In today’s society, where people are super ambitious and all about starting their own businesses, there’s a group of super successful folks who have made a ton of money. These leaders are special because they’re really good at thinking big and coming up with new ideas. They’ve gone way beyond what most people can achieve and are now considered some of the richest people in the world.
This is a pretty big deal
The total money these top 10 rich people have is even more than what many countries make in a year (called Gross Domestic Product or GDP). Most of these wealthy folks made their fortunes in technology, finance, and retail, showing how our economy has changed. But, there’s a downside to this – the gap between the super rich and everyone else is getting bigger. This is a big problem globally, and it’s making people think we need to look closely at how money and opportunities are shared to make things more fair for everyone.
Here Below The List Of Top 10 Richest Person In The World in 2024
| Name & Rank | Net Worth (in $ Billions) | Source of Wealth | Country |
| #1 Elon Musk | $243.5 | Tesla, SpaceX | United States |
| #2 Bernard Arnault & family | $187.2 | LVMH | France |
| #3 Jeff Bezos | $167.6 | Amazon | United States |
| #4 Larry Ellison | $131.9 | Oracle | United States |
| #5 Mark Zuckerberg | $124.6 | United States | |
| #6 Warren Buffett | $121.1 | Berkshire Hathaway | United States |
| #7 Bill Gates | $118.0 | Microsoft | United States |
| #8 Larry Page | $114.3 | United States | |
| #9 Steve Ballmer | $110.2 | Microsoft | United States |
| #10 Sergey Brin | $109.7 | United States |
Elon Musk
Elon Reeve Musk, a distinguished businessman and investor, currently holds the position of the wealthiest individual globally, boasting an estimated net worth of US$222 billion as of December 2023, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, and $243.5 billion according to Forbes. His wealth is primarily derived from ownership stakes in renowned entities such as Tesla and SpaceX.
Mr. Musk is an accomplished entrepreneur, serving in various key roles across multiple groundbreaking companies. He is the founder, chairman, CEO, and chief technology officer of SpaceX, a prominent spaceflight services company. Additionally, he serves as an angel investor, CEO, product architect, and former chairman of Tesla, Inc. Furthermore, he is the owner, chairman, and CTO of X Corp., the founder of the Boring Company and xAI, and a co-founder of Neuralink and OpenAI. Moreover, Mr. Musk holds the position of president at the Musk Foundation.
Elon Musk: From Pretoria to Tech Titan
Born in Pretoria as a member of the affluent South African Musk family, Elon Musk embarked on his entrepreneurial journey after briefly attending the University of Pretoria. Immigrating to Canada at the age of 18, he acquired citizenship through his Canadian-born mother. Musk’s educational journey continued at Queen’s University in Kingston, Canada, followed by the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned bachelor’s degrees in economics and physics. Although initially enrolling at Stanford University in 1995, he dropped out after two days to co-found Zip2 with his brother Kimbal.
Over the years, Elon Musk has played a pivotal role in the founding and success of various ventures. Notably, in 2002, he founded SpaceX with $100 million of the proceeds from the sale of PayPal to eBay for $1.5 billion. His involvement with electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla Motors began in 2004, and he assumed the role of CEO in 2008.
Musk also contributed to the creation of SolarCity in 2006, a solar-energy company that later merged with Tesla in 2016. In 2013, he proposed the hyperloop high-speed vactrain transportation system, and in 2015, he co-founded OpenAI.
Early Life And Education
Elon Musk’s early life and education reveal a trajectory marked by academic achievements and entrepreneurial spirit. Born on June 28, 1971, in Pretoria, South Africa, to Maye Musk and Errol Musk, Elon experienced wealth during his youth. Despite being a good but not exceptional student, he graduated from Pretoria Boys High School and later attended the University of Pretoria before moving to Canada in 1989.
In Canada, Musk attended Queen’s University and the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned degrees in physics and economics. Musk’s career took a turn toward entrepreneurship when he dropped out of Stanford University in 1995 to co-found Zip2. His subsequent ventures, including the founding of PayPal and SpaceX, have solidified his reputation as a pioneering figure in the tech and space industries.
