The year 2024 has seen significant shifts in the rankings of the world’s wealthiest individuals.
Based on data from the Real-Time Billionaires List, this article delves into the lives, careers, and net worth of the top 10 richest people in the world as of 2024.
1. Elon Musk – Net Worth: $200 billion
Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, continues to be a dominant figure in the world of technology and innovation. Born on June 28, 1971, in Pretoria, South Africa, Musk’s journey to becoming a billionaire is marked by his relentless pursuit of groundbreaking technologies. He co-founded Zip2, an online city guide, which was sold to Compaq for nearly $300 million in 1999. Musk then founded X.com, which later became PayPal and was acquired by eBay for $1.5 billion in stock.
Musk’s ventures include SpaceX, aimed at reducing space transportation costs to enable the colonization of Mars, and Tesla, which has revolutionized the electric vehicle market. His other projects include Neuralink, which aims to merge the human brain with AI, and The Boring Company, which focuses on tunnel construction to alleviate urban traffic. Musk’s vision extends to sustainable energy and space exploration, making him a pivotal figure in shaping the future of technology.
2. Jeff Bezos – Net Worth: $197 billion
Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, has maintained his position as one of the wealthiest individuals in the world. Born on January 12, 1964, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Bezos started Amazon in 1994 as an online bookstore. Under his leadership, Amazon expanded into a global e-commerce giant, offering a vast array of products and services, including cloud computing through Amazon Web Services (AWS).
Bezos stepped down as CEO of Amazon in 2021 but continues to serve as the executive chairman. His other ventures include Blue Origin, a space exploration company, and ownership of The Washington Post. Bezos is also known for his philanthropic efforts, including the Day One Fund, which supports homeless families and early childhood education.
3. Bernard Arnault & Family – Net Worth: $197 billion
According to the Real-Time Billionaires List, Bernard Arnault, the chairman and CEO of LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton), is the richest person in Europe and the third richest in the world. Born on March 5, 1949, in Roubaix, France, Arnault began his career in the construction industry before moving into luxury goods. He acquired Christian Dior in 1984, which laid the foundation for his luxury empire.
Under Arnault’s leadership, LVMH has acquired numerous prestigious brands, including Givenchy, Fendi, and Bulgari. Arnault is also an avid art collector and has been instrumental in promoting contemporary art through the Louis Vuitton Foundation. His business acumen and strategic acquisitions have cemented his status as a titan in the luxury goods industry.
4. Larry Ellison – Net Worth: $141 billion
Larry Ellison, co-founder and CTO of Oracle Corporation, has built his fortune through his pioneering work in database management software. Born on August 17, 1944, in New York City, Ellison dropped out of college and moved to California, where he co-founded Oracle in 1977. The company became a leader in database technology and enterprise software.
Ellison stepped down as CEO of Oracle in 2014 but continues to serve as the company’s chairman and CTO. He is known for his lavish lifestyle, including owning a Hawaiian island and a vast collection of luxury properties. Ellison’s investments also include significant stakes in Tesla and other tech companies.
5. Mark Zuckerberg – Net Worth: $140 billion
Mark Zuckerberg, the co-founder and CEO of Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook), has revolutionized social networking. Born on May 14, 1984, in White Plains, New York, Zuckerberg launched Facebook in 2004 from his Harvard dorm room. The platform quickly grew to become the largest social network in the world.
Zuckerberg has overseen the acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp, further expanding Meta’s influence. He has also been a prominent figure in discussions about privacy and data security. In addition to his business ventures, Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, have committed to significant philanthropic efforts through the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.
6. Larry Page – Net Worth: $129.1 billion
Larry Page, co-founder of Google, has been a key figure in the development of the internet as we know it. Born on March 26, 1973, in East Lansing, Michigan, Page co-founded Google with Sergey Brin in 1998 while pursuing his Ph.D. at Stanford University. Google quickly became the world’s leading search engine.
Page served as CEO of Google until 2001 and again from 2011 to 2015. He then became CEO of Alphabet Inc., Google’s parent company, until 2019. Page is known for his focus on innovation and ambitious projects, including self-driving cars and life sciences. He continues to invest in futuristic technologies and philanthropic initiatives.
7. Warren Buffett – Net Worth: $117 billion
Warren Buffett’s net worth is around $117 billion. Buffett, known as the “Oracle of Omaha,” is one of the most successful investors of all time. Born on August 30, 1930, in Omaha, Nebraska, Buffett began investing at a young age and eventually took control of Berkshire Hathaway, a struggling textile company, in 1965. Under his leadership, Berkshire Hathaway transformed into a multinational conglomerate with diverse holdings in insurance, utilities, railroads, and consumer goods.
Buffett is renowned for his value investing philosophy and long-term investment strategy. He has pledged to give away the majority of his wealth to philanthropic causes, primarily through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Buffett’s annual letters to shareholders are widely read and respected in the investment community.
8. Sergey Brin – Net Worth: $116 billion
Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google, has played a crucial role in the development of the world’s most popular search engine. Born on August 21, 1973, in Moscow, Russia, Brin immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of six. He met Larry Page at Stanford University, where they developed the idea for Google.
Brin served as president of Google’s parent company, Alphabet Inc., until 2019. He has focused on innovative projects, including Google Glass and self-driving cars. Brin is also involved in philanthropic efforts through the Brin Wojcicki Foundation, which supports education, human rights, and scientific research.
9. Bill Gates – Net Worth: $114 billion
Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, has been a leading figure in the technology industry for decades. Born on October 28, 1955, in Seattle, Washington, Gates co-founded Microsoft with Paul Allen in 1975. The company became the world’s largest personal computer software company, with Gates serving as CEO until 2000.
Gates has since focused on philanthropy through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which addresses global health, education, and poverty. He has also been a vocal advocate for climate change solutions and clean energy. Gates’ influence extends beyond technology, as he continues to impact global issues through his charitable work.
10. Steve Ballmer – Net Worth: $100 billion
Steve Ballmer, the former CEO of Microsoft, has amassed significant wealth through his leadership in the tech industry. Born on March 24, 1956, in Detroit, Michigan, Ballmer joined Microsoft in 1980 and eventually became CEO in 2000, succeeding Bill Gates. During his tenure, Microsoft expanded its product offerings and increased its market share.
Ballmer stepped down as CEO in 2014 and has since focused on philanthropy and sports. He owns the Los Angeles Clippers, an NBA team, and has invested in various technology ventures. Ballmer’s leadership at Microsoft and his continued involvement in the tech industry have solidified his position as one of the wealthiest individuals in the world.
