As we delve into the world of extreme wealth in 2024, we find a landscape dominated by tech moguls, luxury goods tycoons, and savvy investors. Based on data from the Real-Time Billionaires List, the combined net worth of the top 10 richest individuals has reached an astounding $1.6 trillion, a figure that rivals the GDP of many countries.
Let’s take a closer look at these financial titans who shape global markets and industries.
1. Elon Musk (Net Worth: $205.4 billion)
Elon Musk, the South African-born entrepreneur, continues to hold the top spot as the world’s wealthiest person in 2024. At 52 years old, Musk’s fortune stems primarily from his stakes in Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter). His innovative spirit and ambitious projects have revolutionized multiple industries, from electric vehicles to space exploration.
In 2024, Musk’s wealth received a significant boost from the success of his artificial intelligence company, xAI. A funding round over the Memorial Day weekend valued xAI at $24 billion, with Musk’s 60% stake worth approximately $14.4 billion. This investment propelled his net worth to over $210 billion by June 1, 2024, solidifying his position at the top of the global wealth rankings.
Musk’s journey to the top has been marked by bold moves and controversial decisions. His acquisition of Twitter (now X) in 2022 and subsequent rebranding efforts have kept him in the spotlight. Despite facing challenges, including legal battles and public scrutiny, Musk’s companies continue to push technological boundaries and shape the future of transportation, energy, and communication.
2. Jeff Bezos (Net Worth: $203.2 billion)
According to the Real-Time Billionaires List, Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, holds the second position on the list with a net worth of $203.2 billion. At 60 years old, Bezos has transitioned from his role as CEO of Amazon but remains the company’s executive chairman. His wealth primarily derives from his Amazon shares, which have seen significant growth over the years.
In 2024, Bezos briefly surpassed Musk in April, showcasing the dynamic nature of these wealth rankings. His focus has shifted towards space exploration through Blue Origin, his private rocket company, which he has funded with billions of dollars. Bezos’s vision extends beyond Earth, as he aims to make space travel more accessible and affordable.
Bezos’s philanthropic efforts have also gained attention, with significant donations to various causes, including climate change initiatives and education. His personal life, including his divorce and subsequent relationship, has been a subject of public interest, but it hasn’t dampened his business acumen or wealth accumulation.
3. Bernard Arnault & family (Net Worth: $200 billion)
Bernard Arnault, the 75-year-old French business magnate, holds the third spot with a net worth of $200 billion. As the CEO and chairman of LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy), Arnault has built the world’s largest luxury goods empire, encompassing over 70 prestigious brands.
Arnault’s journey to the top of the luxury market began with the acquisition of Christian Dior using $15 million from his father’s construction business. His strategic acquisitions and brand management have transformed LVMH into a global powerhouse, with iconic names like Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., and Hennessy under its umbrella.
In 2024, Arnault has been focusing on succession planning within LVMH. He appointed two more of his sons to the company’s board in April, leaving just his youngest son without a board position, though still employed by the company. This move highlights Arnault’s commitment to keeping LVMH a family-controlled business while ensuring its continued success in the competitive luxury market.
4. Mark Zuckerberg (Net Worth: $176.5 billion)
Mark Zuckerberg, the 39-year-old co-founder and CEO of Meta (formerly Facebook), ranks fourth with a net worth of $176.5 billion. Zuckerberg’s wealth has seen significant growth in 2024, with a $12.6 billion increase in May alone.
Under Zuckerberg’s leadership, Meta has expanded beyond social media into virtual and augmented reality technologies. The company’s focus on the “metaverse” has been both praised and criticized, but it represents Zuckerberg’s vision for the future of digital interaction and commerce.
Despite facing regulatory challenges and public scrutiny over privacy concerns and content moderation, Meta’s platforms continue to dominate the social media landscape. Zuckerberg’s ability to adapt to changing market conditions and technological trends has been crucial to his sustained success and wealth accumulation.
5. Larry Ellison (Net Worth: $153.7 billion)
Larry Ellison, the 79-year-old co-founder, executive chairman, and CTO of Oracle, holds the fifth position with a net worth of $153.7 billion. Larry Ellison’s net worth stems primarily from his stake in Oracle, the software giant he co-founded in 1977.
