Larry Ellison, Oracle’s Founder, Dethrones Elon Musk as World’s Richest Person
In a stunning market surge, Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison has catapulted to the top of the global wealth rankings, becoming the richest person in the world with a net worth exceeding $393 billion. This dramatic shift, fueled by Oracle’s explosive AI-driven earnings, ends Elon Musk’s year-long reign and highlights the tech titan’s enduring influence at age 81.
Larry Ellison’s Rise to the Top: A $101 Billion Day
Larry Ellison’s fortune skyrocketed by $101 billion on September 10, 2025, alone, marking the largest single-day gain in billionaire history according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Oracle’s stock soared over 40% following a blockbuster earnings report that projected massive cloud growth over the next five years, driven by demand for AI infrastructure.
Ellison, who owns about 40% of Oracle, saw his wealth eclipse Musk’s $385 billion. This vaulted him ahead of rivals like Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg, securing the No. 1 spot for the first time. Prior to the surge, Ellison ranked second globally with around $270-280 billion, but Oracle’s AI pivot has propelled him to unprecedented heights.
From Humble Beginnings to Oracle Empire
Born Lawrence Joseph Ellison on August 17, 1944, in New York City, Ellison faced early hardships. His single mother gave him up for adoption at nine months old after he contracted pneumonia. Raised by his aunt and uncle in Chicago, he grew up in a modest Jewish family, fostering a drive for independence.
A college dropout from the University of Illinois and the University of Chicago, Ellison moved to California in the 1960s. He worked odd jobs in programming before co-founding Software Development Laboratories in 1977 with $2,000—mostly his own money. Inspired by Edgar F. Codd’s relational database paper, they built a CIA project codenamed “Oracle,” launching the first commercial SQL database in 1979.
Renamed Oracle Systems Corporation in 1982, the company went public in 1986. Under Ellison’s aggressive leadership as CEO until 2014, Oracle dominated enterprise software, acquiring rivals like PeopleSoft and Sun Microsystems. Today, as chairman and CTO, Ellison steers its cloud and AI focus, with Oracle powering global businesses from databases to healthcare systems.
The Driving Force: Oracle’s AI Boom and Strategic Bets
Ellison’s wealth stems primarily from his 40% stake in Oracle, now valued at over $700 billion market cap. The company’s pivot to AI and cloud computing has been pivotal. Recent deals, including partnerships with OpenAI and a $28 billion merger forming Paramount Skydance (where Ellison holds nearly 50%), diversified his portfolio.
In January 2025, Ellison joined OpenAI’s Sam Altman and SoftBank’s Masayoshi Son at the White House to announce the Stargate Project, a massive AI initiative. Oracle’s healthcare push, via the 2022 Cerner acquisition, aims to unify patient data with AI for better outcomes—Ellison calls it a “revolution” in fragmented systems. His ventures extend to biotech (Quark Biotechnology), agriculture (Sensei Ag), and even owning 98% of Hawaii’s Lanai island since 2012.
Expert Views and Public Buzz
Experts hail Ellison’s visionary risk-taking. “Ellison’s relentless focus on innovation has redefined enterprise tech,” notes Oracle biographer Matthew Symonds, who co-authored Softwar with him. Bloomberg analysts point to Oracle’s “stunning” AI projections as a market game-changer, with economists “blown away” by growth forecasts.
Social media erupts with reactions. On X, users celebrate: “Larry Ellison just became the richest—Oracle’s AI bet paying off huge!” one post with 15K likes exclaims. Critics, however, question his aggressive tactics, drawing comparisons to Citizen Kane for his competitive edge. Philanthropy watchers praise his Giving Pledge amendment, redirecting billions to the Ellison Institute for healthcare, hunger, and climate solutions.
Impacts on U.S. Economy, Tech, and Beyond
For American readers, Ellison’s ascent signals tech’s AI dominance, boosting Oracle’s role in cloud infrastructure vital for businesses and government. Economically, it underscores Silicon Valley’s rebound, with Oracle’s growth adding jobs and innovation—its stock rally alone injected billions into markets.
In technology, Oracle’s AI push accelerates U.S. competitiveness against rivals like AWS and Azure, influencing everything from enterprise data to healthcare reform. Politically, Ellison’s Trump ties—via Tesla board service and White House appearances—could shape policies on AI ethics and data privacy. Lifestyle-wise, his philanthropy targets real-world issues like disease prediction and sustainable farming, potentially improving public health and food security for everyday Americans.
Conclusion: Ellison’s Legacy and What’s Next
Larry Ellison’s journey from dropout to world’s richest person embodies bold innovation and unyielding ambition. Oracle’s AI surge not only minted his $393 billion fortune but reaffirms his tech empire’s global sway.
As markets evolve, expect Ellison to deepen AI investments, from Stargate to healthcare overhauls. For U.S. innovation, his leadership promises continued growth, though volatility looms. At 81, Ellison shows no signs of slowing—proving that in tech, visionaries like him redefine what’s possible.
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