As an investment banker, I’ve always been fascinated by the ebb and flow of global wealth. There’s something captivating about tracking the fortunes of the world’s elite – it’s like watching a high-stakes game of financial chess played out on a global scale. That’s why I’m excited to dive into the latest rankings of the world’s wealthiest individuals for 2024.
This year’s list is a testament to the power of innovation, perseverance, and strategic thinking in the business world. From tech moguls to luxury goods tycoons, these ten individuals have not only amassed staggering fortunes but have also shaped entire industries and, in many cases, our daily lives.
What’s particularly intriguing about this year’s lineup is the continued dominance of technology sector leaders. It’s a clear indicator of how digital innovation remains a primary driver of wealth creation in our modern economy. But don’t be fooled – this list isn’t just about who has the biggest bank account. It’s a snapshot of global economic trends, shifting power dynamics, and the industries that are defining our future.
Based on data from the Real-Time Billionaires List, let’s pull back the curtain on the exclusive club of the world’s top 10 richest people in 2024. Whether you’re a fellow finance professional, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply curious about the upper echelons of wealth, I promise you’ll find some fascinating insights in the stories of these financial titans.
1. Elon Musk – $266.3 billion
Elon Musk, born on June 28, 1971, is an entrepreneur and business magnate known for founding and leading several innovative companies. As of September 2024, Musk’s estimated net worth is $266.3 billion, making him the wealthiest person in the world.
Musk’s wealth primarily stems from his ownership stakes in Tesla and SpaceX. He serves as the CEO and chief engineer of SpaceX, CEO and product architect of Tesla, owner and CTO of Twitter (now X), and founder of The Boring Company and Neuralink.
Key milestones in Musk’s career include:
- Co-founding PayPal, which was sold to eBay in 2002 for $1.5 billion
- Founding SpaceX in 2002, revolutionizing space technology
- Joining Tesla as chairman in 2004, later becoming CEO in 2008
- Acquiring Twitter (now X) in 2022 for $44 billion
Musk’s net worth has seen significant fluctuations due to the volatile nature of Tesla’s stock price. Despite this, he has maintained his position as the world’s richest person since 2021.
2. Jeff Bezos – $211.3 billion
Jeff Bezos, born on January 12, 1964, is the founder and executive chairman of Amazon, the world’s largest e-commerce company. According to the Real-Time Billionaires List, Bezos’ net worth is estimated at $211.3 billion as of September 2024.
Bezos founded Amazon in 1994 as an online bookstore, which he grew into a global technology and retail giant. He stepped down as CEO in July 2021 but remains executive chairman. His wealth primarily comes from his Amazon shares, as well as other investments.
Key aspects of Bezos’ career include:
- Founding Amazon in 1994 and taking it public in 1997
- Acquiring The Washington Post in 2013 for $250 million
- Founding Blue Origin, a space exploration company, in 2000
Bezos has been among the world’s wealthiest individuals for over a decade, briefly holding the top spot before being surpassed by Elon Musk.
3. Larry Ellison – $202.8 billion
Larry Ellison, born on August 17, 1944, is the co-founder, executive chairman, and CTO of Oracle Corporation. As of September 2024, Ellison’s net worth is estimated at $202.8 billion.
Ellison co-founded Oracle in 1977, growing it into one of the largest software companies in the world. His wealth primarily comes from his significant stake in Oracle, as well as other investments, including a large position in Tesla.
Key highlights of Ellison’s career include:
- Co-founding Oracle in 1977 and serving as CEO until 2014
- Growing Oracle through strategic acquisitions, including the purchase of Sun Microsystems in 2010
- Joining Tesla’s board of directors in 2018 (though he left in 2022)
Ellison is known for his lavish lifestyle, including owning 98% of the Hawaiian island of Lanai. He has also made significant philanthropic contributions, particularly in medical research.
4. Mark Zuckerberg – $194.9 billion
Mark Zuckerberg, born on May 14, 1984, is the co-founder, chairman, and CEO of Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook). His net worth is estimated at $194.9 billion as of September 2024.
Key highlights of Zuckerberg’s career include:
- Co-founding Facebook in 2004 while at Harvard University
- Taking Facebook public in 2012
- Acquiring Instagram (2012), WhatsApp (2014), and Oculus VR (2014)
- Rebranding Facebook to Meta Platforms in 2021
Zuckerberg’s wealth primarily comes from his significant stake in Meta Platforms. The company’s focus on AI and the metaverse has contributed to its recent stock performance, with Meta’s share price rising 60% since the start of 2024.
Despite facing controversies related to privacy concerns and content moderation, Zuckerberg has maintained his position as one of the world’s wealthiest individuals. He and his wife, Priscilla Chan, have pledged to donate 99% of their Facebook shares to philanthropic causes through the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.