Elon Musk: Business Venture
| Business Venture | Details |
| Zip2 | Founded in 1995 by Elon Musk, his brother Kimbal, and Greg Kouri. Developed an Internet city guide and was later acquired by Compaq for $307 million in 1999. |
| X.com and PayPal | In 1999, Musk co-founded X.com, an online financial services company. It later merged with Confinity, and Musk became CEO again. PayPal emerged from this merger, eventually acquired by eBay in 2002 for $1.5 billion. |
| SpaceX | Founded in 2002 by Musk with $100 million of his own money. Achieved success in 2008 with the Falcon 1 launch. Currently, SpaceX is known for its reusable rockets and Starship development. |
| Starlink | Started in 2015 by SpaceX to provide satellite Internet access. Involved in controversies, including concerns about blocking the view of the sky. |
| Tesla, Inc. | Musk joined Tesla in 2004, leading its Series A round. Under Musk’s leadership, Tesla introduced several electric vehicles and became a major player in the automotive industry. |
| Neuralink | Co-founded by Musk in 2016 to integrate the human brain with AI. Aiming to treat neurological conditions. The company began human trials in September 2023. |
| The Boring Company | Founded in 2017 to construct tunnels for high-speed travel. Projects in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Fort Lauderdale. |
| Twitter Acquisition | In April 2022, Musk made a successful $44 billion bid to acquire Twitter, becoming its largest shareholder. |
Bernard Arnault & family
Bernard Jean Étienne Arnault, born on 5 March 1949 in Roubaix, is a distinguished French businessman, investor, and connoisseur of fine art. He holds the prominent positions of founder, chairman, and CEO at LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world’s preeminent luxury goods conglomerate.
With a robust professional trajectory, Arnault has overseen the growth of LVMH into the largest luxury goods company globally. His visionary leadership has contributed to the company’s unparalleled success in the industry. Forbes estimates his net worth at an impressive US$187.2 billion, solidifying his status as one of the wealthiest individuals worldwide.
In his formative years, Bernard Jean Étienne Arnault was raised in Roubaix within a family deeply rooted in both music and engineering. His mother, Marie-Josèphe Savinel, a pianist with a particular affinity for Dior, and his father, Jean Léon Arnault, an École Centrale Paris graduate and owner of Ferret-Savinel, a civil engineering company, played influential roles in shaping his upbringing. Guided by his devoutly Catholic grandmother, Arnault received a classical education, including piano lessons, and attended elite Catholic schools.
Arnault’s academic journey took him through the Lycée Maxence Van Der Meersch in Roubaix and the Lycée Faidherbe in Lille. In 1971, he earned his degree from the prestigious École Polytechnique, France’s premier engineering school, before embarking on his professional career at his father’s company.
Jeff Bezos
Jeffrey Preston Bezos, born on January 12, 1964, is a prominent American entrepreneur, media proprietor, and investor. Currently serving as the founder and executive chairman of Amazon, the world’s largest e-commerce and cloud computing company, Jeff Bezos boasts a net worth of approximately US$167.6 billion as of November 2023. This places him as the third-wealthiest individual globally, a position he held from 2017 to 2021 and consistently confirmed by both the Bloomberg Billionaires Index and Forbes.
Having originated from Albuquerque and spent his formative years in Houston and Miami, Bezos is a Princeton University alumnus, graduating in 1986 with degrees in electrical engineering and computer science. Following his education, he embarked on a Wall Street career spanning from 1986 to early 1994. Bezos founded Amazon in the mid-1990s, transforming it from an online bookstore into the world’s foremost online sales company, the largest Internet company by revenue, and a leading provider of virtual assistants and cloud infrastructure services through Amazon Web Services.
In addition to his contributions to e-commerce, Bezos founded Blue Origin, an aerospace manufacturer and sub-orbital spaceflight services company, in 2000. Notably, Blue Origin’s New Shepard vehicle achieved space travel in 2015, with a successful return to Earth, and Bezos personally experienced spaceflight aboard Blue Origin NS-16 in 2021. Beyond his ventures in space exploration and e-commerce, Bezos acquired The Washington Post in 2013 for $250 million and oversees diverse investments through his venture capital firm, Bezos Expeditions. Furthermore, he co-founded the biotechnology company Altos Labs in September 2021 alongside Yuri Milner, the founder of Mail.ru.
