In 2024, the list of the world’s wealthiest individuals is dominated by tech moguls, visionary entrepreneurs, and luxury brand magnates.
Based on data from the Real-Time Billionaires List, here is an in-depth look at the top 10 richest people in the world, their net worth, and their remarkable journeys.
1. Elon Musk – Net Worth: $221 billion
According to the Real-Time Billionaires List, Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has a net worth of $221 billion. Born on June 28, 1971, in Pretoria, South Africa, Musk’s early fascination with computers and technology set the stage for his future endeavors. After moving to Canada and later the United States, Musk attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned degrees in economics and physics.
Musk’s entrepreneurial journey began with Zip2, an online city guide software company, which was sold to Compaq for $307 million. He then co-founded X.com, which evolved into PayPal and was acquired by eBay for $1.5 billion. Musk’s ventures in space exploration with SpaceX and electric vehicles with Tesla have revolutionized their respective industries. His other ventures include Neuralink, The Boring Company, and the acquisition of Twitter, now rebranded as X Corp.
2. Jeff Bezos – Net Worth: $194 billion
Jeff Bezos, born on January 12, 1964, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is the founder of Amazon, the world’s largest online retailer. Bezos’s early career included a stint on Wall Street before he launched Amazon in 1994 as an online bookstore. The company quickly expanded its product offerings and became a global e-commerce giant.
In addition to Amazon, Bezos founded Blue Origin, a space exploration company, and acquired The Washington Post in 2013. Despite stepping down as Amazon’s CEO in 2021, Bezos remains actively involved as the executive chairman. His philanthropic efforts include the Day One Fund, which supports homeless families and early childhood education.
3. Bernard Arnault & Family – Net Worth: $193 billion
Bernard Arnault, born on March 5, 1949, in Roubaix, France, is the chairman and CEO of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world’s largest luxury goods company. Arnault’s career began in his father’s construction company, but he soon shifted to real estate and later the luxury goods sector.
Arnault’s strategic acquisitions of brands like Christian Dior, Givenchy, and Fendi have solidified LVMH’s dominance in the luxury market. Under his leadership, LVMH has expanded into new markets, including China and India. Arnault is also a notable art collector, with an extensive collection of contemporary and modern art.
4. Larry Ellison – Net Worth: $160 billion
Larry Ellison, born on August 17, 1944, in New York, is the co-founder and chief technology officer of Oracle Corporation, a leading enterprise software company. Ellison’s journey began with various stints in the tech industry before founding Oracle in 1977. The company’s innovative database software revolutionized business operations worldwide.
Ellison’s wealth has surged due to the growing demand for cloud computing and AI technologies. He is also known for his investments in Tesla and his ownership of the Hawaiian island of Lanai. Ellison’s lifestyle includes yacht racing and a significant presence in the film industry through his children.
5. Mark Zuckerberg – Net Worth: $130 billion
Mark Zuckerberg, born on May 14, 1984, in White Plains, New York, is the co-founder and CEO of Meta Platforms, formerly known as Facebook. Zuckerberg launched Facebook in 2004 from his Harvard dorm room, and the social network quickly grew to become a global phenomenon.
Despite controversies and challenges, Zuckerberg has expanded Meta’s portfolio to include Instagram and WhatsApp. His focus on artificial intelligence and virtual reality aims to shape the future of digital interaction. Zuckerberg is also known for his philanthropic efforts, including the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, which he founded with his wife, Priscilla Chan.
6. Larry Page – Net Worth: $129.1 billion
Larry Page, born on March 26, 1973, in Lansing, Michigan, is the co-founder of Google and its parent company, Alphabet Inc. Page’s interest in technology was influenced by his parents, both of whom were computer science professors. He co-founded Google with Sergey Brin in 1998, and the search engine quickly became the backbone of the internet.
Page served as Google’s CEO until 2015, when he transitioned to leading Alphabet. His investments in innovative projects like autonomous vehicles (Waymo) and life sciences (Verily) reflect his vision for the future. Page remains actively involved in Alphabet as a board member and controlling shareholder.
7. Warren Buffett – Net Worth: $118 billion
Warren Buffett’s net worth is around $118 billion. Buffett, born on August 30, 1930, in Omaha, Nebraska, is the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, a multinational conglomerate holding company. Known as the “Oracle of Omaha,” Buffett’s investment acumen has made him one of the most respected figures in finance.
Buffett’s investment philosophy focuses on value investing and long-term growth. Under his leadership, Berkshire Hathaway has acquired significant stakes in companies like Coca-Cola, Apple, and American Express. Buffett is also a notable philanthropist, having pledged to give away the majority of his wealth through the Giving Pledge.
8. Sergey Brin – Net Worth: $118 billion
Sergey Brin, born on August 21, 1973, in Moscow, Russia, co-founded Google with Larry Page. Brin’s family emigrated to the United States when he was six, and he later attended Stanford University, where he met Page. Together, they developed the PageRank algorithm, which became the foundation of Google’s search engine.
Brin served as Google’s president of technology and later as president of Alphabet. He has been involved in various innovative projects, including Google Glass and self-driving cars. Brin’s philanthropic efforts include supporting research in Parkinson’s disease and other scientific endeavors.
9. Bill Gates – Net Worth: $114 billion
Bill Gates, born on October 28, 1955, in Seattle, Washington, is the co-founder of Microsoft, the world’s largest software company. Gates’s interest in computing began at an early age, and he co-founded Microsoft with Paul Allen in 1975. The company’s success with the Windows operating system revolutionized personal computing.
Gates stepped down from his day-to-day role at Microsoft in 2008 to focus on philanthropy through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The foundation’s initiatives include global health, education, and poverty alleviation. Gates remains a prominent figure in technology and philanthropy.
10. Steve Ballmer – Net Worth: $101 billion
Steve Ballmer, born on March 24, 1956, in Detroit, Michigan, is the former CEO of Microsoft and the current owner of the Los Angeles Clippers NBA team. Ballmer joined Microsoft in 1980 as the company’s first business manager and played a key role in its growth.
As CEO from 2000 to 2014, Ballmer oversaw significant developments, including the launch of Windows XP and the acquisition of Skype. After retiring from Microsoft, Ballmer purchased the Clippers and has been actively involved in the sports industry. His wealth continues to grow through investments and his stake in Microsoft.