Known for his extravagant lifestyle and passion for sailing, Ellison has diversified his investments beyond Oracle. He has significant holdings in Tesla and is a board member of the electric vehicle company. Ellison’s strategic investments and continued involvement in Oracle’s operations have contributed to his substantial wealth.
In recent years, Ellison has shown increased interest in healthcare technology, with Oracle making significant acquisitions in the sector. His vision for improving healthcare through data analytics and cloud computing aligns with broader industry trends and positions Oracle for future growth.
6. Larry Page (Net Worth: $145.1 billion)
Larry Page, the 51-year-old co-founder of Google, ranks sixth with a net worth of $145.1 billion. Page, along with Sergey Brin, created the world’s most popular search engine, which has since evolved into the tech conglomerate Alphabet Inc.
Although Page stepped down as CEO of Alphabet in 2019, he remains a board member and controlling shareholder. His wealth continues to grow thanks to Alphabet’s dominance in the digital advertising market and its investments in various “moonshot” projects, including self-driving cars and life sciences research.
Page’s focus on long-term, transformative technologies has been a hallmark of his career. His investments in flying car companies and other futuristic ventures reflect his ongoing interest in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible through technology.
7. Sergey Brin (Net Worth: $139 billion)
Sergey Brin, the 50-year-old co-founder of Google alongside Larry Page, holds the seventh spot with a net worth of $139 billion. Like Page, Brin’s wealth is primarily derived from his stake in Alphabet Inc.
Brin stepped down from his role as president of Alphabet in 2019 but remains a controlling shareholder and board member. His expertise in data mining and pattern recognition was crucial in developing Google’s search algorithm, which revolutionized how we access information online.
In recent years, Brin has shown interest in cutting-edge technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence. His philanthropic efforts, particularly in the field of Parkinson’s disease research, have also gained attention.
8. Warren Buffett (Net Worth: $134 billion)
Warren Buffett, the 93-year-old CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, ranks eighth with a net worth of $134 billion. Known as the “Oracle of Omaha,” Buffett’s investment acumen has made him one of the most respected figures in the financial world.
Buffett’s wealth comes from his ownership stake in Berkshire Hathaway, a conglomerate that owns a diverse portfolio of businesses and investments. His value investing strategy and long-term approach to wealth creation have inspired generations of investors.
In 2024, Buffett continues to make headlines with his philanthropic efforts. His commitment to giving away the majority of his wealth through the Giving Pledge has set a new standard for billionaire philanthropy. Despite his advancing age, Buffett remains actively involved in Berkshire Hathaway’s operations and continues to share his wisdom with investors worldwide.
9. Bill Gates (Net Worth: $131 billion)
Bill Gates, the 68-year-old co-founder of Microsoft, holds the ninth position with a net worth of $131 billion. Once the world’s richest person for an extended period, Gates has seen his ranking change due to his significant philanthropic contributions and the rise of tech billionaires.
Gates stepped down from Microsoft’s board in 2020 to focus on philanthropic efforts through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. His work in global health, education, and climate change has earned him widespread recognition and respect beyond the tech industry.
In 2024, Gates continues to be a leading voice on global issues, particularly in the areas of pandemic preparedness and climate change mitigation. His investments in clean energy technologies and sustainable agriculture reflect his commitment to addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
10. Steve Ballmer (Net Worth: $126.5 billion)
Steve Ballmer, the 68-year-old former CEO of Microsoft and current owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, rounds out the top 10 with a net worth of $126.5 billion. Ballmer’s wealth primarily comes from his stake in Microsoft, where he worked for 34 years, including 14 years as CEO.
Since leaving Microsoft in 2014, Ballmer has focused on philanthropic efforts and his ownership of the LA Clippers. His energetic personality and business acumen have made him a notable figure in both the tech and sports worlds.
In 2024, Ballmer continues to invest in various initiatives, including USAFacts, a non-profit organization he founded to make government data more accessible and understandable to the public. His commitment to data-driven decision-making extends beyond business into civic engagement and public policy.