Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison has overtaken Elon Musk to become the world’s richest person with a $393B fortune. Here’s his journey, wealth sources & AI bets.
Table of Contents
Larry Ellison Surpasses Elon Musk to Become World’s Richest Person in 2025
New York, September 10, 2025 — Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison has officially become the world’s richest person, overtaking Tesla CEO Elon Musk, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
On Wednesday, Ellison’s net worth surged to $393 billion, thanks to a massive Oracle stock rally, marking the company’s biggest single-day gain since 1992. Musk, who held the top spot for years, now trails slightly with a $385 billion fortune.
How Larry Ellison Built His $393 Billion Fortune
Ellison’s journey to the top began in 1977, when he, Bob Miner, and Ed Oates founded Software Development Laboratories in Santa Clara, California. The company was initially contracted by the CIA to build a database program code-named “Oracle.”
By 1986, the company rebranded as Oracle and went public, becoming a powerhouse in enterprise software. Over the decades, Oracle’s growth skyrocketed, and today, its AI-driven cloud infrastructure has placed it at the center of the booming AI data center revolution.
Oracle’s AI Boom & Multibillion-Dollar Deals
Recently, Oracle announced four multibillion-dollar contracts with major clients seeking AI-powered data solutions. These partnerships triggered an unprecedented surge in Oracle stock, making Ellison’s stake significantly more valuable.
The company expects to secure several more AI-related deals in the coming months, solidifying its dominance in cloud computing and artificial intelligence infrastructure.
Life Beyond Business: Sailing, Islands & Sports
Ellison’s wealth isn’t just about business. In 2012, he bought 98% of Lana’i, Hawaii’s sixth-largest island, for an estimated $300 million.
He’s also passionate about sailing. Under his leadership, Oracle Team USA famously won the America’s Cup in 2013, and later, Ellison co-founded SailGP — an elite global racing league now backed by celebrities like Anne Hathaway and Kylian Mbappé.
Additionally, Ellison owns the Indian Wells Tennis Tournament in California, nicknamed the “Fifth Slam” in tennis circles.
Political Influence & AI Ambitions
Ellison is known for his political donations, having contributed millions to Republican campaigns over the years, including Tim Scott and Marco Rubio.
In January 2025, he joined OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and SoftBank’s Masayoshi Son at the White House alongside President Donald Trump to announce a new initiative focused on AI infrastructure growth in the United States.
This move is seen as a strategic bet on the future of AI-driven technologies, which could further boost Ellison’s fortune in the coming years.
Philanthropy & Future Plans
Despite his vast fortune, Ellison has pledged to donate the majority of his wealth. In 2010, he signed The Giving Pledge, vowing to give away 95% of his fortune.
Most recently, he founded the Ellison Institute of Technology in partnership with the University of Oxford, focusing on:
- Developing life-saving drugs
- Combating world hunger
- Creating low-cost indoor farming systems
- Advancing clean energy solutions
Final Thoughts
Larry Ellison’s rise to the world’s richest person isn’t just a story of wealth — it’s about innovation, bold risks, and AI-driven transformation. With Oracle’s continued growth in cloud computing and AI infrastructure, Ellison’s dominance in the tech world is set to grow even further.