The 10 Richest People Shaping Our World in 2024
The world of billionaires is ever-changing, with fortunes rising and falling based on market dynamics, business ventures, and personal investments. As of 2024, the list of the world’s richest people is dominated by tech moguls, luxury brand magnates, and investment geniuses.
Based on data from the Real-Time Billionaires List, we delve into the lives and careers of the top 10 richest individuals in 2024, exploring their net worth, early life, career trajectories, and philanthropic efforts.
1. Elon Musk – Net Worth: $242.6 billion
According to the Real-Time Billionaires List, Elon Musk holds the title of the richest person in the world with a net worth of $242.6 billion. He is the founder and CEO of multiple groundbreaking companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and The Boring Company. Born in Pretoria, South Africa, Musk moved to the United States to pursue higher education at the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned degrees in Physics and Economics.
Musk’s career began with the founding of Zip2, an online city guide software, which he sold for nearly $300 million. He then co-founded X.com, which later became PayPal, sold to eBay for $1.5 billion. Musk used his earnings to fund SpaceX, aiming to reduce space transportation costs, and Tesla, which revolutionized the electric vehicle market. His ventures have expanded to include Neuralink, focusing on brain-computer interfaces, and The Boring Company, which aims to alleviate urban congestion through tunneling technology.
Musk’s net worth has seen significant growth, driven by Tesla’s stock performance and SpaceX’s valuation. Despite controversies and regulatory challenges, Musk’s vision for the future continues to captivate the world.
2. Jeff Bezos – Net Worth: $203.2 billion
Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, remains a towering figure in the business world. Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Bezos showed an early interest in technology and entrepreneurship. He graduated from Princeton University with degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.
Bezos founded Amazon in 1994 as an online bookstore, which quickly diversified into a global e-commerce giant. Under his leadership, Amazon expanded into cloud computing, streaming services, and artificial intelligence. In 2021, Bezos stepped down as CEO to focus on his other ventures, including Blue Origin, a space exploration company, and The Washington Post, which he acquired in 2013.
Bezos’ net worth is bolstered by his substantial holdings in Amazon, despite his high-profile divorce in 2019, which saw his ex-wife MacKenzie Scott receive a significant portion of Amazon shares. His philanthropic efforts include the Bezos Earth Fund and the Day 1 Fund, focusing on climate change and homelessness, respectively.
3. Bernard Arnault & Family – Net Worth: $200 billion
Bernard Arnault, the chairman and CEO of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, is the wealthiest person in the luxury goods industry. Born in Roubaix, France, Arnault studied engineering at the École Polytechnique.
Arnault’s career began in his family’s construction business, which he transformed into a real estate company. In 1984, he acquired the bankrupt textile group Boussac, which owned Christian Dior. This acquisition marked the beginning of his journey in the luxury industry. Under his leadership, LVMH grew to encompass over 70 prestigious brands, including Louis Vuitton, Moët & Chandon, and Hennessy.
Arnault’s net worth has seen consistent growth, driven by the success of LVMH and his strategic investments in other luxury brands. His philanthropic endeavors include significant donations to cultural and historical preservation, such as the restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral.
4. Larry Ellison – Net Worth: $157 billion
Larry Ellison, the co-founder of Oracle Corporation, is a key figure in the software industry. Born in New York City, Ellison dropped out of college twice before moving to California to pursue a career in technology.
In 1977, Ellison co-founded Oracle, which became a leading provider of database software and technology. Under his leadership, Oracle expanded through strategic acquisitions, including PeopleSoft, Siebel Systems, and Sun Microsystems.
Larry Ellison’s net worth is largely derived from his stake in Oracle, as well as his investments in real estate and other ventures. He owns the Hawaiian island of Lanai and has made significant contributions to medical research and education through his philanthropic foundation.
5. Mark Zuckerberg – Net Worth: $148 billion
Mark Zuckerberg, the co-founder and CEO of Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook), has revolutionized social media. Born in White Plains, New York, Zuckerberg developed an interest in programming at an early age. He attended Harvard University, where he launched Facebook from his dorm room in 2004.
