Google and later President of Alphabet Inc., Brin was instrumental in driving the company’s technological innovations. He played a key role in the development of Google Glass and other ambitious projects within Google X (now X Development), the company’s “moonshot factory” for breakthrough technologies. Brin’s approach to problem-solving and his willingness to take on seemingly impossible challenges have been crucial to Google’s success and expansion into diverse fields.
Like Page, Brin stepped down from his executive role at Alphabet in 2019 but remains a controlling shareholder and board member. He has shown a keen interest in space exploration and was an early investor in Space Adventures, a space tourism company. Brin is also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in the areas of Parkinson’s disease research and support for refugees.
9. Amancio Ortega – $131.7 billion
Amancio Ortega, the Spanish fashion tycoon, has built a retail empire that has propelled him to a net worth of $131.7 billion. Born in 1936 in Busdongo de Arbás, Spain, Ortega came from humble beginnings and started working in a shirt shop at the age of 14. His entrepreneurial journey began when he founded Confecciones Goa in 1963 to sell quilted bathrobes.
In 1975, Ortega opened the first Zara store, which would become the flagship brand of his retail empire, Inditex. His innovative “fast fashion” model, which rapidly translates catwalk designs into affordable, mass-market styles, revolutionized the fashion industry. Under Ortega’s leadership, Inditex expanded to include other popular brands such as Pull&Bear, Massimo Dutti, and Bershka.
Despite stepping down as chairman of Inditex in 2011, Ortega still owns about 59% of the company’s shares. He has diversified his wealth through substantial real estate investments in prime locations across major cities worldwide. Known for his reclusive nature and modest lifestyle, Ortega rarely gives interviews and maintains a low public profile. His philanthropic efforts focus on education and healthcare, particularly in his home region of Galicia, Spain.
10. Steve Ballmer – $125.8 billion
Steve Ballmer, with a net worth of $125.8 billion, is best known for his long tenure at Microsoft and his current ownership of the Los Angeles Clippers NBA team. Born in 1956 in Detroit, Michigan, Ballmer met Bill Gates at Harvard University and joined Microsoft in 1980 as the company’s 30th employee and first business manager.
Rising through the ranks, Ballmer became Microsoft’s CEO in 2000, succeeding Gates. During his 14-year tenure as CEO, he oversaw significant growth in the company’s revenues and profits, although Microsoft faced challenges in adapting to the mobile and internet era. Under his leadership, Microsoft expanded into new markets with products like the Xbox gaming console and acquired Skype for $8.5 billion.
After retiring from Microsoft in 2014, Ballmer purchased the Los Angeles Clippers for $2 billion, the highest price ever paid for an NBA team at the time. He has since focused on philanthropic efforts through the Ballmer Group, which he co-founded with his wife Connie. The organization aims to improve economic mobility for children and families in the United States. Ballmer is also known for his energetic personality and his creation of USAFacts, a non-profit organization providing accessible and understandable government data to the public.