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As an auditor, I’ve spent my career poring over financial statements and tracking the ebb and flow of wealth across industries. But even I find myself astounded by the sheer magnitude of fortunes amassed by the world’s elite. In this article, we’ll dive into the realm of the ultra-wealthy, exploring the lives and fortunes of the top 10 richest people in the world as of 2024 based on data from the Real-Time Billionaires List.
These individuals aren’t just names on a balance sheet; they’re the architects of companies that shape our daily lives, from the way we shop and communicate to how we travel and access information. Their wealth isn’t just a number—it’s a testament to innovation, market disruption, and in some cases, long-term strategic planning that would impress even the most seasoned financial analyst.
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 as of 2024. Born in Pretoria, South Africa, in 1971, Musk displayed an early aptitude for technology and business. He moved to the United States in his early twenties to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams, co-founding companies like Zip2 and X.com (which later became PayPal).
Musk’s fortune is primarily derived from his involvement in revolutionary companies. He is the CEO and largest shareholder of Tesla, the electric vehicle and clean energy company that has transformed the automotive industry. Additionally, he founded SpaceX, a private space exploration company that has achieved numerous milestones in space travel and satellite deployment. Musk’s other ventures include Neuralink, a neurotechnology company, and The Boring Company, which focuses on infrastructure and tunnel construction.
2. Jeff Bezos – $216.5 billion
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 in 2024. Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1964, Bezos showed early signs of entrepreneurial spirit and technological prowess. After graduating from Princeton University, he worked on Wall Street before founding Amazon in 1994 as an online bookstore.
Under Bezos’ leadership, Amazon grew from a modest online retailer to a global e-commerce and technology giant, diversifying into cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital streaming. Although he stepped down as CEO in 2021, Bezos remains executive chairman and a significant shareholder in the company. His wealth also stems from other investments, including Blue Origin, his space exploration company, and his ownership of The Washington Post.
3. Larry Ellison – $209.1 billion
According to the Real-Time Billionaires List, Larry Ellison, co-founder, executive chairman, and CTO of Oracle Corporation, ranks third among the world’s richest individuals with a net worth of $209.1 billion in 2024. Born in New York City in 1944 and adopted as an infant, Ellison’s journey to immense wealth is a testament to his technological vision and business acumen. After dropping out of college, he found his calling in the nascent field of database management systems.
In 1977, Ellison co-founded Software Development Laboratories, which later became Oracle Corporation. Under his leadership, Oracle grew to become one of the largest and most influential software companies in the world, specializing in database management systems, cloud computing, and enterprise software. Ellison’s wealth is primarily tied to his substantial stake in Oracle, but he has also made significant investments in other tech companies and real estate. His business ventures extend beyond technology, including ownership of the Indian Wells tennis tournament and extensive property holdings in Malibu and Hawaii.
4. Mark Zuckerberg – $198 billion
Mark Zuckerberg, the co-founder and CEO of Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook), has amassed a staggering net worth of $198 billion as of 2024. Born on May 14, 1984, in White Plains, New York, Zuckerberg’s journey to becoming one of the world’s wealthiest individuals began in his Harvard dorm room. In 2004, at the age of 19, he launched Facebook, which would eventually transform into a global social media powerhouse.
Zuckerberg’s wealth is primarily tied to his substantial stake in Meta Platforms, where he owns approximately 13% of the company. Under his leadership, Meta has expanded beyond Facebook to include other popular platforms such as Instagram and WhatsApp. The company’s success has been reflected in its financial performance, with revenues reaching $134.9 billion in 2023. Zuckerberg’s net worth has seen significant fluctuations over the years, often mirroring the performance of Meta’s stock. In 2024 alone, his wealth increased by an impressive $55.6 billion.
Beyond his business endeavors, Zuckerberg, along with his wife Priscilla Chan, has made substantial philanthropic commitments. They established the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative in 2015, pledging to donate 99% of their Facebook shares over their lifetime to causes focused on education, science, and community development. Despite controversies surrounding user privacy and the societal impact of social media, Zuckerberg continues to be a dominant figure in the tech industry, shaping the future of digital communication and virtual reality through Meta’s ongoing innovations.
5. Bernard Arnault & family – $168 billion
Bernard Arnault, the French business magnate and art collector, leads his family to a combined net worth of $168 billion in 2024. As the chairman and CEO of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, Arnault has built an empire in the luxury goods industry. Born on March 5, 1949, in Roubaix, France, Arnault’s business acumen was evident early in his career when he took over his father’s construction company in 1971.
Arnault’s foray into luxury began in 1984 when he acquired the bankrupt textile company that owned Christian Dior. This strategic move laid the foundation for his future success. In 1989, he became the majority shareholder of LVMH, transforming it into the world’s largest luxury goods conglomerate. Under his leadership, LVMH has acquired numerous prestigious brands across various sectors, including fashion, wines and spirits, perfumes and cosmetics, and watches and jewelry.