Larry Ellison
Lawrence Joseph Ellison, born on August 17, 1944, is an esteemed American businessman and entrepreneur renowned for co-founding Oracle Corporation, a leading software company. Serving as Oracle’s chief executive officer from 1977 to 2014, Ellison currently holds the positions of chief technology officer and executive chairman.
As of November 2023, Ellison stands as the fifth-wealthiest individual globally, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, boasting an estimated fortune of $131.9 billion. Additionally, he is recognized for his ownership of 98% of Lānaʻi, the sixth-largest island in the Hawaiian Islands.
Ellison’s early life unfolded in New York City, where he was born to Florence Spellman, an unwed Jewish mother, on August 17, 1944. Raised in a Reform Jewish home by his adoptive parents, Lillian Spellman Ellison and Louis Ellison, Ellison’s upbringing in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood was marked by the warmth of his adoptive mother and the challenges posed by his austere and often distant adoptive father.
Louis Ellison, a government employee who had experienced both financial success and loss during the Great Depression, chose the name Ellison in homage to his arrival at Ellis Island.
Mark Zuckerberg
Mark Elliot Zuckerberg, born on May 14, 1984, is an accomplished American businessman, computer programmer, and philanthropist. Currently serving as the executive chairman, chief executive officer, and controlling shareholder of Meta Platforms, the parent company of the renowned social media service Facebook, Zuckerberg has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of the digital era.
Zuckerberg embarked on his entrepreneurial journey while attending Harvard University, where he, alongside his roommates Eduardo Saverin, Andrew McCollum, Dustin Moskovitz, and Chris Hughes, founded Facebook in February 2004. Initially introduced on select college campuses, the platform experienced exponential growth, transcending college boundaries and reaching a milestone of one billion users in 2012. Taking the company public in May 2012 with majority shares, Zuckerberg, at the age of 23 in 2007, became the world’s youngest self-made billionaire at the time.
Beyond his business accomplishments, Mark Zuckerberg has demonstrated a commitment to philanthropy. Utilizing his wealth, he established the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, which spearheads various charitable endeavors.
Acknowledged for his influential contributions, Time recognized Zuckerberg as one of the most influential people globally in 2008, 2011, 2016, and 2019, naming him the Time Person of the Year in 2010. Additionally, Forbes ranked him tenth on the list of the World’s Most Powerful People in December 2016. In the Forbes 400 list of wealthiest Americans for 2023, Zuckerberg secured the fifth position with a personal wealth of $124.6 billion.
As of December 2023, Forbes estimates his net worth at $124.6 billion, solidifying his status as the fifth richest person globally.
Zuckerberg’s life story has also been immortalized on the big screen. The film “The Social Network,” released in 2010, delves into his early career, legal challenges, and the initial success of Facebook, earning multiple Academy Awards.
The rapid ascent of Zuckerberg in the technology industry has not been without scrutiny. Involved in numerous legal battles surrounding the creation and ownership of Facebook, as well as issues related to user privacy, his prominence has attracted political and legal attention. In 2013, he co-founded the pro-immigration lobbying group FWD.us. Zuckerberg further testified before the United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation in April 2018, addressing concerns related to the usage of personal data by Facebook in connection to the Facebook–Cambridge Analytica data breach.
In his early life, Zuckerberg was born into a family of professionals, with a psychiatrist mother, Karen (née Kempner), and a dentist father, Edward Zuckerberg. Raised in a Reform Jewish household in Dobbs Ferry, New York, with three sisters, Arielle, Randi, and Donna, Zuckerberg attended Ardsley High School before transferring to Phillips Exeter Academy, where he captained the fencing team. His great-grandparents were Jewish emigrants from Austria, Germany, and Poland, adding a rich cultural dimension to his upbringing.
Warren Buffett
Warren Edward Buffett, born on August 30, 1930, is an esteemed American businessman, investor, and philanthropist. Currently serving as the co-founder, chairman, and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, Buffett’s unparalleled success in the realm of investments has solidified his position as one of the world’s most renowned investors.