5. Bernard Arnault & family – $175.2 billion
Bernard Arnault, born on March 5, 1949, is a French businessman, investor, and art collector. He is the founder, chairman, and CEO of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world’s largest luxury goods company. As of September 2024, his net worth is estimated at $175.2 billion.
Key aspects of Arnault’s career include:
- Acquiring Christian Dior in 1985
- Forming LVMH through a merger in 1987
- Expanding LVMH’s portfolio to include over 70 luxury brands
- Briefly becoming the world’s richest person in 2023
Arnault’s wealth stems from his controlling stake in LVMH and its subsidiaries. Under his leadership, LVMH has become a dominant force in the luxury goods market, with brands spanning fashion, wines and spirits, perfumes and cosmetics, and watches and jewelry.
Known for his strategic acquisitions and business acumen, Arnault has transformed LVMH into a global luxury powerhouse. His five children are also involved in various aspects of the LVMH business.
6. Warren Buffett – $143.4 billion
Warren Buffett, born on August 30, 1930, is an American business magnate, investor, and philanthropist. He is the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. As of September 2024, his net worth is estimated at $143.4 billion.
Key milestones in Buffett’s career include:
- Founding Buffett Partnership Ltd. in 1956
- Acquiring Berkshire Hathaway in 1965
- Becoming a billionaire in 1986
- Pledging to give away 99% of his wealth to philanthropic causes
Buffett’s wealth primarily comes from his ownership stake in Berkshire Hathaway, a diversified holding company with investments in various industries. Known as the “Oracle of Omaha,” Buffett is renowned for his value investing strategy and long-term approach to investments.
Despite his immense wealth, Buffett is known for his frugal lifestyle and commitment to philanthropy. He has pledged to give away the majority of his fortune through the Giving Pledge, which he co-founded with Bill and Melinda Gates.
7. Bill Gates – $138.9 billion
Bill Gates, born on October 28, 1955, is an American business magnate, software developer, and philanthropist best known for co-founding Microsoft Corporation. As of September 2024, his net worth is estimated at $138.9 billion.
Key highlights of Gates’ career include:
- Co-founding Microsoft in 1975 with childhood friend Paul Allen
- Serving as Microsoft’s chairman, CEO, and chief software architect
- Transitioning to full-time work at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2008
Gates has been a prominent figure on the world’s wealthiest lists for decades. From 1995 to 2017, he held the title of the world’s wealthiest person every year except in 2008 and from 2010 to 2013. In recent years, he has focused on philanthropic efforts through the Gates Foundation, which has become the world’s largest private charity.
Gates has pledged to give away 99.96% of his wealth through charitable donations. As of early 2023, he had already given away an astounding $59 billion to various causes, particularly in education and public health initiatives worldwide.
8. Larry Page – $135.1 billion
Larry Page, born on March 26, 1973, is an American computer scientist and internet entrepreneur best known for co-founding Google with Sergey Brin. As of September 2024, his net worth is estimated at $135.1 billion.
Key aspects of Page’s career include:
- Co-creating the PageRank algorithm, which became the foundation of Google’s search engine
- Serving as Google’s CEO from 2011 to 2015
- Acting as CEO of Alphabet Inc., Google’s parent company, from 2015 to 2019
Page has been recognized for his contributions to technology and business, receiving numerous awards including the Marconi Prize in 2004. He has also invested in flying car startups and other innovative technologies.
9. Amancio Ortega – $132.2 billion
Amancio Ortega, born on March 28, 1936, is a Spanish billionaire businessman and founder of the Inditex fashion group, best known for its Zara clothing and accessories chain. As of September 2024, his net worth is estimated at $132.2 billion.
Key highlights of Ortega’s career include:
- Founding Confecciones Goa in 1963 to sell quilted bathrobes
- Opening the first Zara store in 1975
- Expanding Inditex to include brands like Massimo Dutti, Oysho, and Bershka
Ortega is known for his reclusive nature, having granted interviews to only three journalists throughout his career. He has made significant investments in real estate across major European cities and has donated substantial amounts to charitable causes, including €300 million to fight cancer in Spain.
10. Sergey Brin – $129.4 billion
Sergey Brin, born on August 21, 1973, is an American computer scientist and internet entrepreneur who co-founded Google with Larry Page. As of September 2024, his net worth is estimated at $129.4 billion.
Key aspects of Brin’s career include:
- Co-developing the PageRank algorithm with Larry Page
- Serving as president of Alphabet Inc. from 2015 to 2019
- Investing in space tourism and airship technologies
Brin has received numerous awards for his work in technology and has been actively involved in philanthropic efforts. In 2023, he resumed active participation in Google’s operations, particularly focusing on the development of the company’s new artificial intelligence system, Gemini.