Facebook quickly grew into the world’s largest social media platform, expanding its portfolio with acquisitions like Instagram and WhatsApp. In 2021, the company rebranded as Meta Platforms, reflecting its focus on the metaverse and virtual reality.
Zuckerberg’s net worth is driven by his substantial holdings in Meta. Despite facing regulatory scrutiny and privacy concerns, Zuckerberg continues to innovate in the tech space. His philanthropic efforts are channeled through the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, focusing on education, health, and scientific research.
6. Larry Page – Net Worth: $146 billion
Larry Page, the co-founder of Google, has played a pivotal role in shaping the internet. Born in East Lansing, Michigan, Page earned a degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Michigan before pursuing a PhD at Stanford University, where he met Sergey Brin.
In 1998, Page and Brin launched Google, which quickly became the world’s leading search engine. Page served as CEO of Google and later Alphabet Inc., Google’s parent company. He stepped down from his executive role in 2019 but remains a board member and controlling shareholder.
Page’s net worth is primarily derived from his holdings in Alphabet. His interests extend to innovative projects like autonomous vehicles through Waymo and life sciences through Verily. Page is also known for his philanthropic efforts in renewable energy and healthcare.
7. Warren Buffett – Net Worth: $140 billion
Warren Buffett, the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, is renowned for his investment acumen. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Buffett showed an early interest in business and investing. He attended the University of Nebraska and later earned a master’s degree in Economics from Columbia University.
Buffett’s investment philosophy, focused on value investing, has made him one of the most successful investors of all time. Under his leadership, Berkshire Hathaway has grown into a conglomerate with holdings in diverse industries, including insurance, utilities, and consumer goods.
Buffett’s net worth is largely derived from his stake in Berkshire Hathaway. Known for his frugality and philanthropy, Buffett has pledged to give away the majority of his fortune through the Giving Pledge, which he co-founded with Bill Gates.
8. Sergey Brin – Net Worth: $136 billion
Sergey Brin, the co-founder of Google, has made significant contributions to the tech industry. Born in Moscow, Russia, Brin immigrated to the United States with his family to escape Jewish persecution. He earned a degree in Computer Science and Mathematics from the University of Maryland before pursuing a PhD at Stanford University, where he met Larry Page.
Brin and Page launched Google in 1998, which quickly became the most popular search engine. Brin served as president of Alphabet Inc. until stepping down in 2019. He remains a board member and controlling shareholder.
Brin’s net worth is primarily derived from his holdings in Alphabet. His interests include innovative projects in artificial intelligence and renewable energy. Brin is also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in the fields of education and scientific research.
9. Bill Gates – Net Worth: $135 billion
Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, has been a prominent figure in the tech industry for decades. Born in Seattle, Washington, Gates developed an early interest in computing. He attended Harvard University but dropped out to start Microsoft with his childhood friend Paul Allen.
Microsoft revolutionized personal computing with its Windows operating system, becoming the world’s largest software company. Gates served as CEO until 2000 and later focused on his philanthropic efforts through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Gates’ net worth is derived from his holdings in Microsoft and other investments. He has donated billions to global health, education, and poverty alleviation. Despite stepping back from his day-to-day role at Microsoft, Gates continues to influence the tech industry and philanthropy.
10. Steve Ballmer – Net Worth: $130.23 billion
Steve Ballmer, the former CEO of Microsoft, has made a significant impact on the tech industry. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Ballmer attended Harvard University, where he met Bill Gates. He joined Microsoft in 1980 as the 30th employee and served as CEO from 2000 to 2014.
During his tenure, Ballmer oversaw the development of key products like the .NET Framework and the acquisition of Skype and Nokia’s mobile phone division. He transformed Microsoft into a global technology giant, significantly increasing its revenue and market capitalization.
Ballmer’s net worth is largely derived from his holdings in Microsoft. He is also the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers and is known for his philanthropic efforts, including donations to educational institutions and the launch of USAFacts.org, a non-profit organization focused on U.S. government data.