The world's richest people were individuals with vast fortunes amassed through various industries such as technology, retail, finance, and more. These wealthy individuals often have a global influence on economies, philanthropy, and innovation.
It's important to remember that the list of the richest people in the world can vary depending on the valuation of their assets, stock prices, and economic fluctuations. Major publications like Forbes, Bloomberg, and others often compile and update lists of the world's wealthiest individuals, taking into account their net worth based on public information and estimates.
Many of these billionaires are known not only for their immense wealth but also for their business acumen, entrepreneurial achievements, and significant contributions to society through charitable initiatives and philanthropy. The ranking of the richest people in the world often features well-known names like Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, Bernard Arnault, Bill Gates, and Warren Buffett, among others.
Who are the Richest People in the World ?
The richest people's net worth changes along with market valuations of the businesses they own since a large portion of their wealth is invested in publicly traded equities. The 10 richest people on the planet, as per Forbes, are listed below. Unless otherwise specified, all data are current as of Dec, 2024.
1) Elon Musk (Estimated net worth: over $240 billion)
Elon Musk is a billionaire entrepreneur known for his involvement in several high-profile technology companies. He is the CEO and lead designer of SpaceX, a private aerospace manufacturer and space transportation company. Musk is also the CEO and product architect of Tesla, a company that produces electric vehicles and renewable energy products. Additionally, he co-founded Neuralink, a neurotechnology company, and The Boring Company, focused on tunnel construction. A significant portion of Musk's wealth is tied to his stakes in Tesla and SpaceX.
2) Bernard Arnault & family (Estimated net worth: over $229 billion)
Bernard Arnault is a French businessman and the chairman and CEO of LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world's largest luxury goods conglomerate. LVMH owns a vast portfolio of prestigious brands in fashion, cosmetics, and more, including Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Givenchy, Sephora, and Moët & Chandon. Arnault's wealth comes from his substantial ownership in LVMH and other investments.
3) Jeff Bezos (Estimated net worth: over $155 billion)
Jeff Bezos is an American entrepreneur and the founder of Amazon, the world's largest online retailer. He started Amazon in 1994 as an online bookstore and expanded it into a massive e-commerce platform that sells a wide range of products, including electronics, apparel, and cloud computing services. Bezos served as the CEO of Amazon until July 2021 when he stepped down from the role to become the company's executive chairman. His wealth largely comes from his significant ownership stake in Amazon.
4) Larry Ellison (Estimated net worth: over $146 billion)
Larry Ellison is an American businessman and co-founder of Oracle Corporation, one of the world's leading database technology companies. He served as the CEO of Oracle until 2014 and is now the company's executive chairman and chief technology officer. Ellison's wealth primarily comes from his significant ownership in Oracle and various other investments.
5) Bill Gates (Estimated net worth: over $119 billion)
Bill Gates is an American business magnate, software developer, and philanthropist. He co-founded Microsoft Corporation, the world's largest personal-computer software company, in 1975. Gates served as the CEO until 2000 and was the company's chairman and chief software architect until 2006 when he decided to focus more on his charitable work through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, one of the world's largest private charitable foundations.
6) Warren Buffett (Estimated net worth: over $117 billion)
Warren Buffett is an American investor, business tycoon, and philanthropist. He is the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, a multinational conglomerate holding company. Berkshire Hathaway owns diverse businesses ranging from insurance and finance to manufacturing and retail. Buffett is known for his value investing approach and is often referred to as the "Oracle of Omaha" due to his investment prowess.
7) Mark Zuckerberg (Estimated net worth: over $115 billion)
Mark Zuckerberg is an American technology entrepreneur and co-founder of Facebook, the social media giant. He launched Facebook in 2004 from his college dormitory at Harvard University and has since overseen the company's significant growth and expansion. Zuckerberg serves as the chairman and CEO of Facebook (now Meta Platforms, Inc.), which also owns other popular platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp.
8) Larry Page (Estimated net worth: over $112 billion)
Larry Page is an American computer scientist and entrepreneur who co-founded Google with Sergey Brin in 1998. Google rapidly became the dominant search engine and evolved into Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google and various other subsidiaries involved in technology and innovation. Page served as the CEO of Alphabet until 2019 and has played a pivotal role in shaping the company's direction.
9) Sergey Brin (Estimated net worth: over $106 billion)
Sergey Brin is a computer scientist and entrepreneur who co-founded Google alongside Larry Page. As mentioned earlier, Google grew to become one of the world's most influential technology companies, and Brin played a crucial role in its early development. Like Page, Brin has been involved in various projects under Alphabet Inc., contributing to the company's innovation and growth.
10) Steve Ballmer (Estimated net worth: over $103 billion)
Steve Ballmer is an American businessman who served as the CEO of Microsoft from 2000 to 2014. Born on March 24, 1956, in Detroit, Michigan, Ballmer joined Microsoft in 1980 and became its 30th employee. He played a crucial role in the company's growth and success over the years. During his tenure as CEO, Microsoft continued to expand its influence and profitability, though it faced challenges in the mobile and smartphone markets. After retiring from Microsoft, Ballmer became the owner of the NBA's Los Angeles Clippers and has been active in philanthropic endeavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the wealth of the richest people calculated?
The wealth of the richest people is primarily calculated based on their net worth, which is the value of their assets (e.g., stocks, real estate, businesses) minus their liabilities (e.g., debts, loans). Net worth is a dynamic figure that can change daily, depending on the performance of their assets and other financial factors.
What industries do the richest people typically come from?
The richest people in the world come from various industries, including technology (e.g., tech entrepreneurs), finance and investment, retail, real estate, energy, and telecommunications. Often, they are founders, CEOs, or major stakeholders in successful and high-growth companies.
How do the richest people give back to society?
Many of the richest people engage in philanthropic activities and donate significant portions of their wealth to various charitable causes and foundations. They establish their own charitable organizations or support existing ones, focusing on areas such as education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, environmental conservation, and scientific research.
Does the wealth of the richest people change over time?
Yes, the wealth of the richest people can change dramatically over time. It is influenced by the performance of their businesses, stock market fluctuations, economic conditions, and personal financial decisions. Additionally, the net worth of individuals can vary daily due to market changes.
How do these wealthy individuals manage and grow their wealth?
The management and growth of wealth for the richest people typically involve a combination of smart investments, diversification of assets, strategic business decisions, and sometimes acquisitions of other companies. Many of them also hire financial advisors and experts to help them make informed choices and protect their wealth.