Top 10 Richest Person in the World, Richest Person in the World
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Updated Aug 07, 2024
Top 10 Richest Person in the World
The top 10 richest people in the world are individuals with enormous wealth, each having made their fortunes in different industries. These people have reached incredible financial heights through their leadership in technology, luxury goods, and investments. Their wealth often exceeds the GDP of many countries, and they hold significant influence over global markets. Here is a list of these ultra-wealthy individuals, showcasing their impressive net worth and sources of income:
Rank | Name |
---|---|
1 | Elon Musk |
2 | Jeff Bezos |
3 | Bernard Arnault |
4 | Mark Zuckerberg |
5 | Larry Ellison |
6 | Larry Page |
7 | Warren Buffett |
8 | Sergey Brin |
9 | Bill Gates |
10 | Steve Ballmer |
Richest Person in the World
In 2024, the top 10 richest people in the world have accumulated vast fortunes that often exceed the GDP of some countries. These individuals have reached their financial heights through a mix of entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and strategic investments.
1. Elon Musk
Elon Musk, the richest person globally, has achieved remarkable wealth primarily through his roles as CEO of Tesla and SpaceX. Tesla, known for its electric vehicles and clean energy solutions, has significantly boosted Musk's fortune. His 23 percent stake in the company is a major contributor to his net worth.
SpaceX, which aims to revolutionize space travel, also plays a crucial role in his wealth. Musk made headlines with his $44 billion purchase of Twitter in 2022, further enhancing his profile. His vision for advancing technology and space exploration continues to drive his substantial wealth.
2. Jeff Bezos
Jeff Bezos holds the position of the second richest person globally, widely recognized for creating Amazon, the leading global e-commerce platform. Although he stepped down as CEO in 2021, Bezos remains influential as chairman. His wealth also includes investments in Blue Origin, his private space travel company, which reflects his passion for space exploration.
Bezos's financial success is a result of his innovative approach to online retail and technology. His focus on long-term investments and groundbreaking ventures, such as space tourism, highlights his continued influence in various industries.
3. Bernard Arnault
Bernard Arnault, the third richest person, is the chairman and CEO of LVMH, the world's largest luxury goods conglomerate. Under his leadership, LVMH has expanded to include around 70 prestigious brands like Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and Moet & Chandon.
Arnault's wealth is closely tied to the success of these luxury brands, which cater to high-end markets globally. His strategic acquisitions, such as the $15.8 billion purchase of Tiffany & Co., and his family's involvement in the business contribute significantly to his net worth. Arnault's impact on the luxury sector is both vast and influential.
4. Mark Zuckerberg
Mark Zuckerberg is the fourth richest person and the co-founder and CEO of Meta Platforms, which includes Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. By launching Facebook in 2004, Zuckerberg revolutionized social media and changed the way people communicate online.
His 13 percent ownership of Meta continues to drive his wealth. Zuckerberg's commitment to technology and social media innovation has reshaped how people connect online. He and his wife, Priscilla Chan, are also known for their philanthropic efforts, including a $3 billion initiative aimed at curing diseases by the year 2100.
5. Larry Ellison
Larry Ellison is the fifth richest person and co-founded Oracle, a major player in enterprise software. Ellison served as Oracle’s CEO until 2014 and now holds the roles of executive chairman and Chief Technology Officer. His wealth also comes from investments in various industries, including biotech and real estate.
In 2012, Ellison made headlines by buying the Hawaiian island of Lanai for $300 million. His investments in companies like Salesforce.com and Astex Pharmaceuticals reflect his diverse business interests and significant financial impact.
6. Larry Page
Larry Page, co-founder of Google, ranks sixth among the world’s richest individuals. He played a pivotal role in creating Google and served as CEO twice. Page’s current role is as a board member of Alphabet, Google's parent company.
His wealth is bolstered by his substantial stake in Alphabet and his involvement in other ventures, such as Planetary Resources, which aims to mine asteroids. Page’s contributions to technology and innovation continue to influence the tech industry and drive his financial success.
7. Warren Buffett
Warren Buffett, often referred to as the "Oracle of Omaha," holds the position of the seventh richest person in the world. He leads Berkshire Hathaway as its chairman and CEO. His investment prowess is legendary, with a portfolio that includes diverse companies such as Geico, Duracell, and Apple.
Buffett’s reputation for smart investing and his philanthropic efforts, including his pledge to give away 99 percent of his wealth, highlight his impact on both the financial world and charitable causes. His leadership at Berkshire Hathaway and commitment to philanthropy are central to his legacy and wealth.
8. Sergey Brin
Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google with Larry Page, ranks eighth in wealth. Brin has been a key figure in developing Google’s search technology and special projects like Google Glass. Although he initially served as technology president at Google, Brin now focuses on overseeing Alphabet’s innovations.
His investments in technology, including ventures into space and wearable tech, reflect his ongoing influence in the tech industry. Brin's significant shareholding and leadership in Alphabet contribute to his substantial net worth.
9. Bill Gates
Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, is the ninth richest person. Gates held the title of the world’s richest person for many years before transitioning to philanthropic work. After stepping down from Microsoft, Gates focused on the Gates Foundation, which works on global health, education, and poverty alleviation.
His foundation has made significant impacts, such as preventing hundreds of thousands of HIV infections in India. Gates’s legacy includes his technological innovations and his extensive philanthropic efforts, reflecting both his business acumen and commitment to global well-being.
10. Steve Ballmer
Steve Ballmer, the tenth richest person, was Microsoft’s CEO from 2000 to 2014. He joined Microsoft early and helped shape its growth into a tech giant. After retiring from Microsoft, Ballmer bought the Los Angeles Clippers basketball team for $2 billion, setting a record for the highest price ever paid for an NBA team at the time.
His wealth is derived from his significant role in Microsoft and his successful sports investment. Ballmer’s ventures and investments continue to reflect his influence and financial success in both technology and sports.