As of December 2023, Warren Buffett boasts a substantial net worth of $121.1 billion, securing his place as the ninth-richest individual globally. Originating from Omaha, Nebraska, Buffett, the son of US congressman and businessman Howard Buffett, cultivated an early interest in business and investing. Commencing his academic journey at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1947, he remarkably graduated from the University of Nebraska at the age of 19. Furthering his education at Columbia Business School, Buffett honed his investment philosophy, drawing inspiration from the principles of value investing pioneered by Benjamin Graham. His pursuit of knowledge extended to the New York Institute of Finance, where he focused on economics, laying the foundation for a distinguished business career.
Embarking on various business ventures and investment partnerships, including a significant collaboration with Benjamin Graham, Buffett established Buffett Partnership Ltd. in 1956. Over time, his investment firm evolved, acquiring a textile manufacturing company, which eventually assumed the name Berkshire Hathaway, transforming into a diversified holding company. In 1970, Buffett assumed the role of chairman and majority shareholder, a position he has steadfastly held since.
Throughout his tenure, Warren Buffett has steered Berkshire Hathaway into becoming one of America’s preeminent holding companies and a global corporate conglomerate. Referred to as the “Oracle” or “Sage” of Omaha by international media, Buffett’s substantial fortune is a testament to his business acumen and investment prowess. Notably, he adheres to the principles of value investing and maintains a reputation for frugality despite his immense wealth.
Bill Gates
William Henry Gates III, born on October 28, 1955, is a prominent American businessman, investor, philanthropist, and author renowned for his pivotal role in co-founding Microsoft, a global software giant, alongside his childhood companion, Paul Allen.
Throughout his tenure at Microsoft, Bill Gates held various influential positions, including chairman, chief executive officer (CEO), president, and chief software architect, concurrently maintaining the position of its largest individual shareholder until May 2014. He played a pivotal role as a major entrepreneur during the microcomputer revolution of the 1970s and 1980s.
Raised in Seattle, Washington, Gates, and Allen established Microsoft in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1975, transforming it into the world’s preeminent personal computer software company. Gates served as chairman and CEO until stepping down from the CEO role in January 2000, succeeded by Steve Ballmer.
Despite relinquishing the CEO position, Gates retained his role as chairman of the board of directors and assumed the position of chief software architect. However, during the late 1990s, he faced criticism for perceived anti-competitive business tactics, a viewpoint reinforced by various court rulings.
In June 2008, Gates transitioned to a part-time role at Microsoft and redirected his focus to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, a private charitable foundation he and his then-wife Melinda established in 2000. Stepping down as Microsoft’s chairman in February 2014, Gates assumed the role of technology adviser to support the newly appointed CEO, Satya Nadella.
His commitment to philanthropy intensified, and in March 2020, Gates resigned from his board positions at Microsoft and Berkshire Hathaway to concentrate on philanthropic initiatives related to climate change, global health and development, and education.
Net Worth : $118.0 Billion Dollar, according to forbes.
Post his active engagement with Microsoft in 2008, Gates diversified his pursuits, founding and chairing several companies, such as BEN, Cascade Investment, TerraPower, bgC3, and Breakthrough Energy. His philanthropic contributions have been extensive, with substantial donations to charitable organizations and scientific research programs through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, recognized as the world’s largest private charity. Notably, Gates spearheaded a vaccination campaign in the early 21st century that significantly contributed to eradicating the wild poliovirus in Africa. In 2010, he, along with Warren Buffett, initiated The Giving Pledge, a commitment by billionaires to allocate at least half of their wealth to philanthropy.
Larry Page
Co-founder of Google and CEO of Alphabet Inc., Larry Page has been at the forefront of the digital revolution. His innovative contributions have not only shaped the search engine landscape but have also extended to ventures in artificial intelligence and healthcare.
Lawrence Edward Page, born on March 26, 1973, is an esteemed American businessman, computer scientist, and internet entrepreneur renowned for his pivotal role in co-founding Google alongside Sergey Brin. Serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Google from 1997 to August 2001, Page temporarily relinquished his position in favor of Eric Schmidt.
