The title of the world’s richest person is always a subject of fascination and curiosity. With fortunes built on industries ranging from technology to luxury goods, the wealthiest individuals have amassed staggering net worths that continue to grow year after year. In 2024, the race for the top spot remains fiercely competitive, with billionaires like Elon Musk,Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates leading the charge. From their groundbreaking innovations to savvy business strategies, discover how the richest person in the world continues to shape the global economy.
1. Elon Musk
Net Worth – $252.4 B, Wealth Source – Tesla SpaceX etc., Country – USA
Elon Musk, the wealthiest individual globally, has built his fortune through ventures like Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and The Boring Company. He pursued higher education at Queen’s University before transferring to the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned degrees in Physics and Economics. Known for pushing the boundaries of innovation, Musk founded SpaceX in 2002, aiming to make space travel more affordable and ultimately enable human colonization of Mars. Through Tesla, he has also played a key role in advancing renewable energy, driving the widespread adoption of electric vehicles and solar energy products.
2. Jeff Bezos
Net Worth – $215.9 B, Wealth Source – Amazon, Country – USA
Jeff Bezos, one of the world’s richest individuals, built his wealth primarily through Amazon and Blue Origin. He graduated from Princeton University with a degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. In 1994, Bezos founded Amazon as an online bookstore, which has since evolved into the largest e-commerce platform globally. His ventures also extend to space exploration through Blue Origin, which aims to make space travel more accessible. In addition to his business successes, Bezos acquired The Washington Post in 2013, further expanding his influence across industries.
3. Bernard Arnault
Net Worth – $191.1 B, Wealth Source – LVMH, Country – France
Bernard Arnault, along with his family, has amassed a fortune through LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton), the largest luxury goods company in the world. He graduated from École Polytechnique with an engineering degree and has since become the chairman and CEO of LVMH. Arnault has played a crucial role in the acquisition of renowned brands such as Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and Sephora, significantly growing LVMH’s extensive portfolio and solidifying his status as a leader in the global luxury market.
4. Mark Zuckerberg
Net Worth – $185.4 B, Wealth Source – Meta(Facebook), Country – USA
Mark Zuckerberg, one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, built his fortune as the co-founder of Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook). He attended Harvard University but left to focus on Facebook, which he launched in 2004. Under his leadership, Facebook transformed into a global social media powerhouse. Beyond social networking, Zuckerberg has also ventured into virtual and augmented reality, spearheading Meta’s significant investments in these emerging technologies to shape the future of digital interaction.
5. Larry Ellison
Net Worth – $179.6 B, Wealth Source – Oracle, Country – USA
Larry Ellison, one of the world’s richest individuals, co-founded Oracle Corporation in 1977, turning it into a dominant force in the database software industry. Although he attended the University of Chicago for a brief period, Ellison dropped out to pursue his entrepreneurial ambitions. Known for his competitive spirit, he has made significant investments in technology startups and luxury real estate, further expanding his influence in the tech and business world.
6. Larry Page
Net Worth – $155.7 B, Wealth Source – Alphabet(Google), Country – USA
Larry Page, co-founder of Alphabet Inc. (Google), is renowned for revolutionizing the way information is accessed online. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Michigan and earned a Ph.D. from Stanford University, where he partnered with Sergey Brin to launch Google in 1998. Their groundbreaking search engine fundamentally changed the internet landscape. Beyond Google, Page has also spearheaded ambitious initiatives, including self-driving cars through Waymo, showcasing his commitment to innovation and technology advancement.
7. Sergey Brin
Net Worth – $149 B, Wealth Source – Alphabet(Google), Country – USA
Sergey Brin, co-founder of Alphabet Inc. (Google), has significantly impacted the tech industry through his innovative contributions. He graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in Mathematics and Computer Science and later earned a Master’s degree from Stanford University. Together with Larry Page, Brin co-founded Google, where he played a pivotal role in developing the company’s search algorithms. In addition to his work at Google, Brin has shifted his focus toward philanthropic efforts and technological advancements, demonstrating his commitment to leveraging technology for social good.
8. Bill Gates
Net Worth – $135.3 B, Wealth Source – MicroSoft, Country – USA
Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft Corporation, is one of the wealthiest individuals in the world, thanks to his groundbreaking work in the technology sector. He attended Harvard University but left to launch Microsoft in 1975, which quickly grew to become the largest PC software company globally. Beyond his business achievements, Gates is widely recognized for his philanthropic efforts through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, where he focuses on initiatives aimed at improving global health and education, demonstrating his commitment to making a positive impact on society.
9. Steve Ballmer
Net Worth – $135.3 B, Wealth Source – MicroSoft, Country – USA
Steve Ballmer, former CEO of Microsoft Corporation, built his wealth during his tenure from 2000 to 2014, overseeing significant growth for the tech giant. He graduated from Harvard University with a degree in Mathematics and Economics, which laid the foundation for his strategic decision-making in business. After leaving Microsoft, Ballmer became the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers NBA team, showcasing his diverse interests beyond technology.
10. Warren Buffett
Net Worth – $128.9 B, Wealth Source -Berkshire Hathaway, Country – USA
Warren Buffett, often regarded as one of the most successful investors of all time, has amassed his fortune through Berkshire Hathaway. He graduated from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and earned an MBA from Columbia Business School. Buffett is known for his value investing philosophy, focusing on long-term growth and the acquisition of companies across various industries, which has solidified his reputation as a savvy and patient investor.