Billionaires hold immense sway over the global economy, politics, and philanthropic ventures. As of 2024, the number of billionaires worldwide stands at 2,781, with the richest among them being Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX. These billionaires are not only known for their immense wealth but also for their influential roles in technology, luxury goods, and innovation. Here’s a closer look at the top 10 wealthiest individuals on the planet, based on data from the Bloomberg Billionaires Index as of November 1, 2024.
Key Takeaways
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, holds the title of the richest person in the world with a net worth of $263 billion.
Other notable billionaires include Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, LVMH’s Bernard Arnault, and Microsoft’s Bill Gates.
Eight of the top 10 billionaires amassed their fortunes in the technology sector, with exceptions including LVMH’s Arnault and Berkshire Hathaway’s Warren Buffett.
1. Elon Musk
Elon Musk, aged 53, resides in the United States and is the co-founder and CEO of Tesla. With a net worth of $263 billion, Musk is not only the wealthiest individual in the world but also a pioneering figure in space exploration through SpaceX. His business ventures extend to companies like The Boring Company and Neuralink, marking him as a leader in cutting-edge technology and transportation.
2. Jeff Bezos
At 60 years old, Jeff Bezos is the founder and executive chair of Amazon, the world’s largest online retailer. With a net worth of $209 billion, Bezos has diversified his investments, owning assets like Blue Origin, a space exploration company, and The Washington Post. His influence extends beyond e-commerce, as he leads innovations in technology and space travel.
3. Mark Zuckerberg
Mark Zuckerberg, the 40-year-old CEO and Chair of Meta Platforms, commands a net worth of $201 billion. The creator of Facebook, Zuckerberg dropped out of Harvard to focus on the social media platform that has become the world’s largest. His other ventures include Instagram, WhatsApp, and the virtual reality platform Oculus, underscoring his significant impact on the digital world.
4. Larry Ellison
With a net worth of $181 billion, 80-year-old Larry Ellison is the co-founder, chair, and CTO of Oracle. His fortune is rooted in Oracle’s success as one of the world’s largest software companies, which has diversified into cloud computing and enterprise solutions. Ellison is also known for his investments in Tesla and philanthropy in medical research.
5. Bernard Arnault
French billionaire Bernard Arnault, aged 75, is the CEO and Chair of LVMH, the largest luxury goods company globally. With a net worth of $177 billion, Arnault’s wealth stems from luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton and Dior. His keen business sense transformed his family’s construction company into a real estate empire before leading LVMH to international prominence.
6. Bill Gates
Bill Gates, aged 69, co-founded Microsoft, the leading software company, and maintains a net worth of $158 billion. Gates’ wealth is primarily managed through Cascade Investment, his private holding company. Gates has shifted his focus from Microsoft to philanthropy, particularly in global health and education, through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
7. Larry Page
Co-founder of Alphabet, Larry Page, 51, has a net worth of $154 billion. Page’s journey began in a Stanford dorm room, where he developed a revolutionary search algorithm with Sergey Brin, leading to the creation of Google. Today, he remains a key figure in the development of AI and technology through Alphabet.
8. Sergey Brin
Another co-founder of Alphabet, Sergey Brin, is 50 years old with a net worth of $151 billion. Brin has been instrumental in advancing Google’s technological capabilities, contributing to the company’s focus on AI and innovation. His role has expanded to guiding Alphabet’s projects in biotechnology and renewable energy.
9. Warren Buffett
At 94, Warren Buffett, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, has a net worth of $142 billion. Known as the “Oracle of Omaha,” Buffett is celebrated for his value investing strategies. His conglomerate, Berkshire Hathaway, owns diverse assets ranging from insurance to railroads, showcasing his investment acumen.
10. Steve Ballmer
Steve Ballmer, former CEO of Microsoft and owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, rounds out the top 10 with a net worth of $136 billion. His tenure at Microsoft solidified the company’s dominance in the tech sector, and he remains an influential figure in sports and philanthropy.
The world’s wealthiest individuals continue to influence industries from technology to luxury goods. While their fortunes are tied to their companies’ market valuations, their impact extends beyond their financial gains. From philanthropy to space exploration, the top 10 billionaires are shaping the future in profound ways.
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