The Arnault family’s wealth is largely tied to their stake in LVMH, which has seen remarkable growth over the years. Bernard Arnault’s business strategy, focusing on brand heritage and craftsmanship while embracing innovation, has been key to LVMH’s success. His children are also involved in various aspects of the business, ensuring the family’s continued influence in the luxury sector. Arnault is known for his art collection and philanthropic efforts, particularly in supporting arts and culture in France.
6. Larry Page – $141 billion
Larry Page, with a net worth of $141 billion in 2024, is best known as the co-founder of Google and former CEO of its parent company, Alphabet Inc. Born on March 26, 1973, in East Lansing, Michigan, Page showed an early interest in computers, inspired by his father’s profession as a computer science professor. He met his future business partner, Sergey Brin, while pursuing his Ph.D. in computer science at Stanford University.
In 1998, Page and Brin founded Google, revolutionizing internet search with their PageRank algorithm. Under their leadership, Google expanded far beyond search, venturing into areas such as mobile operating systems (Android), web browsers (Chrome), and various internet services. In 2015, Page became the CEO of Alphabet Inc., the newly formed parent company of Google and its subsidiaries, a position he held until December 2019.
Page’s wealth primarily stems from his significant stake in Alphabet. His vision for technology has extended beyond Google, with investments in flying car companies and other futuristic ventures. Known for his interest in renewable energy and technological solutions to global problems, Page has been a driving force behind Google’s and Alphabet’s initiatives in clean energy and innovative technologies. Although he has stepped back from day-to-day operations at Alphabet, Page remains a board member and controlling shareholder, continuing to influence the company’s long-term strategy and vision.
7. Warren Buffett – $139.8 billion
Warren Buffett, often referred to as the “Oracle of Omaha,” has amassed a fortune of $139.8 billion, making him one of the most successful investors in history. Born in 1930 in Omaha, Nebraska, Buffett showed an early aptitude for business and investing. He purchased his first stock at age 11 and filed his first tax return at 13. Buffett’s wealth primarily stems from his position as CEO and largest shareholder 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 long-term approach, focusing on undervalued companies with strong fundamentals. Despite his immense wealth, Buffett is renowned for his frugal lifestyle, still living in the same house he bought in Omaha in 1958 for $31,500. His commitment to philanthropy is equally notable; he has pledged to give away 99% of his wealth to charitable causes, primarily through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
8. Sergey Brin – $135 billion
Sergey Brin, with a net worth of $135 billion, is a testament to the transformative power of technology and innovation. Born in Moscow in 1973, Brin immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of six. He co-founded Google with Larry Page in 1998 while pursuing his Ph.D. at Stanford University. Their groundbreaking search engine algorithm revolutionized the way people access information online.
Brin’s wealth is primarily derived from his stake in Alphabet, the parent company of Google. As a key figure in the company’s growth, he has overseen the development of numerous innovative products and services, including Gmail, Google Maps, and the Android operating system. Beyond his work at Google, Brin has shown interest in cutting-edge technologies, investing in projects such as autonomous vehicles and renewable energy. His philanthropic efforts focus on Parkinson’s disease research, a condition that affects his mother.
9. Amancio Ortega – $128.5 billion
Amancio Ortega, with a net worth of $128.5 billion, is the founder of Inditex, the parent company of Zara and several other fashion retail chains. Born in 1936 in Spain, Ortega’s journey from a humble background to becoming one of the world’s wealthiest individuals is a remarkable tale of entrepreneurship. He started his career as a shop hand for a local shirtmaker in A Coruña, Spain, before founding his own company in 1963.
Ortega’s success lies in his innovative approach to fashion retail, pioneering the concept of “fast fashion.” Zara, his flagship brand, is known for its ability to design, produce, and deliver new clothes to stores in a matter of weeks. Despite his immense wealth, Ortega maintains a low profile and is known for his modest lifestyle. He has diversified his investments beyond fashion, with significant real estate holdings in major cities around the world. Ortega’s philanthropic efforts focus on education and healthcare in Spain.
10. Steve Ballmer – $122.1 billion
Steve Ballmer, with a net worth of $122.1 billion, is best known for his long tenure as CEO of Microsoft from 2000 to 2014. Born in 1956 in Detroit, Michigan, Ballmer joined Microsoft in 1980 as employee number 30 and the company’s first business manager. His leadership saw Microsoft expand beyond its core Windows and Office products into areas such as the Xbox gaming console and cloud computing.
Ballmer’s wealth primarily comes from his significant stake in Microsoft, which he has held onto even after retiring from the company. Since leaving Microsoft, he has focused on other ventures, most notably purchasing the Los Angeles Clippers NBA team for $2 billion in 2014. Known for his energetic and passionate personality, Ballmer has also dedicated substantial resources to philanthropy through the Ballmer Group, which he founded with his wife. The organization focuses on improving economic mobility for children and families in the United States.
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