Oracle, Larry Ellison, Elon Musk, and the Richest People in the World


Oracle, Larry Ellison, Elon Musk, and the Richest People in the World

When we talk about the biggest names in technology and business, two people often come to mind: Larry Ellison, the cofounder of Oracle, and Elon Musk, the head of companies like Tesla and SpaceX. Both men are among the richest people in the world, and their stories show how vision, risk-taking, and innovation can lead to extraordinary success. In this article, we will explore Oracle and Larry Ellison’s journey, Elon Musk’s rise, and the bigger question of who is the richest person in the world today.

Oracle – The Giant of Business Software

Oracle Corporation is one of the largest technology companies in the world. It was founded in 1977 by Larry Ellison, along with Bob Miner and Ed Oates. Oracle is best known for its database software, which is used by banks, governments, airlines, hospitals, and almost every big organization that needs to manage large amounts of information.

Oracle’s big break came when it signed a contract with the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in its early years. The project was code-named “Oracle,” and the company decided to keep that name. Over time, Oracle expanded beyond databases to provide cloud services, enterprise software, and cybersecurity tools.

Today, Oracle competes with other technology giants like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google in the cloud computing space. Despite tough competition, Oracle continues to be a major force in technology, thanks to its strong customer base and focus on large businesses.

Larry Ellison – The Man Behind Oracle

Larry Ellison, born in 1944, is the co-founder and former CEO of Oracle. He grew up in a modest background in Chicago, raised by his aunt and uncle. As a young man, Ellison showed interest in mathematics and technology, but he dropped out of college without completing his degree. Despite this, his passion for programming and databases led him to start Oracle.

Under Ellison’s leadership, Oracle became a global leader in enterprise software. He was known for being bold, competitive, and sometimes controversial. Ellison loved competition and did not hesitate to challenge other tech giants like IBM and Microsoft.

Ellison stepped down as CEO of Oracle in 2014 but still serves as chairman and chief technology officer (CTO). He is deeply involved in shaping Oracle’s technology vision.

Larry Ellison’s Net Worth

When we talk about billionaires, Larry Ellison is always near the top of the list. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated at more than $150 billion, making him one of the richest people in the world.

Ellison’s wealth mainly comes from his large stake in Oracle. He also owns a huge amount of Tesla stock, as he invested early in Elon Musk’s company. This investment has boosted his net worth significantly.

Apart from business, Ellison has spent his fortune on luxury real estate, yachts, and even his own island in Hawaii (Lanai). Despite his love for wealth and luxury, he is also a major philanthropist, donating billions to medical research and education.

Elon Musk – The Visionary Entrepreneur

Elon Musk is another name that dominates the list of the world’s wealthiest people. Musk was born in South Africa in 1971 and later moved to the United States. He founded or co-founded several well-known companies, including:

  • PayPal – an online payments company later sold to eBay.
  • Tesla – the world’s leading electric car maker.
  • SpaceX – a private space company aiming to colonize Mars.
  • Neuralink – working on connecting the human brain with computers.
  • The Boring Company – building underground transport tunnels.

Musk’s dream has always been to change the world and make humanity a multi-planetary species. While many thought his ideas were too ambitious, he has proven critics wrong again and again. Tesla has become a household name, and SpaceX has achieved historic milestones like reusable rockets and private missions to space.

Elon Musk’s Net Worth

Elon Musk’s wealth has grown and fallen depending on the stock price of Tesla and the valuation of his other companies. At various times, he has been the richest person in the world.

In 2025, Musk’s net worth is estimated to be around $230–240 billion, making him either the richest man in the world or very close to the top, depending on the performance of Tesla shares.

Musk’s wealth is unusual because most of it is tied to the value of his companies. Unlike some billionaires who keep large amounts of cash, Musk’s fortune rises and falls with the success of Tesla, SpaceX, and his other ventures.

Who Is the Richest Person in the World?

The title of “richest person in the world” changes from time to time. In recent years, the top spot has mostly been a race between:

  • Elon Musk – due to Tesla and SpaceX.
  • Bernard Arnault – head of the luxury goods empire LVMH (Louis Vuitton, Dior, Moët & Chandon).
  • Jeff Bezos – founder of Amazon.
  • Larry Ellison – Oracle co-founder.

At the beginning of 2025, Elon Musk often holds the number one spot, with Bernard Arnault sometimes passing him when LVMH stock rises. Larry Ellison, meanwhile, is usually ranked around third or fourth, making him one of the world’s richest men.

The Richest People in the World – A Bigger Picture

According to Forbes and Bloomberg Billionaires Index, the list of the richest people in the world includes entrepreneurs from technology, fashion, and retail. Here are some of the top names:

1.Elon Musk – Tesla and SpaceX.

2.Bernard Arnault – LVMH (luxury goods).

3.Larry Ellison – Oracle and Tesla shares.

4.Jeff Bezos – Amazon.

5.Mark Zuckerberg – Meta (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp).

6.Warren Buffett – Berkshire Hathaway.

7.Bill Gates – Microsoft.

These people not only have massive fortunes but also control companies that shape industries and influence billions of lives.

Why Are These People So Rich?

The reason billionaires like Musk, Ellison, Bezos, and Arnault are so wealthy is because they created companies that became global leaders in their fields. Instead of earning money only through salaries, they built wealth by owning large shares of their companies.

For example:

  • Musk owns a huge part of Tesla and SpaceX.
  • Ellison owns a big part of Oracle and invested in Tesla.
  • Arnault controls luxury brands that are popular worldwide.
  • Bezos owns a large stake in Amazon.

Their fortunes rise or fall based on how well their companies perform in the stock market.

The Debate About Extreme Wealth

While many admire billionaires for their achievements, there is also debate about whether so much wealth should be concentrated in the hands of a few people. Some argue that billionaires should pay higher taxes to reduce inequality, while others believe their success inspires innovation and creates jobs.

Larry Ellison and Elon Musk, for example, employ tens of thousands of people worldwide. Their companies also drive progress in areas like cloud computing, clean energy, and space travel.

The stories of Oracle, Larry Ellison, and Elon Musk are deeply connected to the larger question of who is the richest person in the world. Oracle shows how software can power the global economy, Larry Ellison’s journey highlights ambition and resilience, and Elon Musk’s ventures prove that bold visions can change the future.

As of 2025, Elon Musk and Larry Ellison remain among the richest men in the world, competing with other billionaires like Bernard Arnault and Jeff Bezos. But beyond the numbers, their legacies are defined by the companies they built and the impact they continue to have on our lives.