By C. J. De Mel, Jadetimes News
Uncover the wealth and influence of the Top 10 Most Richest Businessmen in the world, from Jeff Bezos to Bernard Arnault, shaping the global economy.
In an era driven by ambition and entrepreneurship, a select group of individuals has achieved unimaginable wealth, rising to the highest echelons of success. These extraordinary leaders, known for their vision and innovation, now hold the title of the world's wealthiest people. The combined net worth of the top 10 richest individuals surpasses the GDP of many nations, with their fortunes primarily concentrated in technology, finance, and retail industries. This article explores the identities of these top 10 billionaires, highlighting their remarkable accomplishments and profound influence on the global economy.
10. Larry Page
Net Worth: $114 billion
Source of Wealth: Google
Country: United States
Larry Page, cofounder of Google, served as its CEO until 2001 and again from 2011 to 2015. He remains a board member of Alphabet, Google's parent company, and a major shareholder. Page is also an investor in Planetary Resources, a company planning to mine asteroids.
9. Mukesh Ambani
Net Worth: $116 billion
Source of Wealth: Reliance Industries
Country: India
Mukesh Ambani presides over Reliance Industries, a conglomerate generating $110 billion in revenue. The company has diversified interests spanning petrochemicals, oil and gas, telecommunications, retail, and financial services.
8. Steve Ballmer
Net Worth: $121 billion
Source of Wealth: Microsoft
Country: United States
Steve Ballmer, a Harvard classmate of Bill Gates, served as Microsoft's CEO from 2000 to 2014. He purchased the Los Angeles Clippers basketball team in 2014 for $2 billion, setting a new record for an NBA team purchase.
7. Bill Gates
Net Worth: $128 billion
Source of Wealth: Microsoft
Country: United States
Bill Gates, who was recognized as a billionaire by Forbes in 1987, cofounded Microsoft. After stepping down from Microsoft, Gates focused on philanthropy through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which has significantly contributed to global health initiatives.
6. Warren Buffett
Net Worth: $133 billion
Source of Wealth: Berkshire Hathaway
Country: United States
Warren Buffett, the "Oracle of Omaha," is the chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, an investment conglomerate. Buffett cofounded the Giving Pledge with Bill and Melinda Gates, encouraging billionaires to donate at least 50% of their wealth to charity. He intends to donate 99% of his fortune.
5. Larry Ellison
Net Worth: $141 billion
Source of Wealth: Oracle
Country: United States
Larry Ellison cofounded Oracle in 1977 and served as its CEO until 2014. He is now the company's executive chairman and Chief Technology Officer. Ellison also owns the Hawaiian island of Lanai and has invested in companies like Salesforce.com and NetSuite.
4. Mark Zuckerberg
Net Worth: $177 billion
Source of Wealth: Facebook
Country: United States
Mark Zuckerberg, cofounder and CEO of Meta Platforms, started Facebook in 2004 while at Harvard University. He owns about 13% of the company’s stock. Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, are investing $3 billion to cure or manage all diseases by 2100.
3. Jeff Bezos
Net Worth: $194 billion
Source of Wealth: Amazon
Country: United States
Jeff Bezos stepped down as CEO of Amazon in July 2021 but remains its chairman. He also founded Blue Origin, a private space exploration company. In the same month, Bezos embarked on a space voyage aboard a Blue Origin rocket.
2. Elon Musk
Net Worth: $195 billion
Source of Wealth: Tesla, SpaceX
Country: United States
Elon Musk, the richest person in the world, is the CEO of several prominent companies, including Tesla and SpaceX. A significant portion of his wealth, around two thirds, is tied to Tesla, where he holds a 23% stake. Musk made headlines in October 2022 when he acquired Twitter for $44 billion. His leadership propelled Tesla to its IPO in 2010 and substantial market capitalization growth in 2020 and 2021, making him the world's richest in September 2021. At its peak in November 2021, Musk's fortune reached $320 billion.
1. Bernard Arnault & Family
Net Worth: $223 billion
Source of Wealth: LVMH
Country: France
Bernard Arnault, CEO and chairman of LVMH, the world's largest luxury goods company, oversees approximately 70 prestigious brands, including Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and Sephora. In January 2021, LVMH acquired Tiffany & Co. for $15.8 billion. Arnault's five children contribute to various sectors within the LVMH empire, with his daughter Delphine appointed to lead Dior in January 2023.
These individual’s wealth and accomplishments underscore their significant impact on the global economy and highlight the growing disparity between the world's richest and the less privileged.