Net Worth : $114.3 Billion , According to forbes
However, he resumed the role in April 2011 and continued until July 2015, at which point he assumed the CEO position of Alphabet Inc., Google’s newly established parent organization. Page held this role until December 4, 2019, when he and Brin stepped down from all executive and day-to-day responsibilities within the company. Presently, he retains his position as an Alphabet board member, employee, and controlling shareholder.
Page is acclaimed as the co-creator and namesake of PageRank, a search ranking algorithm for Google. In recognition of his groundbreaking work, he received the Marconi Prize in 2004, jointly awarded with co-writer Sergey Brin.
Steve Ballmer
Steve Ballmer, the former CEO of Microsoft, played a pivotal role in steering the company through significant technological advancements. His leadership legacy continues to influence the tech sector.
Steven Anthony Ballmer, born on March 24, 1956, is a distinguished American billionaire businessman and investor renowned for his significant contributions to the technology industry. Serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft from 2000 to 2014, Ballmer played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s trajectory during a transformative period in the tech landscape.
A co-founder of the philanthropic investment company, Ballmer Group, he has extended his influence beyond the technology sector. Furthermore, he is the proud owner of the Los Angeles Clippers of the National Basketball Association (NBA), demonstrating his diverse business interests and ventures.
As of November 2023, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Steven Ballmer’s personal wealth is estimated at approximately $110.2 billion, securing his position as the sixth-richest individual globally.
Ballmer’s journey with Microsoft began in 1980 when he was recruited by Bill Gates. Rising through the ranks, he assumed the role of President in 1998 and later succeeded Gates as CEO on January 13, 2000. During his tenure, which lasted until February 4, 2014, Ballmer witnessed both triumphs and challenges. While the company experienced significant growth in sales and profits, it also faced shifts in market dynamics, missing out on key technological trends such as the rise of smartphones.
Post his Microsoft leadership role, Ballmer continued to contribute to the business world as a member of Microsoft’s Board of Directors until August 19, 2014. His legacy at Microsoft, though marked by a mixed reception, underscores his impact on the company’s growth and evolution.
Turning to his early life, Steven Ballmer was born in Detroit, Michigan, to Beatrice Dworkin and Frederic Henry (Fritz Hans) Ballmer. Raised in Farmington Hills, Michigan, he attended the International School of Brussels from 1964 to 1967. As the first in his family to graduate from college, Ballmer attended Harvard University, graduating magna cum laude in 1977 with a Bachelor of Arts in applied mathematics and economics.
Sergey Brin
Co-founder of Google alongside Larry Page, Sergey Brin has been a driving force behind one of the world’s most influential tech companies. His contributions to search algorithms and technology innovation have solidified Google’s position as a global powerhouse.
Sergey Mikhailovich Brin, born on August 21, 1973, in Moscow, Soviet Union, is a distinguished American businessman renowned for his pivotal role in co-founding Google alongside Larry Page. Brin served as the President of Alphabet Inc., Google’s parent company, until his resignation on December 3, 2019. Presently, both Brin and Page continue to contribute as co-founders, controlling shareholders, and esteemed board members within Alphabet.
As of December 2023, Sergey Brin stands as the 10th-richest individual globally, boasting an estimated net worth of $109.7 billion according to the fobes . His remarkable journey to success began when he emigrated from the Soviet Union to the United States at the tender age of six.
Brin pursued his academic interests diligently, earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland, College Park, where he majored in mathematics and computer science. Subsequently, he embarked on a PhD program in computer science at Stanford University, where fate introduced him to Larry Page.
Conclusion
In the contemporary landscape where entrepreneurship and wealth creation take center stage, a select group of individuals has risen to unparalleled success, standing as pioneers in their respective fields. This elite cohort, comprised of visionaries who excel in thinking expansively and generating innovative ideas, has amassed fortunes that surpass the annual economic output of many countries, as measured by Gross Domestic Product (GDP). While these individuals have predominantly earned their wealth in technology, finance, and retail sectors, their prosperity highlights the evolving dynamics of the global economy.
